You’ve felt it, haven’t you?

The subtle but persistent slide of your saddle to one side. That constant need to adjust your position, feeling like you’re riding with one stirrup shorter than the other, even when they’re perfectly even. Or perhaps your trainer points out that your horse consistently bends better in one direction, while the other feels stiff and resistant.

These aren’t just random quirks; they’re often signs of asymmetry, a common reality for countless horse-and-rider pairs. Just like humans are right- or left-handed, most horses have a more developed, dominant side. When faced with fitting a symmetrical saddle to an asymmetrical horse, many riders find themselves at a crossroads, weighing two very different solutions: corrective pads with shims or a saddle with custom asymmetrical panels.

One solution adds a layer of correction; the other integrates it into the saddle itself. But which is right for you and your horse? Let’s unravel this complex topic together, moving beyond quick fixes to find true, lasting balance.

Understanding the Root of the Problem: Why Is My Horse Uneven?

Before we can compare solutions, we need to understand the problem itself. No horse is perfectly symmetrical. Research from the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science shows that muscle development is often uneven due to factors like natural laterality (equine “handedness”), training habits, or recovery from past injuries (Hobbs et al., 2014). This means one shoulder may be larger, one side of the withers more hollow, or the muscles along one side of the spine more developed.

This physical reality is the core of the saddle fitting challenge. An asymmetrical horse creates an uneven foundation for a symmetrical saddle, causing it to tip, slide, or create pressure points.

And it’s a two-way street. Studies have shown that an asymmetrical rider can cause or worsen saddle slip, even with a well-fitting saddle (Symes & Ellis, 2009). The horse-saddle-rider system is dynamic, and an imbalance in one area affects the whole. Recognizing this is the first “aha moment” on the path to a solution.

The Common Quick Fix: Corrective Shims and Pads

When a saddle doesn’t sit level, the most common first step is to reach for a corrective pad. These pads have pockets that allow you to insert shims—foam, felt, or air-filled inserts—to fill the gaps where the saddle isn’t making contact. The idea is to level the saddle and create more even contact.

The Pros: When Shims Can Be a Smart Choice

Corrective pads aren’t without their merits and can be a valuable tool in specific situations:

• For a Developing Horse: A young horse’s musculature is constantly changing. Shims offer an adjustable, temporary solution to accommodate these shifts.
• During Rehabilitation: If a horse is recovering from an injury and has significant muscle atrophy on one side, shims can help support the saddle while the muscles rebuild.
• As a Diagnostic Tool: A skilled fitter might use shims temporarily to test a theory about your horse’s asymmetry before recommending a permanent solution.
• Budget-Friendly: In the short term, a high-quality corrective pad is less of a financial investment than a custom saddle adjustment.

The Cons: The Hidden Risks of Corrective Padding

While shims can level the saddle, they can also inadvertently create new problems. Research in The Veterinary Journal found that incorrectly placed shims can concentrate pressure in new areas, effectively shifting the problem rather than solving it (Greve & Dyson, 2013).

This often happens through a phenomenon known as “bridging.” A shim can lift the saddle panel off the horse in one spot but create an intense pressure point at its edge. Instead of distributing weight over a wide surface, the shim forces the load onto a smaller, harder edge.

Other potential downsides include:

• Reduced Close Contact: Adding layers between you and your horse can muffle the subtle communication so crucial for refined riding.
• Instability: Shims can sometimes shift during a ride, altering the balance you worked so hard to achieve.
• Static vs. Dynamic Fit: A saddle that looks balanced with shims while the horse is standing still may not remain so in motion. The dynamic forces of trotting and cantering can change how the pad and saddle interact, a critical point confirmed in studies on dynamic fit analysis (Nevison & Timmis, 2013).

The Long-Term Solution: Custom Asymmetrical Saddle Panels

Instead of adding a layer to correct an imbalance, the alternative is to build the solution directly into the saddle itself. This is achieved through custom asymmetrical panels, where the wool flocking inside is adjusted until the saddle becomes a mirror image of the horse’s back.

