Our Western saddles are designed with comfort, durability, and practicality in mind, making them ideal for long hours in the saddle during ranch work, trail riding, or competition.

The DK Saddlery adjustable Western saddle is engineered with a radical difference from traditional saddle making , it is specifically designed to address the physiological needs of a performance horse. At the heart of this design are two specific measurements that redefine how a saddle interacts with the equine shoulder and back: the 8.5-inch gullet and the 9-inch long bar point of contact.

Here is a breakdown of why these features are essential for unlocking your horse’s full potential.

1. The 8-5-Inch Gullet: Creating the Foundation for Motion

In traditional Western saddles, the gullet is often fixed and narrow, which acts as a “pinch point” on the horse’s spine and withers. DK Saddlery utilizes an 8-5-inch adjustable bar, which serves several critical roles :

• Vertebral Freedom: It provides ample clearance for the spinal processes, ensuring that the weight of the rider is never resting on the bone or sensitive connective tissues surrounding the spine.
• Accommodating Asymmetry: Because the system is fully adjustable, it can be fine-tuned to fit the horse’s specific width, even as they change shape throughout different stages of training and conditioning. All horses are Asymmetrical
• The “Sliding Door” Effect: A wide gullet ensures the saddle stays behind the scapula, allowing the shoulder to slide freely under the front of the saddle rather than jamming up against it.

2. 9-Inch Bar Point of Contact: The Key to Shoulder Rotation

The 9-Inch bar points are perhaps the most distinctive and crucial feature of the DK Saddlery tree. DK’s extended points provide a bio-mechanical advantage

• Total Shoulder Clearance: Long bar points reach further down the horse’s side, effectively “lifting” the front of the saddle away from the shoulder blades. This allows the scapula to rotate upward and backwards without hitting the rigid structure of the tree.
• Stability and weight Distribution: By extending the points to 9 inches, the rider’s weight is distributed over a much larger surface area. This eliminates the “poking and or pinching” sensation common in traditional saddles, where a flared bar digs into the wither muscle when horse is in motion
• Encouraging Proper Biomechanics: When the shoulder is free from pressure, the horse can naturally lengthen its stride and lift its back unlike traditional saddles that promote a “rocker” tree which press down into horses back. The freedom the DK Saddle allows is what creates the ultimate range of motion required for longevity as well has increased performance in all areas of riding.

3. Maximum Muscle Growth and Development

A saddle that restricts movement also is restricting blood flow and muscle engagement. By combining the wide gullet with long bar points, the DK saddles facilitates:

• Hypertrophy (Muscle Building): Because the trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles are not being compressed or “clamped” by saddle bars, they are free to expand and work through their full range. This leads to visible muscle growth in the “hollows” behind the shoulder where many horses typically show atrophy.
• Willingness to Work: A horse that isn’t in pain is a horse that that can willingly perform. Removing the physical barrier of a poorly fitted tree creates a happier athlete, resulting in more accessible explosive power and smoother transitions.
• Long-Term Health: Consistent use of this system prevents the “chipping” of scapular cartilage and the development of scar tissue, ensuring your horse stays sound and productive for years longer than if ridden in traditional equipment

The Results: A “Phenomenal Experience” for Horse and Rider

Danny Kroetch’s design philosophy – often referred to as his “Dare to Compare” experience. The 8.5-inch gullet and 9-inch long bar contact aren’t just specs; they are the mechanical solution to the most common cause of poor performance and resistance in the Western industry and is backed by research.