How to Measure Horse for Saddle: The Easy Way to Find the Right Gullet Size

The sun glints off your horse’s back as you tighten the girth, but something feels off—the saddle shifts slightly, pinching their withers. A poorly fitted saddle isn’t just uncomfortable; it can lead to long-term health issues and behavioral problems. The secret to a happy horse? Measuring for the right gullet size, the channel running along the saddle’s underside that clears the spine. Get this wrong, and you’ll notice resistance, soreness, or even lameness. But measure correctly, and you’ll unlock a partnership built on trust and comfort

How to Measure Your Horse for the Right Gullet Size

Start by standing your horse on level ground. Run your hands along their withers—the prominent ridge where the neck meets the back—and feel for the bony structure beneath. This is your anchor point. Grab a flexible measuring tape (or a piece of string you’ll measure later) and place it 2–3 inches behind the shoulder blade, where the saddle’s pommel sits. Measure the width between the withers in inches. Most horses fall into three categories: narrow (up to 6.5 inches), medium/regular (6.5–7 inches), or wide (7.5+ inches).

But let’s be honest: horses aren’t uniform. A draft cross might need an extra-wide gullet, while a petite Arabian could require a narrower fit. Check for symmetry, too—some horses develop muscle imbalances that skew measurements. If you’re unsure, trace your horse’s withers on cardboard or use a gullet gauge (a handy tool sold at tack shops). Match this template to saddle manufacturers’ sizing charts, as brands like Stübben or Bates vary slightly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Horse

Tools You’ll Need

• A flexible measuring tape or string
• Cardboard or a gullet gauge (optional)
• Treats for your horse—because bribes work wonders

Step 1: Find the Measurement Spot

Locate the base of the withers, roughly two finger-widths behind the shoulder blades. This is where the saddle’s gullet makes contact. Run your fingers down the withers—if they feel crowded or the skin wrinkles under pressure, the gullet is too narrow.

Step 2: Measure Twice, Cut Once

Lay the measuring tape across the withers, ensuring it’s level and not digging in. Write down the number, then repeat the process a few days later. Horses change shape with seasons, fitness, or age, and consistency matters.

Step 3: Check for Clearance

Once you’ve chosen a saddle, perform the “two-finger test”: slide two fingers under the pommel when the saddle is girthed up. If they fit snugly but not crushed, you’ve nailed it. Less space? The gullet’s too tight. More? It might swim on your horse.

Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Guessing based on breed: Just because your friend’s Quarter Horse wears a medium doesn’t mean yours will. Individual conformation trumps stereotypes.

Ignoring muscle changes: A horse gaining topline from dressage work might need a wider gullet in six months. Reassess regularly—think of it like checking your own shoe size after a growth spurt.

The Emotional Payoff of a Perfect Fit

There’s a moment—subtle but profound—when a horse settles into a well-fitted saddle. Their ears relax, their stride lengthens, and the partnership deepens. It’s not just about avoiding rubs or soreness; it’s about respect. Your horse gives you their all; the least we can do is ensure their comfort. So grab that tape, channel your inner saddle fitter, and listen to what your horse’s back is telling you. The right gullet size isn’t just a measurement; it’s a love language.