Any tips on changing the gullet in a Wintec?

sidesaddlegirl

sidesaddlegirl

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I reckon it's finally time to change the gullet in my CC Wintec from a medium to a narrow-medium as my mare has lost a bit of weight and condition due to the cruddy winter weather.
I've been on the Wintec website and watched the video and read the instructions but this will be the first time I have done this (the medium gullet fit her when I got the saddle in the summer as she got fat).
I think I have the theory down pat thanks to the website but does anyone have "real life" experience and tips they could share before I actually attempt to do this and (probably) cock it up?
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Two people, have found nearly impossible to fit gullets narrower than medium on own (wider one are easier), and lots of swearing!!! Good luck!!
 
You should be fine, I have done it and seen it done a couple of times, someone I know changes their gullet between their three horses EVERY DAY!

I reckon, assemble what you need, the spanner jobby and the plate, and get infront of the Tv for the evening, allow an hour or so and take your time. Its not hard and it is self eplanatory when you look inside. There are, as far as I remember only four screws and some velcro.
 
I have to admit to giving mine to Dad, which he didn't find that easy to change either.

I think loctite is a good idea, as it doesn't cost much and you'd be really stuck if your saddle feel apart out hacking / at a comp.
 
Eeek
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I found mine pretty straightforward
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Took a few mins tops. It was a close contact saddle tho so might have been a little easier
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Saddler changed mine last time, and no locktight in sight!!! Don't actually know anyone that does bother with the locktight (just check the screws are tight reqularly).
 
I change mine myslef - it only takes a few mins.... its easier if you can get a short screwdriver rather than long handle one...

Probs easier with two people for the first few times as its a bit tricky to get it all lined up and still have spare hands to put the screws back in!!! They will screw in easily if its all lined up properly though...

I wouldnt put glue anywhere near it either!!!
 
When I had one I found it quite easy. I went from M to MN and it took about 15 mins. I just used a screwdriver and did it by myself. Then it was too narrow and I had to change back again
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OK, I am pysching myself to do it this evening when my husband gets home. I don't have a short handled screwdriver so I suppose I'll have to make do.
I measured Sen this morning and she measures just on the border of MN and M but I find with the M gullet in, that it's sits very low on her withers when I'm riding her. There is still just barely enough room for one finger and I can still see a bit of daylight once I'm in the saddle with the girth done up though so nothing is pressing on her spine. Will try the MN gullet in for a couple months and then will have to change it back in March or April once the new grass comes in and she blows up again!
If not, then it's probably time for reflocking as it's been 6 months since I've had it.
 
YAY! Just finished changing the gullet! It took me about 25 minutes and din't really need the help of my hubby except for holding the flaps back when I was lining up and screwing in the gullet.

The only tricky bit I found was putting the head screws back in and making them lie flat like they were put in the factory originally- they kept wanting to go back in at an angle. I managed to get them in and flat after about two tries each. That part took the longest, the actual gullet part was quick and EASY.

I didn't use the glue (was too lazy to walk to B&Q today and my Tesco is rubbish near me, they don't even keep tack year 'round at it!) but I will keep an eye on the tightness of the screws when I clean my tack.

Got a good gawp at the construction too when I had it opened up. Didn't know that there were little slits in the panels for when it needs reflocking!
 
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