[mytega]

I am looking at a used Circle Y saddle to buy and trying to decide if it will fit my mare. I am a little confused about the size, though. The seller called Circle Y and was told the saddle is “a semi-QH tree but it has a wide gullet.” What does that mean? Does it mean the gullet measures 8” inches (or so) across, but the angles of the bars behind the gullet are steep? I really thought for western saddles that the bar angles dictated the gullet measurement.

Would someone please enlighten me?

I am trying to fit a ¾ Clydesdale x ¼ TB. She has larger shoulders and does have withers, not table backed. I was thinking I needed Full QH bars for her.

Thank you.

[JBandRio]

The "tree size" refers to the width right under the front of the pommel. The gullet is the channel that runs from front to back in the middle, giving spinal clearance. You want ample room on either side of the spine.

[Callie's Mom]

I have often wondered about this myself as many sellers use only one of these terms in their description when selling or they mix them up, etc...
thanks for the clarification!

[mytega]

So if it is a Semi QH tree, it wouldn't work no matter what the gullet width? (If I think I need Full QH bars.)

[luvs2ride79]

I agree, you will need FQHB, especially as she fills out along her top line.

The gullet measurement is pretty abritrary for western saddles. The type tree means the angles of the bars, but the gullet width can varry quite a bit. Also, one manufacturers FQHB might be a more steep of an angle than another. "Old Style" saddle makers had the FQHB as the narrow tree and the Semi-QH bar as the wider/flatter tree.

Also, some western saddles with have a "flare" to the front of the tree, making the tree look wide, but it actually narrows quickly just past the pommel. This is more common in gaited saddles, but all of the "good" brands will have at least some flare to the front of the tree, to allow for better freedom of movement through the shoulders.

Circle Y saddles seem to run pretty true with the other "good brands", like TexTan and Reinsman. Those three have trees that are all close, with FQHB being the wider and flatter angle than the Semi-QHB. The mid-range saddles seem to vary more in tree fit, like newer Simco, Texas made Billy Cooks, American, Dakota, etc. If you want to go with a mid-range saddle, your best to find a retailer or eBay store that will let your try out and exchange if needed.

[luvs2ride79]

Also, the Full QH Bar, Semi QH Bar, or just QH Bar does NOT refer to the gullet width. Those names refer to the angle of the bars of the tree, the part that lays against the horse's back. FQHB generally fits wider horses well. QH bar is for "moderate" horses. Semi-QH are for narrow horses.

It is true that generally the gullet width will match up (wide tree = wide gullet), but as I said in my last post, it can vary.

[mytega]

Thanks for all of the clarification. I don't think this one will work then. Very sad.

So, if anyone is looking for a Circle Y in an 18" with SEMI QH bars under $500, I know just the saddle for you!

[luvs2ride79]

Originally Posted by mytega

Thanks for all of the clarification. I don't think this one will work then. Very sad.

I was just replying to your PM with that . Too bad too, because it's a GREAT price!

[mytega]

I guess I will consider the lighter oil one, even though it is more expensive. I do like the color.

[luvs2ride79]

You can get this nice darkening oil from doversaddlery.com. Do a search on their site for Hyrdophane and look for the darkening oil. It will slowly darken the leather the more you use it. It works very well, and subtly changes the color over time. Plus it makes the leather so soft!