Step Seven: Channel Clearance / Gullet Width
There should also be adequate clearance over the spine and connective tissue throughout the channel of the saddle. A channel that is too narrow will impede the horse's movement dramatically and may even cause the spine to be observably sore. Feel the width of the spine and connective tissue with your fingers and estimate its width. The channel of the saddle should completely clear this width, resting on the long back muscle of the back called the longissimus dorsi.
Bad width through rear
of gusset
| Good width through rear
of gusset
|
| 
|
Good width through front
panel
| Good width through front
panel
|
| 
|