|
VH BLOGHorse Management | Horse Health | Dressage | Saddlery
|
 By Victoria Hamilton There is a fair amount of division in the equestrian community regarding whether fixed (pressable) gullets or changeable gullets are the better option. As with most things saddles, a lot of it comes down to the needs and preferences of horse and rider. But there are some advantages and disadvantages to each of the options, and some common misconceptions.
Changeable Gullets A changeable gullet is a metal plate in the head of the tree that can be removed and replaced with a different size. Changeable gullet saddles usually have flexible trees to allow for this change. The amount of flexibility depends on the material being used and whether any other metal is used to strengthen it to create some rigidity or stability. The gullets are usually unique for the particular saddle brand or type of saddle, although some are interchangeable between brands. Some of the gullets are positioned vertically when put in the saddles, others may be angled and some are actually designed to flare out to help with shoulder freedom. The position, shape and angle of the gullet is important as it relates to the tree points which in turn affects the positioning of the girth points. Girth points cannot be positioned more forward than the tree points of the saddle and girth position is so important for saddle stability. The Pros:
Fixed/ Pressable Gullets The term “Fixed Gullet” alone is a bit of a misconception. I prefer to refer to them as pressable gullets, since they can be adjusted, just not at the same range and frequency as changeable gullets. Pressable saddles can be made from different materials, with some using a metal gullet that is rivetted on and able to be pressed on-site to alter its size while still in the saddle. Others may be made of material that can be adjusted when heated, which means your saddle may need to be taken off-site. Wood trees with metal gullets should only be changed one size narrower or wider up to four times in their life. If it is done more often the metal may weaken and crack. These saddles still allow for excellent adjustability if the head of the tree is wide enough and if they have a good depth in the panels for flocking. There is probably a greater range of trees and gullets in the non-changeable saddle group as in this group there are also saddles with very short tree points. These can be great for horses with very fleshy shoulders and not a lot of wither. It is difficult to achieve short tree points in saddles with changeable gullets due to the design and access points for the changeable system. Pros:
Cons:
While changeable gullet systems can be fantastic for some horses, pressable gullets are better for others. The best option really comes down to the individual saddle and its suitability for the horse and rider combination. If you need some advice, we are always happy to help.
0 Comments
 By Victoria HamiltonBuying a new saddle can be an exciting yet sometimes overwhelming experience, with so many different brands and models to choose from! Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to saddles, but at the end of the day the best option comes down to what suits you and your horse. Here are the key things you should consider when buying a new saddle:
 By Victoria Hamilton Winter is coming! So, it is time to get prepared. Protecting your horse’s gut, feet and joints are always priorities, but in winter can be especially critical. Here are the three most important things to prepare for and manage this winter, to keep your horse in optimal health: Grass Shoots
Horses just love small grass shoots! And with a stop/start to the winter season, like we’ve had this year, these small but problematic little shoots are coming up every time it rains. Unfortunately, as most people know, when horses feast on small shoots of grass, they pull them out of the ground, along with roots and the accompanying sand. The sand can accumulate in the horse’s gut and cause colic. Horses on sandy pastures, grazing in drought conditions, on overgrazed pastures or kept in a dry lot are particularly at risk, as the sand and dirt accumulates in their hindgut, leading to digestive upsets including diarrhoea and ‘sand colic’.  By Victoria Hamilton A decade or so ago horses with certain traits would have been classified as hard to fit by riders and saddle fitters alike. But new research and technology has allowed world-class saddle makers to develop a good range of saddles for all horses, regardless of their physical traits. There can be more limited options available for some traits and/or horse and rider combinations, but it is improving all the time. And while custom-made saddles can be a brilliant option for some of the more challenging cases, there are also plenty of off-the-shelf saddles that are now well suited to many situations.
Find out what traits make a horse more challenging to fit, signs your horse has one or more of these traits, the impact this can have on saddle fit and most importantly, what you should be looking for in a saddle to ensure the comfort and performance of both you and your horse. |
AuthorDr Victoria Hamilton is an icon in the Western Australian Equestrian Community, with a wealth of experience as a veterinarian, coach, breeder and international dressage competitor. As one of Australia’s top dressage riders, her love of horses is contagious and apparent in everything she does. Guest BloggerJenna Santos is a business marketer, events manager, writer, mother and an amateur dressage rider. ArchivesCategoriesFollow Us |
RSS Feed