Who Are Thorowgood Saddles?
Thorowgood is a UK saddle brand built around one practical idea: a well-fitting saddle shouldn't require a saddler's visit every time your horse changes shape. Every Thorowgood saddle is built on the SimaTree, an adjustable gullet plate system that lets you swap the tree width yourself using a hex key and the correct gullet bar. This makes Thorowgood particularly popular with owners of young horses still developing, horses that gain and lose condition seasonally, and riders on a budget who need a versatile saddle that adapts rather than needs replacing. The saddles are synthetic (T4) or hybrid leather-synthetic (T8), keeping them lightweight, low-maintenance and easy to clean.
T4 Range: Full Synthetic
The T4 is Thorowgood's entry-level range, featuring a fully synthetic construction with a suede-effect seat and knee pads. These saddles are lightweight, hardwearing and easy to wipe down after a muddy ride. The T4 range covers GP, jump, dressage, cob and pony models, making it a practical choice for riding schools, Pony Club riders, young horse owners and anyone who wants a functional, adjustable saddle at an affordable price point.
- T4 GP – the all-rounder for flatwork, hacking and light jumping
- T4 Cob GP – built on a flatter tree with S-bar gullets, designed to sit closer and lower over the withers of broader, rounder horses
- T4 Pony – scaled for ponies with the same adjustable gullet system
- T4 Jump – more forward-cut flap for jumping and cross-country work
- T4 Dressage – straighter flap and deeper seat for flatwork
T8 Range: Hybrid Leather-Look
The T8 is Thorowgood's premium range, combining a leather seat, knee pads and upper flaps with a synthetic underside and panels. The result is a saddle that looks and feels closer to a traditional leather saddle while keeping the easy-care benefits of synthetic construction underneath. The T8 Anatomic GP is a standout model, featuring a patented panel design that eliminates the part of the panel which can restrict the shoulder, allowing the horse to move more freely.
- T8 Anatomic GP – patented shoulder-free panel design with interchangeable knee blocks for a customisable fit
- T8 Jump – forward-cut flap with leather seat and knee rolls for grip over fences
- T8 Dressage – deeper seat with a straighter flap and leather contact areas
- T8 Compact GP – shorter panel length for compact horses and short-backed types
Gullet Bars and Adjustable Fit
Every Thorowgood saddle uses SimaTree gullet bars to set the tree width. Bars come in sizes from narrow through to XXW, colour-coded for easy identification. There are two bar types: the R-bar (longer, used in most GP, jump and dressage models) and the S-bar (shorter, used in cob and pony models). The two are not interchangeable, so check which bar type your saddle uses before ordering spares. Changing the gullet bar takes a few minutes with a hex key and is designed to be done at home without a saddler.
- R-bar – fits most Thorowgood GP, jump and dressage saddles
- S-bar – fits cob and pony models
- Colour-coded – each width has a distinct colour (e.g. red, green, blue) for easy identification
- SimaTree only – never use gullet bars from other brands (Wintec, Bates, Arena) in a Thorowgood saddle
Cob and Pony Models
Thorowgood offers dedicated saddle models for cobs and ponies rather than simply scaling down a standard horse saddle. The Cob GP is built on a flatter, broader tree using S-bar gullets, sitting the saddle closer and lower over the withers of round, low-withered cob types. This reduces the "perched" feeling that many standard-tree saddles cause on wider horses. Pony models are similarly designed for smaller frames, with appropriate panel lengths and seat sizes for young riders.
Choosing Between T4 and T8
The decision comes down to budget and preference. The T4 is fully synthetic, lighter, cheaper and virtually maintenance-free. The T8 adds leather in the contact areas (seat, knee pads, upper flaps) for a more traditional feel and appearance, at a higher price. Both ranges use the same SimaTree gullet system and the same model lineup. If you're buying for a child, a riding school, or a horse that's still changing shape regularly, the T4 is the practical choice. If you prefer the feel and look of leather and plan to keep the saddle longer term, the T8 is a worthwhile step up.
Commonly Asked Questions About Thorowgood Saddles
Read the quesitons and answers below.
Are all Thorowgood saddles adjustable?
Yes. Every Thorowgood saddle is built on the SimaTree, which features a changeable gullet bar system. You can swap the gullet bar at home using a hex key to adjust the tree width as your horse's shape changes. Bars are available from narrow through to XXW.
What is the difference between T4 and T8?
The T4 is fully synthetic with a suede-effect seat and knee pads. The T8 is a hybrid with a leather seat, knee pads and upper flaps over a synthetic base. Both use the same adjustable gullet system and are available in the same model range. The T8 looks and feels more like a traditional leather saddle and costs a bit more.
How do I know which gullet size my horse needs?
Thorowgood provides a gullet measuring guide that uses a flexible curve or wire placed over the withers to determine the correct width. Each gullet bar is colour-coded to a specific width. If you're unsure, we recommend having a saddler check the fit or contacting us for guidance before ordering.
Can I use Wintec or Bates gullet bars in a Thorowgood saddle?
No. Only SimaTree gullet bars are compatible with Thorowgood saddles. Wintec, Bates and Arena use completely different bar systems and must never be cross-fitted. Thorowgood shares its gullet bar system with Kent and Masters and Fairfax, so bars from those brands are interchangeable.
What is the difference between R-bar and S-bar gullets?
The R-bar is a longer gullet bar used in most standard GP, jump and dressage models. The S-bar is a shorter bar designed for cob and pony saddles. The two are not interchangeable, so always check which bar type your specific saddle model requires before ordering.
