5 Star Equine Products 7/8" Felt Pad
The 7/8" Felt Pad from 5 Star Equine is a best-in-class traditional felt option valued for durable shock absorption and even weight distribution under English and Western saddles. It earns its spot by offering a high-density, long-lasting structure at a generally lower price-per-wear than more technology-driven pads, making it a cost-effective choice compared with air-ride or ceramic therapeutic pads. Against thinner modern liners like ThinLine or breathable wool options like Toklat, the 5 Star felt excels where bulk and long-term cushioning are priorities for everyday riding and resale value.
Thick shock absorber
Molds to fit (cozy)
Thick shock absorber
Molds to fit (cozy)
Review Summary
"Durable, supportive felt pad that evens pressure and performs well for regular use; some riders find it a bit bulky and note slight compression over long-term use."
Built tough — classic
Durable 7/8-inch wool-blend felt for reliable shock absorption and weight distribution.
Built tough — classic
Durable 7/8-inch wool-blend felt for reliable shock absorption and weight distribution.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
The 7/8" Felt Pad from 5 Star Equine is a best-in-class traditional felt option valued for durable shock absorption and even weight distribution under English and Western saddles. It earns its spot by offering a high-density, long-lasting structure at a generally lower price-per-wear than more technology-driven pads, making it a cost-effective choice compared with air-ride or ceramic therapeutic pads. Against thinner modern liners like ThinLine or breathable wool options like Toklat, the 5 Star felt excels where bulk and long-term cushioning are priorities for everyday riding and resale value.
Thick shock absorber
Molds to fit (cozy)
Built tough — classic
Durable 7/8-inch wool-blend felt for reliable shock absorption and weight distribution.
Cut and shaped for western saddles with size options for a more customized fit.
Thick shock absorber
Molds to fit (cozy)
Built tough — classic
Durable 7/8-inch wool-blend felt for reliable shock absorption and weight distribution.
Cut and shaped for western saddles with size options for a more customized fit.
$80-140 CAD
Professional's Choice SMx Air Ride All Around Pad
The SMx Air Ride All Around Pad from Professional's Choice is a market leader for riders seeking advanced shock absorption through air-cell and molded foam technology, delivering superior concussion reduction for performance horses. Although typically priced above basic felt or wool pads, its technical advantage in pressure redistribution and lightweight, washable construction makes it a smart investment for active competitors compared with bulkier traditional pads. It complements rather than replaces thin, close-contact liners like ThinLine by providing higher impact protection without excessive thickness.
Air-cushion bounce
Breathable cloud feel
Air-cushion bounce
Breathable cloud feel
Review Summary
"Popular shock-absorbing pad with air-ride cushioning that improves horse comfort and saddle fit; a minority report seam/airbag wear after heavy or prolonged use."
Shim-ready tweakability
SMx air-ride design reduces concussion with integrated air channels and foam support.
Shim-ready tweakability
SMx air-ride design reduces concussion with integrated air channels and foam support.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The SMx Air Ride All Around Pad from Professional's Choice is a market leader for riders seeking advanced shock absorption through air-cell and molded foam technology, delivering superior concussion reduction for performance horses. Although typically priced above basic felt or wool pads, its technical advantage in pressure redistribution and lightweight, washable construction makes it a smart investment for active competitors compared with bulkier traditional pads. It complements rather than replaces thin, close-contact liners like ThinLine by providing higher impact protection without excessive thickness.
Air-cushion bounce
Breathable cloud feel
Shim-ready tweakability
SMx air-ride design reduces concussion with integrated air channels and foam support.
Contoured all-around shape offers stability and even contact under the saddle.
Air-cushion bounce
Breathable cloud feel
Shim-ready tweakability
SMx air-ride design reduces concussion with integrated air channels and foam support.
Contoured all-around shape offers stability and even contact under the saddle.
$260-380 CAD
ThinLine Ultra ThinLine Pad
The Ultra ThinLine pad stands out for providing exceptional pressure relief in an ultra-low-profile design, ideal for riders who want close contact while still protecting sensitive backs. Its viscoelastic, temperature-responsive material offers targeted cushioning with minimal bulk, which positions it as the technical choice for precision fitting compared with thicker felt or wool pads and at a price point that reflects specialized performance. For horses that cannot tolerate added height from traditional pads, ThinLine delivers an elegant, space-saving solution absent in many other market options.
Ultra-thin protection
Pressure-dispersing ninja
Ultra-thin protection
Pressure-dispersing ninja
Review Summary
"Highly praised thin shock-absorbing pad that protects the back without adding bulk; buyers frequently note the premium price but good long-term performance."
Featherweight comfort
ThinLine polymer technology provides thin, flexible shock and pressure redistribution without bulk.
Featherweight comfort
ThinLine polymer technology provides thin, flexible shock and pressure redistribution without bulk.
