Shim or Flock? Your Guide to Temporary vs. Permanent Saddle Fit Adjustments

You tack up your horse, run your hand under the saddle, and feel it: a small gap near the wither that wasn’t there last month. Or maybe the saddle has started to tip slightly backward, ever so subtly changing your balance. Your first instinct might be to reach for a corrective pad, but is that the right long-term solution?

This dilemma brings us to one of the most common questions in the equestrian world: when should you use shims, and when is it time to call the saddler for a flocking adjustment?

The answer isn’t about which method is ‘better’—it’s about understanding the purpose behind each tool. Think of it like this: shims are for managing a temporary situation, while flocking is for creating a permanent, tailored fit. Getting it right can be the difference between masking a problem and truly solving it.

This uncertainty is far from uncommon. A survey from the University of Central Lancashire found that while 78% of riders use some form of corrective pad, less than 20% feel confident they’re using it correctly. Let’s clear up the confusion and build a simple framework for making the right choice for your horse.

The Case for Shims: Your Go-To for Temporary Changes

Shims are small inserts, typically made of foam or felt, that fit into the pockets of a corrective saddle pad. They’re precision tools, designed to fill a specific, temporary void between the saddle and the horse’s back.

Think of shims like physical therapy for your saddle’s fit. They’re there to provide support while your horse’s body is in a state of change.

(Image: A close-up shot showing a saddle fitter inserting a shim into a corrective pad on a horse’s back. The focus is on the precision of the action.)

That adaptability is crucial because a horse is a dynamic athlete. Research from the Saddle Research Trust highlights that a horse’s back can change significantly over just six months due to fitness, age, or diet. Shims are the ideal tool for navigating these transitions.

Use shims when the change is temporary:

• Muscle Development: A young horse just starting work or a horse returning to fitness will build muscle, changing their topline. Shims can support the saddle’s balance during this phase.
• Asymmetry: If a horse is recovering from an injury or has a natural muscular imbalance (like a larger shoulder), a shim can create temporary symmetry and allow the muscles to develop more evenly.
• Seasonal Fluctuations: Some horses gain weight in the summer and lose it in the winter. Shims can help accommodate these predictable, cyclical changes.

But shims are not a cure-all. Using them incorrectly can create new pressure points and disrupt the careful science of understanding saddle pressure distribution. The golden rule is to use shims to address a specific, temporary gap—not to fix a saddle that is fundamentally the wrong shape or size for your horse.

The Case for Flocking: Your Solution for a Lasting Fit

If shims are temporary support, flocking is the custom-tailored foundation. Flocking is the wool stuffing inside your saddle’s panels. A professional saddle fitter can add, remove, or shift this wool to perfectly contour the panels to your horse’s unique back shape.

This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a fundamental adjustment to the saddle itself, creating a seamless, long-term interface between saddle and horse.

(Image: A saddle maker’s hands expertly adjusting the wool flocking inside an open saddle panel. The image conveys craftsmanship and detail.)

A flocking adjustment is the solution when the fit issue is consistent and structural. A 2014 study in The Veterinary Journal found a direct link between ill-fitting saddles and back pain, noting that temporary pads often mask underlying issues. When the problem isn’t going away on its own, flocking is the tool to address the root cause.

Adjust flocking when the situation is stable:

• Consistent Imbalance: If your saddle consistently tips forward or backward on a horse in stable work, it likely needs a flocking adjustment to rebalance it.
• Bridging: When the center of the saddle panels doesn’t make contact with the horse’s back, a fitter can add flocking to fill the ‘bridge’ and provide even support.
• Compressed Wool: Over time, the wool in any saddle will compress and harden. Regular flocking maintenance (often called a flock-up) is essential to keep the panels soft and adaptable.

Adjusting the flocking is a craft that directly impacts the role of saddle panels, the primary weight-bearing surface. It’s a permanent solution for a horse whose shape has settled into a new, consistent form.

A Simple Decision-Making Framework

So, how do you choose? It comes down to one question: Is the problem I’m trying to solve temporary or permanent?

• If your horse’s body is actively changing (due to age, fitness, or recovery), shims are your flexible friend. They allow you to adapt week by week.
• If your horse is in a stable condition but the saddle fit is consistently off, it’s time for a permanent solution. A flocking adjustment will tailor the saddle for the long haul.

This simple decision tree can help guide your thinking.

(Image: A clear, simple infographic or decision tree. One path leads from ‘Temporary Change’ to an icon of a shimmed pad. The other path leads from ‘Permanent Mismatch’ to an icon of a flocked saddle panel.)

Ultimately, both solutions are best applied with the guidance of a qualified saddle fitter. They can diagnose the cause of the issue and help you implement the correct strategy.

Your Saddle Fit FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can shims make saddle fit worse?

Absolutely. Placing a shim in the wrong spot can create a new pressure point or pivot, worsening the problem you’re trying to solve. For example, trying to ‘lift’ the back of a saddle that is too narrow at the front will only drive the tree points deeper into the horse’s shoulders. Always seek professional advice.

How often should my saddle’s flocking be checked?

Ideally, your saddle’s flocking should be checked at least once a year, or every six months if your horse is in heavy work or undergoing significant physical changes. The wool compresses over time, and regular maintenance ensures the panels remain soft and effective.

My horse has one shoulder bigger than the other. Shim or flock?

This is a classic scenario where a targeted shim can be incredibly effective. A fitter can place a shim on the side of the less-developed shoulder, allowing the saddle to sit level while giving the smaller shoulder room to move and build muscle. It’s a perfect example of using a temporary tool to encourage a positive, long-term change.

What are the first signs of an ill-fitting saddle I should look for?

Before you even think about shims or flocking, it’s vital to recognize the clues your horse is giving you. These can range from behavioral changes like irritability during girthing to physical evidence like dry spots under the saddle after a ride. Learning to spot these early warnings is the first step, and checking against a list of common signs of an ill-fitting saddle is a great place to start.

From Correction to Connection

Understanding the difference between shimming and flocking moves you from simply reacting to fit problems to proactively managing your horse’s comfort. Shims are for the dynamic journey; flocking is for the stable destination.

Neither is a substitute for a well-designed saddle that is appropriate for your horse’s conformation, but used correctly, they are essential tools for maintaining harmony. At Iberosattel, we believe every piece of equipment is a form of communication. By choosing the right tool for the job, you’re not just adjusting a saddle—you’re telling your horse that you’re listening.