We frequently receive questions regarding which ThinLine Western pad is the best. Every ThinLine Saddle Pad comes with this amazing material. You simply choose the style of pad you like and the size to fit your saddle. The textile the ThinLine is sewn onto differs to accommodate lifestyle and saddle shape.
Every single ThinLine product offers the same performance and protection.
What Does ThinLine do?
For the horse, the way this product absorbs shock and reduces pressure points is what makes your horse happy and free in the back. The ThinLine also ventilates, across the pad and in addition to its 95% shock absorbency, is also non slip. Most importantly, to your horse, is how this pads creates stability, generating confidence and freedom of movement.
For the rider, this pad’s slim design puts you in closer contact with your horse, so your leg can easily drape giving you a seamless feel of his sides. You’ll notice his back moving more, but with the extraordinary shock absorption of ThinLine you will be moving in unison with your mount. The ThinLine layer sewn onto the pad has a 95% shock absorption rate that spreads impact LATERALLY along the pad. This means that the motion you feel under you as you ride is absorbed by the ThinLine and transferred ACROSS the pad instead of UP into your spine. And this same shock absorption benefit is being enjoyed by your horse as well.
ThinLine.
This is the foam sewn onto all of our saddle pads. ThinLine is the only product endorsed by Spinal surgeons for rider back protection. In addition to absorbing shock, it also reduces spine movement. It is profoundly effective. When riders are able to sit quietly the communication with their equines is greatly improved. This is part of why both horses and riders love it so much.
Textile and Style Options for Western Saddle Pads:
Styles: All pads except the Pro-Tech have a 4 and a half inch wither profile. We know this greatly improves fit and comfort for the horse. The pad will nestle nicely along their back and the wither will be free of pressure. Each of these pads have similar top lines and fit well on 95% of horses. If you have a “special” horse, perhaps with a sway back or extreme wither please see the saddle fit / shimming section below. Everything, except a saddle which fits too snug can be managed with a ThinLine.
Pro-Tech Felt
is a half-inch felt pad with keyhole wither relief. The top line of this pad is designed for mutton withered horses. It is available in a wool blend felt in brown. Lengths 30, 32 and a rounded skirt. Our other pads with the 4.5 inch wither profile also work well on mutton withered horses, so if you have a flat-backed horse this, or any other ThinLine pad will work. We do not recommend a keyhole design for high-withered horses.
Single Pads or Liners?
Most of our pads are designed to be used alone. But if you would like to place a show pad on top we do offer several liners: Cotton (in 3 sizes), felt (in a 30 x 30 square), and the ThinLine Back on Track Western pad.
Rounded Skirts:
Rounded skirt options and endurance styles with our without drop rig protection:
SPECIAL ORDER SIZES: 30 x 32 and 32 x 32-inch pads are available in Ranch pads, black.
Treeless Saddles:
ThinLine lies on either side of the spine, lifting it up, which is why it works well for all saddles, even treeless. Simply choose best fitting shape..
Saddle Fitting with ThinLine.
One of the great features of your pad. ThinLine has saddle fitting shims made of the same amazing material for fit adjustment. Talk about comfort! They come in Front, Bridging (center) and rear in two thicknesses; you choose between ThinLine (the thinnest 3/16″) and ThinLine Plus (the thickest 1/4″). You may stack up to 3 sets in one area. The full ThinLine Plus Booster shim is also available for every pad.
Shimming for protection and saddle fit:
Underneath the ThinLine layer is a pocket to insert shims. If you need help with minor saddle fit adjustments, purchase your saddle pad and use it alone or add shims. Either way, your saddle will fit better and your horse will use his back better and stay sounder longer. Shims are made of the same amazing ThinLine material.
Care of Saddle Pads.
Your lifestyle will play a major roll in which saddle pad you select for your horse.
Machine wash, quick dry: Cotton Liners, Western Back on Track.
Machine wash, hang to dry 2-3 days: Full Sheepskin Western, Endurance Western Drop Rig, Contour Ranch Pads.
Hose wash with Ezall, hang dry – Felt; Pro-Tech, Felt Liner.
Durability.
The ThinLine is designed to last a decade. How long your pads last will be dictated by the Cotton liners, full felt pads and endurance pads run a close second. Dirt levels in your life may dictate how often you wash your pad. Full sheepskin pads are made of 100% Merino sheepskin. They are testy about being kept dry and require special soaps for washing but how horses love them!
Selecting the right ThinLine Western Pad.
Now you should have all the information you need. There is no real wrong choice, as long as your saddle fits on the pad. It is the ThinLine that makes all the difference for you and your horse. The other options such as textiles, shapes, and colors are just variations to suit your lifestyle. All pads create extraordinary comfort and increase performance for both horse and rider. We hope to see you and your horse working happily together in a ThinLine soon.
How do I know ThinLine is delivering the comfort and protection my horse needs?
Once you receive your Western saddle pad or liner, ride in it for at least a week. At first, you may simply notice things like; “my horse was great today, my seat and aids were soft and effective”, great job! You will see daily improvement. But, this can be a bit subtle in the beginning. After at least a week of riding daily, begin your warm-up with the ThinLine. Once you are warmed up, remove the ThinLine and ride. This is when you will see just how much your horse is loving his ThinLine saddle pad.
Money-Back Guarantee.
We are riders making products for riders. We understand how important the time we have with our horses is. We want every ride to be the best ride. If you feel ThinLine is not delivering what you need all products may be returned for a full refund within 30 days. Of course, we would prefer you give us a call and tell us what is and is not working for you. Around the world, this product has helped both riders and horses work happier together. We hope our 30-day satisfaction guarantee will help you have the confidence to try this amazing material.