Increased Safety & Security
Skill Development & Mastery
The Ultra ThinLine pad stands out for providing exceptional pressure relief in an ultra-low-profile design, ideal for riders who want close contact while still protecting sensitive backs. Its viscoelastic, temperature-responsive material offers targeted cushioning with minimal bulk, which positions it as the technical choice for precision fitting compared with thicker felt or wool pads and at a price point that reflects specialized performance. For horses that cannot tolerate added height from traditional pads, ThinLine delivers an elegant, space-saving solution absent in many other market options.
Ultra-thin protection
Pressure-dispersing ninja
Featherweight comfort
ThinLine polymer technology provides thin, flexible shock and pressure redistribution without bulk.
Non-absorbent, easy-to-clean material helps keep the horse drier and prevents odor buildup.
Ultra-thin protection
Pressure-dispersing ninja
Featherweight comfort
ThinLine polymer technology provides thin, flexible shock and pressure redistribution without bulk.
Non-absorbent, easy-to-clean material helps keep the horse drier and prevents odor buildup.
$200-300 CAD
Toklat WoolBack Contour Pad
The WoolBack Contour Pad by Toklat leverages natural wool’s moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties to provide a comfortable, contoured fit for everyday use and trail riding. It represents a balanced, mid-price alternative between basic felt and high-tech therapeutic pads by offering breathability, cushioning, and natural odor control without the higher cost of ceramic or air-ride systems. Compared with synthetic liners or ultra-thin materials, Toklat’s wool construction often requires less maintenance to maintain comfort and offers a classic feel preferred by many traditional riders.
Natural wool cushion
Contour fit snugs
Natural wool cushion
Contour fit snugs
Review Summary
"Breathable wool-back contour pad that conforms well and offers natural cushioning; users occasionally report compression over time and some shifting under heavy work."
Breathable sweat-wicking
Natural wool top layer delivers cushioning and temperature regulation for comfort.
Breathable sweat-wicking
Natural wool top layer delivers cushioning and temperature regulation for comfort.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The WoolBack Contour Pad by Toklat leverages natural wool’s moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties to provide a comfortable, contoured fit for everyday use and trail riding. It represents a balanced, mid-price alternative between basic felt and high-tech therapeutic pads by offering breathability, cushioning, and natural odor control without the higher cost of ceramic or air-ride systems. Compared with synthetic liners or ultra-thin materials, Toklat’s wool construction often requires less maintenance to maintain comfort and offers a classic feel preferred by many traditional riders.
Natural wool cushion
Contour fit snugs
Breathable sweat-wicking
Natural wool top layer delivers cushioning and temperature regulation for comfort.
Contoured felt/wool-backed construction provides close contact and helps prevent bridging.
Natural wool cushion
Contour fit snugs
Breathable sweat-wicking
Natural wool top layer delivers cushioning and temperature regulation for comfort.
Contoured felt/wool-backed construction provides close contact and helps prevent bridging.
$140-240 CAD
Back on Track Therapeutic Western Saddle Pad
The Therapeutic Western Saddle Pad from Back on Track is a market-leading option for horses that need focused rehabilitation or chronic soreness management thanks to ceramic-infused textiles that reflect body heat and encourage circulation. While typically at a premium price relative to conventional felt or wool pads, its therapeutic benefits make it uniquely valuable for recovery and long-term soundness strategies, complementing—rather than competing with—pressure-redistributing pads like Professional's Choice or thin protectors like ThinLine. For owners prioritizing comfort and therapy over simple cushioning, Back on Track offers a distinct, clinically minded advantage.
Infrared therapy warmth
Pain-relief spa feel
Infrared therapy warmth
Pain-relief spa feel
Review Summary
"Therapeutic ceramic-lined western pad many owners say helps muscle relaxation and heat distribution, though some find benefits subtle and note the pad is heavier and pricier."
Durable Western design
Welltex ceramic-fiber fabric reflects body heat to support circulation and muscle relaxation.
Durable Western design
Welltex ceramic-fiber fabric reflects body heat to support circulation and muscle relaxation.
Increased Safety & Security
Self-Improvement & Personal Growth
The Therapeutic Western Saddle Pad from Back on Track is a market-leading option for horses that need focused rehabilitation or chronic soreness management thanks to ceramic-infused textiles that reflect body heat and encourage circulation. While typically at a premium price relative to conventional felt or wool pads, its therapeutic benefits make it uniquely valuable for recovery and long-term soundness strategies, complementing—rather than competing with—pressure-redistributing pads like Professional's Choice or thin protectors like ThinLine. For owners prioritizing comfort and therapy over simple cushioning, Back on Track offers a distinct, clinically minded advantage.
Infrared therapy warmth
Pain-relief spa feel
Durable Western design
Welltex ceramic-fiber fabric reflects body heat to support circulation and muscle relaxation.
Padded western design combines shock absorption with therapeutic infrared technology.
Infrared therapy warmth
Pain-relief spa feel
Durable Western design
Welltex ceramic-fiber fabric reflects body heat to support circulation and muscle relaxation.
Padded western design combines shock absorption with therapeutic infrared technology.
$220-340 CAD