Felt Shims

Felt shims are used in saddle pads to make adjustments to a saddle's fit on a horse's back. 

They are used to fill in voids, correct pressure points, and create a more level and balanced fit by compensating for changes in the horse's body, like muscle development, aging, or even riding styles

Common uses for felt shims:

• Balancing the saddle:  Shims can level a saddle from front to back, preventing it from rocking or bridging. 

• Addressing asymmetry:  They can be used to compensate for a horse's uneven muscle development by adding shims to the side with less muscle. 

• Lifting the front:  Shims can lift the front of the saddle, which is useful for horses with high withers or "downhill" backs to prevent pressure on the withers and allow the shoulders to work properly. 

• Filling hollows:  They can be used to fill in "hollows" in the horse's back, such as those caused by a sway back, to ensure even weight distribution. 

• Adapting to seasonal changes:  As a horse's shape changes with the seasons or due to other factors, shims can be adjusted to maintain the correct saddle fit.