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Shim System
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Skito Equalizer™,  Skito Dryback™,  Saddle pads. Skito orthopedic saddle pads are built help eliminate sore backs. What are shims? Saddle pads, Skito pads, bareback pads, Riding tights, California riding tights, Riding tights, Dryback Saddle pad, saddle pads, Endurance Riders, Sensation Pads, Bareback pads, treeless saddles. 
Skito Saddle pads, Interpads, Shims and Accessories.
We make a pad for every saddle made. Foam density is a key in regards to comfort, support and durability. We offer two types of density one for light to mid weight range and one that will support a heavier weight range. For the Treeless Saddle advocate, all of our foam inserts are beveled to eliminate pressure points and allow your leg to lay closer to the animal. Skito has also developed laminated foam inserts for spinal protection, Lexan inserts for penetrating seat bones. And the Skito Shim System developed to fill those dips and hallows at the withers and spine to help achieve a "better balanced fit" when riding Treeless, Western, English, Aussie, custom saddles and riding with a bareback pad.  We are a phone call away and we look forward to building a saddle pad that will achieve a better saddle fit that will provide protection and comfort your equine partner. If you would like to place an order please e-mail us at info@skito.net. We prefer chatting please contact us the old fashioned way at 800.292.6442. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for riding with Skito! This website is meant to provide you with product information and to encourage communication. We are committed in providing you with quality workmanship and excellent service ...with a smile!

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 tracing your saddle an old sheet or inexpensive fabric can be used.    



Prices for shims start at $55.00 this includes 1/2 " and 3/4 " foam.  Additional cost is $15.00 for 1" and $15.00 for Firm Foam.

                
Scalloped Shoulder shim: dip and hallow along spine          placement
Another great creation by Tom the Shim Mister!  Long Scalloped Shoulder Shim. Looking from underneath at the beveled shim which lays next to the horses body, the top foam is the 3/4 foam inserts.
INTERPAD  $ 149.00

Shimming the treeless pad:  1/2 and 3/4 " Foam Inserts
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.
  Price starts at $55.00 1/2" and 3/4 "

 
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.

 

click to see large photo
Price starts at $55.00 1/2" and 3/4 "

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.

 
click to see large photo

Price starts at $65.00 for 1/2" and 3/4 "

Scalloped Full Front Lift and Full Rear 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.
Price start at  $65.00     
 
              click to see large photo

Price starts at $65.00 1/2" and 3/4 " Foam. 
 

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.

wpe39.jpg (3029 bytes) 
  click to see large photo
 
Price starts at $55.00 for 1/2" and 3/4 " Foam.

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

 

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.  

 A Tip for saddle slippage...cinching up! 
Hello! I have over 39,000 mi logged in BM in 11 years-the saddle works best with the Skito equalizer™ pad designed for that saddle with 100% wool underside-retighten girth after it warms up-you will settle into the horse where you would be riding it bareback-breast collar-endurance style is best-any girth but neoprene works best-neoprene is self lubing and ads to slippage-wool or mohair is best-retighten girth after mounting-should not be any slippage with this package. April Battles april@treelesssaddle.com

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