The subject of Western saddle fit or saddle fitting has generated a good deal if in terest within the general riding public and the saddle industry.  This book is a discussion of the elements that comprise Western Saddle Fit:  the horse, the rider, the saddle, and how they are interrelatged to each other.  Western Saddle Fit explores the cause and effect of various factors and how these factors influence a positive or negative saddle fit.
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 BAR ANGLE
The bar angle is the defining element of the tree as to saddle fit with swell gullet width, twist, rock,  flare,  crown,  relief,  length,  pattern and channel as secondary elements.  The bar angle is designed to correspond to the slope of the “saddle pocket” on a horse located below the withers and back of the shoulder blade.
If the angle is incorrect none of the other measurements or padding can compensate for or correct a negative fit.  

For purposes of illustration, a bare tree is used.  Once the saddle has been built and a saddle pad added the position of the saddle will change.   For more details. CLICK HERE

BAR ANGLE  -- UPRIGHT or STEEP PROFILE
The following is the analysis of bars with an upright or steep angle and different gullet widths on two body types.
In the above example, the bar angle and the slope of the body type are compatible.  The gullet width has no effect on how the saddle fits the horse other than fine tuning the fit.  No matter what gullet width is used, the fit is still within acceptable limits in regards to the bar angle.  Depending upon the situation the gullet width may be changed to move the bars higher or lower on the horse to level the saddle or
 "sweeten the fit".  The tree with a 6 1/4" gullet width seems a little high on the wither and the saddle may be riding up hill, so a wider gullet width could level the saddle.
In the above example, the bar angle and slope of the body are not compatible.  The gullet width does not improve the fit and the swell is "perched up" on the bottom of the bars.  The pressure point is only moved up or down on the horse.

BAR ANGLE  --  WIDE ANGLE  
The following is the analysis of a flat or spread out bar angle and different gullet widths on two body types.
As with the previous example, indicates that the bar angle and the slope of the body type are compatible.  The gullet width has no effect on how the saddle fits the horse other than fine tuning the fit.  No matter what gullet width is used, the fit is still within acceptable limits in regards to the bar angle.  Depending upon the situation the gullet width may be changed to move the swell higher or lower on the horse to level the saddle.