How Custom Panels Work

A qualified saddle fitter carefully evaluates your horse’s back, identifying the hollows, prominent areas, and differences in muscle mass from side to side.

With this information in hand, they meticulously adjust the wool flocking. More wool is added to a panel on the side where the horse has less muscle, and less wool is used on the more developed side. The result is no longer a symmetrical saddle, but a bespoke interface designed for one specific horse. This process transforms the saddle from a piece of equipment into a true communication tool.

The Benefits: Creating True Balance

By integrating the solution into the saddle, you address the root of the problem and unlock several key benefits:

• Superior Pressure Distribution: The primary goal of a great saddle fit is to distribute the rider’s weight evenly across the largest possible surface area. Custom panels are the ultimate expression of this principle, eliminating the risk of pressure points that shims can create (Greve & Dyson, 2013).
• Unmatched Stability: Because the saddle is shaped to the horse, it sits naturally and securely. This minimizes slipping and gives the rider a more stable, confident feel.
• Room for Growth: By filling the “hollow” side, a custom-flocked panel lifts the saddle tree away from the atrophied muscle, giving it space to breathe, move, and develop. It accommodates the asymmetry while encouraging symmetry through correct training.
• Enhanced Shoulder Freedom: A properly balanced saddle allows the horse’s shoulders to move without restriction, leading to a freer, more expressive gait and a happier, more willing partner.

Making the Right Choice for Your Horse

So, shims or custom panels? The answer depends entirely on your specific situation.

Corrective Pads (Shims)

• Best Use Case: Temporary fix; developing or rehabbing horses
• Pressure Risk: Higher risk of creating new pressure points
• Stability: Can shift or compress during rides
• Rider Feel: Can create distance from the horse
• Adjustability: Easily adjustable by the rider
• Investment: Lower initial cost

Custom Asymmetrical Panels

• Best Use Case: Long-term solution for established asymmetry
• Pressure Risk: Minimal risk; designed for even distribution
• Stability: Inherently stable and secure
• Rider Feel: Provides exceptional close contact
• Adjustability: Requires a professional fitter for adjustments
• Investment: Higher initial investment for lasting results

The most crucial step is to work with a qualified saddle fitter who understands equine biomechanics. They can assess your horse both statically and in motion to determine the true nature of the asymmetry and recommend the most appropriate path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can’t I just use a shim forever?

While it may seem to work, long-term use of shims without professional guidance can mask underlying issues or create chronic pressure points. This can lead to back pain, resistance, and even behavioral problems in your horse. It’s best to think of it as a temporary tool, not a permanent solution.

Will a custom saddle fix my horse’s asymmetry?

A custom saddle accommodates the asymmetry perfectly, providing comfort and allowing the horse to move correctly. This creates the ideal conditions for you and your trainer to improve the horse’s straightness and build more symmetrical muscle through correct work. The saddle is a powerful partner in the process, but not a magic fix on its own.

What if my horse’s shape changes after getting custom panels?

This is the beauty of saddles flocked with high-quality wool. Unlike foam, wool can be easily and repeatedly adjusted by a fitter. As your horse builds muscle and becomes more symmetrical, the saddle panels can be re-flocked to match their new shape, ensuring a perfect fit throughout their career.

How do I know if my saddle is slipping because of asymmetry?

Common signs include:

• The saddle consistently shifts to one side, no matter how tight the girth.
• Your girth or saddle pad is crooked after a ride.
• You feel you have to constantly correct your own position in the saddle.
• Uneven sweat marks under the saddle after a workout.

The Path to a Balanced Partnership

Choosing between corrective pads and custom panels isn’t just about equipment; it’s about your philosophy of horsemanship. It’s about deciding whether to place a bandage on a problem or to address its root cause.

By understanding your horse’s unique body and investing in a solution that promotes true comfort and balance, you do more than just improve your saddle fit—you enhance communication, build trust, and lay the foundation for a more harmonious partnership. Your journey starts not with a purchase, but with knowledge, and you’ve already taken the first step.