Gullet Styles

Cold Press Gullet change

Pressable/Fixed Gullets

Even the name “Fixed Gullet” itself causes some confusion. Since they can be changed, but not to the same extent or degree as changeable gullets, so it is best to refer to them as pressable gullets. Pressable saddles come in a variety of materials, and some of them have riveted-on metal gullets that may be pressed locally to change their size while remaining inside the saddle. In their lifetime, wood trees with metal gullets should only be adjusted one size narrower or wider. If it’s done more frequently, the metal can become brittle and shatter. If the head of the tree is big enough and the panels have a decent depth for flocking, these saddles nevertheless offer outstanding adjustability.

Pros: May be adjusted to suit and according to the profile of the horse

Changes can be made in very modest increments even to the mm.

Cons: They need to be adjusted by a saddle fitter. If not done by a professional, they could be misaligned and end up crooked.

It is important to remember that Certain brands have a finite number of adjustments and a finite range.

If you buy used, there is no way to tell how many times they have been changed.

In the equestrian community, there is some disagreement over whether fixed (pressable) gullets or variable gullets are the superior choice. Much of it depends on the requirements and preferences of the horse and rider, as it does with most saddle-related issues. But, each approach has its benefits and drawbacks, as well as some widespread myths.

Mechanical tree width modification using gullet plate cold processing is another rather fancy way of saying cold press system adjustment.

The integrated gullet plate on Kieffer saddle trees in the “Exclusive” or “1000 Exclusive” versions allows for a cold adjustment. Both saddle tree models’ integrated gullet plates make it simple to facilitate saddle tree adjustments and   modifications, which may be required owing to the horse’s muscular development or a change in ownership. The saddle is simply installed onto a cold press machine and made narrower or wider by the cold handling press in order to match the saddle tree width required.

As you can see below it is important to know what model saddle you have as Depending on the model, the width of a Kieffer saddle tree can be adjusted either thermally by heating in an infrared process or by cold adjustment of the gullet plate using the cold press alteration bench.

Kieffer has changed from a Tree that requires thermal or heat press to a Tree that now can be Cold pressed. Note the Steel gullet that is the part actually changed on the left versus the older tree that had to have heat applied.

Some saddle brands that can be cold press gullet changed include Otto Schumaker, Peter Horobin, Passier, Kieffer and Ascot.

Top of the range saddleries will have a cold press machine available for use. Get in contact here 

Heat press Tree change system.

In general, synthetic trees are more adjustable, with some of them able to be heated and moulded into various sizes, occasionally and as necessary. This must be performed by a saddle fitter using a saddle press; heat is used to warm the tree to make it flexible and pliable before it is pressed into the required width. (Photo of heat press adjustment taking place)!

Basically just a heat lamp this system requires much care as the leather can be overheated and crack and dry out , Enough heat has to be applied to make the tree malleable and so it is quite a balancing act. Definitely not for the amateur to do at home. The problem with Heat press is that many plastics are heat moulded and should not be remoulded multiple times. When Kieffer used to have this system there was several cases of the heat treatment over done to the point the saddle could fold in half. Kieffer no longer uses this system.

 Some materials are not recommended to be adjusted at all as they can be more brittle and prone to breakage!

When purchasing a synthetic tree saddle, always make sure you are aware of whether it can be modified and, if so, how much and how frequently you can do this. Nevertheless, some materials are not suggested to be adjusted at all as they can be more brittle and prone to fracture.

Ambassador saddles Feature a quick form gullet system adjustable in a heat press only. Other saddles requiring Heat press are the Erreplus and the older Kieffer models. Erreplus Adelinde Italian Dressage Saddle can also be altered through the gullet angle with a heat press.

Saddlery trading Company used to offer this service for its imported Ambassador saddles but as they no longer import them this is not a service now offered. Performance Saddle fits can alter the appropriate saddle trees with their imported heat press. Keeping all this in mind the easy change gullet system or cold press system is far easier to access.

Gullet Plate Changeable Systems

Gullet plates are boomerang shaped metal bars that once placed and screwed into the tree by the pommel will alter the width and ‘gullet’ size of the saddle. These will typically come in a range of sizes usually Narrow – Extra Wide. The actual size difference between gullet plates will depend on the brand and their unit of measurement.

There are many brands that incorporate the Gullet Plate system into there saddles. It is important to remember to use only the correct branded gullets on your saddle as failing to do so will usually cause any warranty to be voided.

Gullet plates are very simple to use, most often they involve two screws being undone by the D rings of the saddle and then two screws on the gullet itself. Changing them is something you can do yourself at home! Sometimes it does require a bit of muscle and another pair of hands to ensure the holes are aligned but more often then not can be done in a few minutes.

There are many benefits that come with using a saddle with an interchangeable gullet plate system. These saddles can be changed infinitely, unlike saddles with cold or heat press systems which should only be changed once or twice.

 Horses can change shape over time and workloads, so having a saddle that can accommodate these changes easily and often is a life saver. No more needing to buy multiple saddles to see a horse through their life time.

It is worth keeping in mind that although a revolutionary technology and suitable for a vast majority of horses an interchangeable system is not a complete fool proof fix. By changing a plate you will alter the width of the gullet at the front of the saddle, for some horses this may not alleviate saddle fit issues as it could be the tree shape that needs to be changed.  It is always worth getting in touch with an expert when looking for a saddle in order to choose the right one for both you and your horse!

Fixed Tree Gullet

The traditional way of making saddles was that there was one size fits all when it came to horses. Therefore when saddles were designed and made they all came in the same width and tree shape. Now we know significantly more about the bio mechanics and shapes of our equine partners this has changed and there are more options when it comes to fits of saddles. A fixed tree simply means that the saddle can not have its gullet/tree shape adjusted at all. It will remain the same width its entire life. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t be altered at all. Often these saddles with a fixed tree will have wool flocked panels that can still be altered to better suit the horse. 

These types of saddles do tend to be a more economical choice in the market which can make them a great choice for buyers. There are plenty of horses that fit the ‘standard’ shape of the saddles as well. It’s worth checking what size the gullet/tree is of the saddle before purchasing so you can make an informed choice. Unfortunately for the horses that this style doesn’t suit there isn’t much that can be done, other than looking at another type of saddle with a changeable gullet system.