Saddle issues

[Jimmy260910]

So, I have a wintec 500 all purpose saddle, and I need it be to adjusted so that it will fit my horse better (because he's put on weight).
I've been told by a lady at my yard that they're easy to adjust yourself, but up til now I've always called the saddler out to refit the saddle for me.
I was just wondering if it is easy enough for me to do myself? Because this would probably save me a bit of money...
Opinion please!

 

[Leam_Carrie]

It looks simple to change a gullet and you can get a measure to check the right size.
Personally I'd get a saddler, as I wouldn't be confident I would get the fit right - but that's my lack of experience.

 

[tamsinkb]

They are easy to adjust... but if you are at all unsure, call your saddler as it could be more complex than a simple gullet change. From your photo it looks as if your saddle is a little too far forward - the points need to sit behind the scapula - this may affect the fit.

 

[Jimmy260910]

The saddle moves a lot and tends to slide forward a bit ( as you can see ) I am unsure so I will get the saddler out, just the way this lady was talking about it up the yard made me feel like it was something really easy to do and that i'd be stupid if I couldn't do it so was just seeking advice thank you

 

[Fjord]

Changing the gullet is the easy part, knowing if it fits everywhere else is the difficult bit! If this woman tries to make you feel daft just tell her it needs flocking which the saddler has to come out for.

 

[sbloom]

Saddles can move forwards for lot sof issues - unless you are confident in deciding about width of tree, front to back balance, and getting them BOTH right (easy to get one and not the other with changeable gullets), plus knowing whether your problems are caused by the tree actually being the wrong shape, I'd get a fitter out.

 

[Clava]

Fitting saddles isn't rocket science and every owner should know basic fit and balance issues as saddles should be assessed every time you use it to some extent. Best thing is to learn about saddle fit and how to check your saddle (from a friendly saddler is a good idea, although there is not one in my area that I'd trust), then whether you need to change a gullet will be more obvious or whether the saddle moves because it is the wrong shape for the back. We should all know these things, then you can have a proper dialogue with your saddler.