Orders placed before 1:00 PM GMT (UK) will be dispatched the same day (Monday - Friday)
Order before 13:00 (UK) for same-day dispatch (Mon - Fri)

Monarch adjustable saddles - a simple guide to changing the gullet bar

By Jade | May 20, 2022
  1. Saddle Fitting
  2. Saddle fitting solutions
  3. GFS
  4. GFS Monarch

A simple guide to changing the Monarch gullet bar in your GFS Monarch saddle

In this article we are going to be going through each step to remove and replace the Monarch gullet bar in your adjustable GFS Monarch saddle.

Do you have the correct bar size? If not click here to order yours from The Saddle Bank!

All the newer model Monarch saddles feature changeable gullets. Depending on the exact model, the saddle may be adjustable from narrow up to 2XW or even 4XW on the Cob models. 
Adjustable trees have risen in popularity in recent years for their ease of swapping the width of the saddle should the horse change shape. There is no need to crank the saddle on a machine or to send it away to a manufacturer for adjustment. The adjustment can be made on site within a matter of minutes. 

Simply purchase the bar in the size you need and swap it out yourself, or your fitter will do it for you.

Where to buy replacement Monarch gullet bars

Here at The Saddle Bank, the worlds most trusted online saddle retailer, you can purchase a replacement bar for you Monarch saddle. Accessories are shipped out to UK with Royal Mail which is estimated to arrive within 2-3 days. The Saddle Bank also offer worldwide shipping on accessories products but please allow a little longer for delivery. 

If by the end of the article you are not which size gullet bar you need why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team via phone 01733 301 488 or email info@thesaddlebank.com. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.

Buy your Monarch Gullet Bars here.

What size width is your horse?

If you are unsure what size width your horse is there are a number of ways you can find out. Firstly, speak to your saddle fitter if you think your horse has changed widths. Your fitter will be able to take templates and check the width for you. Alternatively, you can take templates of your horse yourself. Information on how to take templates and where to buy a Flexi curve can be found here. Once you have the template of 3 fingers behind the scapula (shoulder blade) you can send this over to info@thesaddlebank.com and our team will assess the width of your horse from the template. Our team can then direct you to the size of the bar you need.

With adjustable saddles, The Saddle Bank always recommends purchasing a couple of sizes. If you think your horse is a Medium Wide, take a Medium and a Wide bar as well. This will enable you to alter the width quickly should your horse change shape throughout the year.

Removing the bar

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

  • Step One: Undo the bolts at the front of each panel
    • We would advise resting your saddle on something soft during the whole process to avoid scuffs and scratches.
  • Step Two: Slide each panel off the point of the tree
  • Step Three: Fold back the flap covering the gullet bar
    • You should now be able to see the gullet bar.
  • Step Four: Undo the bolts holding the gullet bar in place
    • There are two 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 bolts
    • Doing them up loosely to begin with
  • Step Three: Once all four bolts are in, tighten each one firmly 
    • Make sure all four are firmly tightened!
  • Step Four: Replace the flap of leather over the bar
  • Step Four: Insert the ends of the bars back into their 'pockets'.
    • Check to ensure 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 

We have even created a super handy video to show you how it's done!

Try a Monarch Saddle

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

Learn more about how saddles should fit….

If you are a horse owner or rider and would like to learn more about saddle fitting. As well as how the saddle can impact your horses performance and welfare, click on the image below:

Banner to learn more about recognising saddle fit issues

Thank you!

Thank you for reading this article! We hope you found it useful!

Please do check out our YouTube channel and subscribe for loads of videos, tips and tricks!

We would also love you to join our community of horse lovers on Instagram and Facebook!

The Saddle Bank Team x

Previous Post ← Saddle Fitting - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The Saddle Bank
Next Post Everything you need to know about British Showjumping →