How to change the gullet bar in your Bates, Wintec or Arena Saddle

Changing the gullet bar in your Bates, Wintec or Arena adjustable saddle.

All Bates, Wintec and Arena saddles feature the easy change gullet bar systems! Woo!
Adjustable trees have risen in popularity in recent years for their ease of swapping the width of the saddle should the horse change shape. There is no need to crank the saddle on a machine (eeekk!) or to send it away to a manufacturer for adjustment. Simple purchase the bar in the size you need and swap it out yourself, or your fitter will do it for you.

Where to buy replacement Wintec/Bates/Arena gullet bars

Here at The Saddle Bank, the worlds most trusted online saddle retailer, you can purchase a replacement bar for your Arena, Bates or Wintec saddle. Accessories are shipped out to UK with estimated delivery of 2-3 days for standard delivery, simply select which delivery option you would like at check out. The Saddle Bank also offer worldwide shipping on accessories products but please allow a little longer for delivery, click here for all delivery information. 

If by the end of the article you are not which size gullet bar you need why not get in touch with our friendly customer support team via phone 01733 301488 or email [email protected]. Our lovely team are always happy to help as much as they can and provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for you and your horse.

What size width is your horse?

If you are unsure what size width your horse is there are a number of ways you can find out. Firstly, speak to your saddle fitter if you think your horse has changed widths. Your fitter will be able to take templates and check the width for you. Alternatively, you can take templates of your horse yourself. Information on how to take templates and where to buy a Flexi curve can be found here. Once you have the template of 3 fingers behind the scapula (shoulder blade) you can send this over to [email protected] and our team will assess the width of your horse from the template. Our team can then direct you to the size of the bar you need.

There is also the super handy Wintec, Arena and Bates Gullet Gauge which is designed to be used to see what width your horse/pony needs in your Wintec, Arena or Bates saddle, click here to learn more about how to use the gullet gauge and order yours here.

With adjustable saddles, The Saddle Bank always recommends purchasing a couple of sizes. If you think your horse is a Medium Wide, take a Medium and a Wide bar as well. This will enable you to alter the width quickly should your horse change shape throughout the year.

A simple guide to changing the gullet bar in your saddle

Here we will look at each step to remove and replace the gullet bar in Bates, Wintec or Arena saddle

Removing the bar

Once you have the correct bar, you will need to remove the current bar from the saddle:

• Step One: Undo the bolts at the front of each panel
  • We would recommend doing this on something soft to avoid any scratches etc.
• Step Two: Slide each panel off the point of the tree
• Step Three: Fold back the flap covering the gullet bar
  • You should now be able to see the gullet bar!
• Step Four: Undo the bolts holding the gullet bar in place 
  • There are 2 bolts on each side!
• Step Five: Remove the gullet bar

Replacing the bar

• Step One: Ensuring the bar is the correct way round (note the angled ends - the angled side should be at the front)
• Lay the bar in place and line up the holes
• Step Two: Insert the bolts, doing them up loosely to begin with
• Step Three: Once all four bolts are in, tighten each one firmly 
• Replace the flap of leather over the bar
• Step Four: Insert the ends of the bars back into their 'pockets', ensuring all girth straps are laying flat and the right way around 
• Step Five: Replace the bolts at the front of the panel, tightening each one firmly 

We have also created a super handy video to help show you how this is done!

Try a Bates Saddle

If you would like to try a Bates adjustable saddle browse The Saddle Banks current selection here.

Try a Wintec Saddle

If you would like to try a Wintec adjustable saddle browse The Saddle Banks current selection here.

Try an Arena Saddle

If you would like to try an Arena adjustable saddle browse The Saddle Banks current selection here.

Don't forget here at The Saddle Bank all our saddles come with our 5 day UK trial, full details of the trial can be found here.