A Simple Guide to Changing Gullet Bars – Fairfax Saddles

Here we will look at each step to remove and replace the gullet bar in your  Fairfax Saddle.

Changing a gullet bar is a really simple thing to do and it is really important to keep an eye on your horse throughout the year. Horses can change shape/gain weight or muscle for a number of different reasons such as a change in the quality of grazing, a change in feed, a change in the season, a change in exercise and even a change in rider.

You can learn more about recognising saddle fit issues in The Saddle Bank Academy.

Which bar do you need?

All Fairfax saddles use the R-bars from Kent & Masters/Thorowgood/Fairfax.

R bars are the longer bars oppose to S bars which are the shorter bars.

Removing the bar

Once you have the correct bar, you will need to remove the current bar from the saddle:

Step one

Turn your saddle upside down and undo the bolts at the front of each panel.

Step Two

Slide each panel off the point of the tree.

Step Three

Fold back the flap covering the gullet bar.

Step Four

Undo the four bolts holding the gullet bar in place (2 each side).

Step Five

Remove the gullet bar.

Replacing the bar

Step One

Ensuring the bar is the correct way round (note the angled ends – the angled side should be at the front) lay the bar in place and line up the holes.

Step Two

Insert the ends of the bars back into their ‘pockets’, ensuring all girth straps are laying flat and the right way around. 

Step Five

Replace the bolts at the front of the panel, tightening each one firmly. 

Try a Fairfax Saddle

If you would like to try a Fairfax adjustable saddle browse The Saddle Banks current selection here.