Gullet Gauge for Wintec, Bates and Arena saddles

The gullet gauge is a handy piece of kit for anyone with an adjustable Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle. The gullet gauge will help ensure you have the correct width gullet bar fitted to your saddle and adjust your Wintec, Bates , or Arena saddle. The gullet gauge is perfect for adjustments as your horse changes shape throughout the year or as they develop and mature.

Like anything, you need to ensure you are using it correctly, otherwise you could end up fitting the wrong width gullet for your horse. Follow these simple steps for an easy way to measure your horses width!

How to use the Gullet Gauge

First, you will need to check where to measure your horse. To do this, place your Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle on your horse. The gullet gauge will need to be placed where the tree points are – as this is where the gullet bar is fitted. To find this point, make a mark under the spot where the pinheads are – on each side of the horse. Chalk is ideal to use for the marks.

This should be 3 fingers width behind the edge of your horses shoulder – by checking this you will be checking that you are using the saddle in the correct place.

Once you have marked where you need to measure on your horse, place the gullet gauge over your horses wither. The gauge will need to be vertical, and in the place you marked earlier.

Check that the marked area on the gullet gauge has good contact all the way along – on both sides of your horse. Adjust the gullet gauge until it does.

You can now remove this from your horse, being careful not to adjust the width of the gullet gauge. It will now tell you what width gullet bar your horse needs. If you have a different width bar fitted, you can easily change this yourself. You just need the correct width bar and a screwdriver.

How often should I check the width?

You should check the width every 3-6 months, or more often if you suspect your saddle is not fitting correctly, for example your horse has changed shape due to new grass coming through, or has lost weight due to an increase in his workload.

Using the gullet gauge should not replace having your saddle fitter regularly to check the fit of the saddle – there are other things the fitter will need to check, along with other adjustments they can make, however it does mean that you can keep your horse more comfortable between fitting appointments.

I have another adjustable saddle; can I use the Wintec Gullet Gauge?

Unless you have a Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle, the gauge will be of little use to you. Each manufacturer of adjustable saddles have their own range of gullet bars, and the widths can differ slightly, so if you measure your horse as a medium with the gullet gauge, a medium bar for a different brand saddle may not fit.

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