"SHIM - SHIM SYSTEM - SKITO SHIM SYSTEM"

Shim System

SKITO SADDLE FITTING ACCESSORIES

What are Shims and how do you know you need them.

Skito Shim System is designed to fill in dips/hallows/pockets on the horse's back to keep your saddle and rider balanced in the saddle. The body heat of the animal activates the open-cell foam allowing it to mold to the horse's back filling in all the dips/hallows/pockets.

Shims can build up a shoulder if one is more developed to keep the saddle and rider balanced.
The shims are available in several lengths, thickness and dense.

The dynamics of horse, saddle and rider plead for an optimal saddle fit that is elusive at best.
The horse’s back changes seasonally if not substantially during an extended ride. Saddles age
as well as the rider, changing seat, balance and fit. There is no final solution to fit problems,
including custom saddles, because of the variables. So we have developed saddle fit accessories
to enhance fit during the off days. Please use these accessories in conjunction with the best
fitting saddle for your animal.
When measuring an old sheet or inexpensive fabric can be used.

Scalloped Shoulder shim: dip and hallow along spine placement Another creation by The Shim Mister! Long Scalloped Shoulder Shim. The beveled shim lays next to the horses body, the top foam is the 3/4 foam inserts.	INTERPAD *Shimming the treeless pad:* One is best off shimming a treeless pad by laminating foam along the top of the foam insert such that the back is protected from impact while the level of the saddle is corrected without creating a pivot point at some interior point of the saddle.
*Shoulder Bridge:* Foremost of the bridge pads is the Shoulder Bridge used to fill the pocket at the base of the withers and behind the scapula to mid back for horses with a pronounced shoulder pocket and prominent withers. Encased in black spandex, the foam inserts vary from ½” to 1½” with the bottom and trailing edges tapered to reduce pressure lines. The most effective placement of the Shoulder Bridge is on top of a thin pad or directly against the horse with the tapered edges facing the animal. Cost is $40.00 *click to see large photo* *Shim shows dip* *shows dip area placement placement*	*ENGLISH BRIDGE:* The English Bridge pad is intended to fill the hollow at mid back, thus equalizing pressure the full length of the tree. Encased in black spandex, the foam inserts vary from ½” to 1½” thick. Front, back and bottom edges are tapered to provide a transition without pressure lines The most effective placement of the English Bridge is on top of a thin pad or directly against the horse with the tapered edges facing the animal. Cost is $40.00 click to see large photo
*Long Shoulder Bridge:* The shoulder bridge shim is six inches longer than the standard Shoulder Bridge and useful for the older horse with a significantly dropped back. Encased in black spandex, the foam inserts vary from ½” to 1½” with the bottom and trailing edges tapered to reduce pressure lines. The most effective placement of the Shoulder Bridge is on top of a thin pad or directly against the horse with the tapered edges facing the animal. Cost is $50.00 click to see large photo	Full Front Lift: The Full Front lift is not intended as a bridge pad but rather as a lift for the front of the saddle without creating a bridging condition. This pad is useful for the horse that is built a little downhill or has a deep scapula pocket that extends past mid-back to the hip. Encased in black spandex, the foam inserts vary from ½” to 1” thick. The bottom and back edges are tapered to provide a transition without pressure lines. Cost is $65.00 *click to see large photo*
*WESTERN BRIDGE:*The Western Bridge Pad is cut larger than its English cousin to accommodate the larger western tree. The Western Bridge pad is intended to fill the hollow at mid back, thus equalizing pressure the full length of the tree. Encased in black spandex, the foam inserts vary from ½” to 1½” thick. Front, back and bottom edges are tapered to provide a transition without pressure lines The most effective placement of the Western Bridge is on top of a thin pad or directly against the horse with the tapered edges facing the animal. Cost is $40.00 click to see large photo	SHIM USAGE: Shoulder pads and front shims are used to fill voids under the tree caused by atrophied muscle, asymmetry and mutton withers. A FULL FRONT LIFT is used to raise or pivot the saddle in front. A FULL REAR LIFT is used to raise or pivot the saddle in the rear. Center Shims and Bridge pads are for low spots or dipped backs Rear Shims are for hollows under the rear of the saddle
Bridge pads are available in black or white spandex. Foam inserts are available in ½”, ¾”, 1” and 1½” thickness. The bottom edges of foam inserts are tapered when their thickness exceeds ¾”, or upon request.	*Care for saddles fit accessories:* Rinse the pads with clean water. Squeeze or roll but do not wring to remove excess water. Remove embedded hair with a lint roller or the sticky side of packaging tape. Avoid soaps, bleach, washing machines and dryers.