Saddle fitting

[Spandale]

This could sound like a stupid question but is there such thing as a person who can change the gullet size of a saddle if it doesn't fit? A friend of mine insisted there was however I've never heard of it. I've found a dressage saddle I love however the seller doesn't know the gullet size, would be nice to know if it could be altered. I was of the opinion the gullet was determined by the tree etc so couldn't be changed. I hope I'm wrong!

 

[Fiona]

Some saddles such as Bates, Kent & Masters etc have changeable gullets, and all you need to change these is the right size screwdriver. They are different colours, so if its opened up you will be able to see what width is being used.

Other saddles can be adjusted by a saddler, one width either side of where they are originally, I imagine this involved some type of heat or pressure, and in this case it may be more difficult to find out what has been done to a second hand saddle in the past. Though obviously it should have its original tree size stamped on the stirrup bar or flap.

Fiona

 

[sbloom]

A saddle fitter. Fiona is right, there are many different types of tree width adjustment possible depending on the saddle, some aren't adjustable at all though usually that is down to the fitter/manufacturer's advice rather than it not being physically possible. Contact the manufacturer or a local approved stockist/fitter for that brand. Many saddles do not have the original width stamped on them, it misleads people further on down the line once it has been adjusted.

However, before proceeding, what is it you love about the saddle? The foremost thing is whether the tree and panel shape will suit your horse. If you really have no idea, and only know roughly what width you might need, then I would consult a fitter, these things, if width is adjustable, are FAR more important. If it's a brand you've liked riding in before be prepared that this is statistically highly unlikely to fit your new horse.

 

[Spandale]

A saddle fitter. Fiona is right, there are many different types of tree width adjustment possible depending on the saddle, some aren't adjustable at all though usually that is down to the fitter/manufacturer's advice rather than it not being physically possible. Contact the manufacturer or a local approved stockist/fitter for that brand. Many saddles do not have the original width stamped on them, it misleads people further on down the line once it has been adjusted.

However, before proceeding, what is it you love about the saddle? The foremost thing is whether the tree and panel shape will suit your horse. If you really have no idea, and only know roughly what width you might need, then I would consult a fitter, these things, if width is adjustable, are FAR more important. If it's a brand you've liked riding in before be prepared that this is statistically highly unlikely to fit your new horse.

Thanks for the info. Basically where I am there is a severe drought so I can't really afford anything, keeping my horse fed is hard enough. I've been doing my dressage work in a stock saddle which is the only one of mine that fits him. Obviously doing dressage in a stock saddle is extremely hard, a stock saddle forces you into a chair position and sits very far forward on the horse's shoulders. I found a non-horsey person selling this dressage saddle that looks to be of very high quality for a ridiculously cheap price and I thought "why not?". If it doesn't fit I can hopefully get it altered or sell it. No harm done either way, just thought it would be helpful to know if altering it was even a possibility. I know there's a good chance it won't fit but it's dirt cheap since the seller isn't horsey and has no idea it's worth and it wont break the bank

 

[sbloom]

Are you confident you can judge that it fits would be my most important question? If you aren't 100% then you could cause yourself more bills through damaging the horses back, it may be cheaper to do in hand work until you can afford a fitter's advice, whether hands on or at least a distance fitting (eg I know a very good fitter in the US who would be able to work with you remotely if that's where you are). There are some great in hand programmes online, I recommend Straightness Training as it's so accessible to everyone.