How to change the gullet of your Bates Kimberley HB
The Bates Kimberley HB is the first of its kind. A saddle of this style has never been seen with such an elevated level of horse and rider comfort. The ability to adjust the saddle to ensure complete comfort of your horse is only a few steps away. Following the guidance of your trusted saddle fitter, the below guide will provide you with a step-by-step process on how to change the EASY-CHANGE Gullet and use the EASY-CHANGE Riser System in your Bates Kimberley HB saddle.
Choosing the right gullet
Whether you’ve purchased a new saddle, your horse has changed shape, or you’re fitting your saddle to a different horse, your saddle can be adjusted with a few easy steps. However, there are a few things to consider for the comfort and safety of you and your horse.
We often get queries from caring horse owners looking for advice on saddle fit. As possible we are available to guide our saddle owners through the process of using our systems, however without seeing you riding your horse in your Bates saddle in person, we cannot responsibly comment on the fit of the saddles. Therefore, we always recommend seeking the advice of a professional saddle fitter who is trained in the use of HART, which includes CAIR Cushion System and the EASY-CHANGE Fit Solution. Looking for a saddle fitter near you? Find you nearest Bates Saddles retailer or saddle fitter here.
Follow this step by step guide
Step one
You’ll need the following to adjust the gullet of your Bates saddle:
- your Bates Kimberley HB,
- a comfy seat or stool for you and your Bates saddle,
- one Phillips Head Three (PH3) and one Phillips Head Two (PH2) screwdriver,
- one EASY-CHANGE locating tool.
Step two
To get the process moving, using the PH2 screwdriver, unscrew the screw located at the head of the saddle and the screw located immediately below the knee pad.
Step three
Next, using a PH3 screwdriver, remove the screw located at the base of the poley pad. 
Step four
Still with the PH3 screwdriver, remove the screw holding the falldown fitting in place.
Step five
Repeat steps two to four on the other side of the saddle.
Step six
Open the hook and loop fastening to expose the underside of the saddles chamber.
Step seven
Gently pull panel away from the tree to free the stainless-steel posts from the holes in the tree.
Step eight
Time to change the gullet!
You are now ready to change the EASY-CHANGE Gullet to the ideal width and make balance adjustments with EASY-CHANGE Riser System.
Note: When changing your saddle’s gullet, it is important to choose the right gullet width as this is a key step to ensuring your saddle fits correctly and your horse is comfortable. A saddle fitter can provide advice about selecting the right gullet as well as using the other fitting systems found within your saddle, including the EASY-CHANGE Riser System to ensure your saddle is balanced.
Step nine
Remove the two screws at each end of the gullet plate and then remove the gullet plate using a PH3 screwdriver.
Step ten
Stretch the tree in the direction you will be changing the gullet–wider, or narrower for 30 seconds. Using your hands, either press down on the tree (pushing down) to widen it, or (using your arms) wrap them around both sides and squeeze to make the tree more narrow. This is simply a helpful tip to make placing the new gullet easier for you!
Step eleven
Place the new gullet in the channel. Fit the gullet by only starting each screw until the gullet is lined up and then fully tighten both screws.
Step twelve
To make any adjustments using the EASY-CHANGE Riser System, you’ll first need to undo the hook and loop fastening along the length of the panel. Position the risers in the pocket, with the EASY-CHANGE Riser System logo facing upwards to the tree if the saddle. Align the straight edge of the riser along the edge of the chamber. Finally, fasten the hook and loop fastening back up along the length of the panel.
Step thirteen
After you’ve made your adjustments, it’s time to put it back together! Refit the panel on to the tree point, by sliding the tree point into the point pocket. Slide the panel back over the tree point.
Step fourteen
Insert your EASY-CHANGE Locating Tool through the hole under the skirt of the saddle, through the hole in the tree and into the stainless-steel post. Lever the tool to locate the post and push through the tree in correct alignment.
Step fifteen
Hold the panel, tree and flap in place whilst you remove the EASY-CHANGE Locating Tool. Insert the stainless-steel screw and screw firmly. Don’t forget to repeat on the other side!
Step sixteen
Replace the flaps of the skirt and screw them back into place using a PH3 screwdriver.
Step seventeen
Use the screw to help find the hole for the screw near the head of the saddle.
Step eighteen
Screw the flap closed using a PH2 screwdriver.
Step nineteen
Tuck the large tab back into the chamber under the panels on each side, taking care to ensure you have covered the two binding ends for a seamless appearance once finished!
Please note: Be careful not to spin the screw. Only use a hand screwdriver. Don’t use excessive force. IMPORTANT - When putting the saddle back together, make sure you replace the headscrew first which will then locate everything else.
Extra help!
For complete instructions and visual guidance, please refer to these helpful videos:
