About ThinLine Global
ThinLine began when equestrian entrepreneur Elaine Lockhead Castelao discovered a thin, open-cell shock-absorbing foam originally developed for athlete protection. While competing in dressage on Lipizzaners, she was struggling with saddle slippage and horse comfort. The foam solved both problems immediately, and the improvements she saw in her horses' movement and willingness convinced her to build a company around it. ThinLine is now used by riders worldwide across every discipline, from grand prix dressage to trail riding, and is distributed in Australia exclusively through Trail Race.
Half Pads and Shimmable Pads
ThinLine half pads are the brand's most popular product category. They sit between the saddle and the horse's back, absorbing shock and vibration without adding bulk. The Trifecta half pad combines ThinLine foam with a contoured design that improves saddle stability and contact. Shimmable versions allow you to insert shims for minor saddle fit adjustments, useful when a horse changes condition between professional fittings. The Ultra ThinLine half pad offers a thinner profile for saddles that already fit well but benefit from added shock absorption. Browse our saddlery collection for girths, leathers and other saddle accessories.
- Trifecta Half Pad - contoured design with ThinLine foam and shimming capability
- Shimmable Half Pad - accepts front, rear and wither shims for saddle fit adjustments
- Ultra ThinLine Half Pad - thinner profile for saddles that need shock absorption without changing fit
- Sheepskin Half Pad - combines genuine sheepskin with ThinLine foam for comfort and moisture management
Saddle Pads
ThinLine saddle pads have the shock-absorbing foam sewn directly into a full-size pad, giving you protection and cushioning in a single piece of equipment. Available in dressage, all-purpose and western cuts, these pads are 100% breathable thanks to the open-cell structure, meaning heat and moisture pass through rather than getting trapped against the horse's back. Many riders report that their horses move more freely through the back and are more willing to accept the contact when working on a ThinLine pad.
Bareback Pads and Seat Savers
The ThinLine bareback pad lets you ride without a saddle while still giving your horse meaningful back protection. The foam distributes your weight and absorbs the impact of your seat bones, which makes bareback riding more comfortable for both parties. Seat savers use the same technology to add a layer of cushioning to any saddle, reducing strain on the rider's spine during long sessions. If you ride every day or spend extended hours in the saddle, a ThinLine seat saver can make a noticeable difference to your own back health over time.
Reins and Stirrup Wraps
ThinLine reins use a strip of the open-cell foam bonded to the rein surface, giving you a non-slip grip that's gentle on your hands. They're particularly useful in wet weather when traditional leather reins become slippery. Stirrup wraps add a layer of ThinLine foam around your stirrup tread, reducing vibration and impact through the ball of the foot.
Flexible Filly Boots and Grazing Muzzles
The Flexible Filly range extends ThinLine's foam technology into horse boots and grazing management. Flexible Filly splint boots use a Pro Mesh outer shell with ThinLine foam lining for impact protection that doesn't trap heat or moisture. They weigh just 7 ounces per boot and are recommended for both riding and turnout. The Flexible Filly grazing muzzle is designed for horses and ponies on restricted diets, using a comfortable, breathable construction that reduces grass intake without causing rubs or stress.
ThinLine vs ThinLine Plus: Which Thickness?
ThinLine products come in two foam thicknesses, and choosing the right one depends on your riding style and your horse's needs.
- ThinLine (3/16") - the thinner option, designed for a soft, quiet, elastic connection between rider and horse. Best for experienced riders who want to keep their aids clear and reduce background noise in the saddle. Also ideal for horses already working comfortably.
- ThinLine Plus (1/4") - the thicker option, offering a higher level of protection. Best for trail riding, stock work, fox hunting, beginner riders, young horses in training and any horse with a sore back or one exposed to sudden impacts. Available in black only.
Common Questions About ThinLine
Common questions we get asked.
What does ThinLine actually do?
ThinLine's open-cell foam distributes shock, weight and heat laterally across the pad without compressing. The result is 95% shock absorption reaching the horse's back, which encourages freer movement through the topline. For the rider, ThinLine reduces spinal strain and makes it easier to sit the gaits. The foam is also 100% breathable, so heat and moisture aren't trapped between the saddle and the horse.
Will a ThinLine half pad change my saddle fit?
ThinLine is designed to have minimal impact on saddle fit because the foam doesn't compress under pressure the way traditional padding does. A standard ThinLine half pad adds very little thickness. Shimmable versions allow minor fit corrections, but they're not a substitute for professional saddle fitting. If your saddle doesn't fit properly, a pad won't fix the underlying issue.
How long does ThinLine last?
ThinLine products are known for longevity. Many riders get over a decade of use from a basic ThinLine pad. The open-cell foam doesn't compress over time like conventional padding, which means it retains its shock-absorbing properties year after year. The foam is also antimicrobial, doesn't absorb water and doesn't collect dirt, all of which contribute to its long working life.
Is Trail Race an authorised ThinLine dealer?
Yes. Trail Race is the official Australian distributor for ThinLine Global. We carry the complete range and can provide expert advice on which product suits your horse and riding discipline.
Can I use ThinLine on multiple horses?
Yes. An antimicrobial agent is infused into ThinLine products, making them safe to use across multiple horses. The foam doesn't harbour bacteria and is easy to wipe clean between uses.
