How to Measure the Perfect Gullet Channel Width for Your Horse
How Wide Should Your Saddle’s Gullet Channel Be?
A correctly fitted saddle is essential for your horse’s comfort and long-term health. One often-overlooked detail is the gullet channel width — the space between the panels underneath your saddle.
If this channel is too narrow or too wide, it can cause pain, tension, and even permanent back damage.
In this article, we’ll cover how to check your gullet channel, why it matters, and how to ensure your horse’s spine is fully protected.
Why Gullet Channel Width Matters
The gullet channel exists to keep the saddle clear of your horse’s spine and the supraspinous ligament that runs along it.
Too narrow: The panels press on the ligament, which can cause pain, muscle tension, and in severe cases, kissing spines.
Too wide: The panels rest on the bony vertebrae, leading to irritation, soreness, and potential spinal issues like spondylosis.
Your goal: The gullet channel should clear the spine entirely along the full length of the saddle — front to back.
How to Check Gullet Channel Width
Find the Ligaments
Stand beside your horse, go to the base of the withers, and gently press inward until you feel the ligament next to the spine.Measure Clearance
Check how many fingers you need for the saddle to clear both the spine and ligaments. Most horses need about 2.5–4 fingers’ width, depending on build.Inspect From Front and Back
Place the saddle on your horse without a pad. Look through the gullet channel from the front and then the back — you should see light shining through the entire way.Test in Motion
If possible, check the clearance again with a rider mounted. The saddle may settle and reduce space when bearing weight.
Common Fitting Mistakes
Assuming “one size fits all” — Different breeds and body shapes require different widths.
Focusing only at the withers — Clearance must be consistent from front to back, not just in one spot.
Ignoring asymmetry — Muscle imbalance can cause one side to press more than the other.
When to Call a Saddle Fitter
If you see no daylight through the channel, feel pressure along the spine, or your horse shows signs of back discomfort (reluctance to move forward, dipping the back under saddle, sudden resistance), it’s time to have a professional assess the fit.
Bottom line:
A correct gullet channel width protects your horse’s spine, supports healthy movement, and prevents long-term damage.
Take a few minutes to check your saddle — your horse will thank you with better comfort, performance, and willingness to work.