The Moment That Changed Everything
Elaine Castelao was at a breaking point. Her horse, sensitive and unpredictable, struggled with tension and discomfort. His once-fluid movement turned stiff, his willingness replaced by hesitation. The vet found nothing alarming; the saddle fitter adjusted and readjusted, yet something was still off. She began to wonder… Was I the problem?
Doubt crept in, the kind that makes a rider question if you’re listening closely enough and if you’re doing right by your horse. The connection Elaine once felt so profoundly was slipping through her fingers.
Then, one day, by pure chance, Elaine met someone in a grocery store researching impact foam for running shoes. A spark of hope ignited. Could this material help her horse?
With the unique open-cell foam technology, Elaine found remarkable shock-absorbing properties. Inspired, she worked out of a rented barn, turning this material into handmade saddle pads. What started as a small experiment grew into ThinLine, a global equine innovation leader dedicated to enhancing the comfort and connection between horse and rider.
How has ThinLine helped you
and your horse?
Has ThinLine made a difference in your journey? Has a saddle pad eased your horse’s tension?
Did our girths or bridles improve your horse’s comfort?
Your story matters—not just to us but to the entire ThinLine community.
By sharing your journey, you’re inspiring others searching for that same breakthrough.
Let your story be the spark that brings us all closer together.
Tell us your ThinLine story.
Heartfelt Journeys: The ThinLine Difference
Healing Through Connection
In our work, the well-being and comfort of our horses are as important as the safety and experience of our participants. This is where ThinLine comes in. We have seen the fantastic benefits of ThinLIne pads, particularly in promoting equine comfort, reducing pressure points, and providing shock absorption. These qualities are essential in ensuring the physical health and comfort of our horses, who are the heart of our programs.
Our therapeutic horses work with a wide range of participants, many of whom have physical disabilities, which causes uneven pressure and off-balanced riding. By incorporating ThinLine products into our program, we can better protect our horses from undue strain, ensuring they remain happy, healthy, and able to provide the best possible experience for our participants. The durability and proven effectiveness of ThinLine products also align with our commitment to sustainability and long-term care.
Many of our horses come to us from active lives, transitioning into partial retirement or from less-than-ideal situations. These incredible animals often require added support and care to ensure they can effectively work in their new roles. Providing them with the comfort and protection they need is a top priority for us, as their health and well-being directly impact the success of our programs and safety of our riders.
ThinLine pads play a key role in empowering our horses in making a difference in the lives of countless individuals in our community.
HORSEPOWER Therapeutic Learning Center, High Point, NC
From Pain to Possibility
I was referred to Thinline from a very good friend of mine. My barrel horse, Nacho, has a long history of chronic back pain – including a dreaded kissing spine surgery. Even after surgery and every possible avenue visited, he just wasn’t quite beating his back soreness.
I gave my friend’s Thinline liner a shot one weekend as a last resort and to my surprise, for the first time in over two years, NO BACK PAIN. I am now a firm believer and hope to get our whole crew their own pad and liner. We are a rodeo family – my two daughters (5 and 3) barrel race and junior rodeo with their unicorn ponies and my brother and Dad both rope. We travel all over Florida and Georgia.
I am a huge advocate for the horse. Saddle fit, a GOOD pad, a good vet, good farrier, and good nutrition are things that I preach. Thinline has become something that I truly believe in because it works.
Talia Reese
Thank you
By sharing your story with us, you’re not just telling us about your experience—you’re helping to build a community of riders and horses who strive for better comfort, connection, and care.
Your journey has the power to inspire others, offering hope, solutions, and encouragement to fellow equestrians. Together, we can continue to create stronger, more harmonious bonds between horses and riders.
Thank you for being part of the ThinLine family and for sharing your story with us!
