Professional's Choice Precision Relief Felt Barrel Pad

SKU: PRFB-GRY

The Professional's Choice Precision Relief Felt Barrel Pad is a specialized western saddle pad engineered specifically for the demands of high-performance barrel racing. By blending traditional, high-quality wool felt with modern SMX Air Ride™ shock-absorption technology, this pad provides the ultimate balance of protection, comfort, and a close-contact feel.

Key Product Features

• Reduced Pressure Design: The pad features a specialized cut-out area where the saddle bars sit, reducing thickness from 1 1/8" to 3/4" to allow for a closer contact feel between the horse and rider.
• SMX Air Ride™ Core: Includes a 1/4" Air Ride core within the bar area to maintain superior shock absorption and protection despite the thinner profile.
• 100% Virgin Wool Felt: Constructed from wet-pressed virgin wool that is naturally breathable, wicks moisture away from the horse, and resists compression over time better than synthetic blends.
• Contoured Spine & Channel: Anatomically shaped to follow the horse’s topline, featuring a specialized channel down the spine to allow for maximum airflow and further pressure relief.
• Wither Relief: Features a front cutout to prevent the pad from rubbing or putting unnecessary pressure on the horse's withers.
• Premium Wear Leathers: Reinforced with high-quality leather along the sides to protect the wool felt from friction caused by saddle fenders and the girth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it help with a saddle that rolls?
Yes. One of the main design goals of the "cradle" effect (the thinner section under the bars) is to help stabilize the saddle. By allowing the bars to "sink" slightly into the pad, it lowers the center of gravity and helps prevent the saddle from shifting or rolling during tight turns in barrel racing.

Is it better to get the Felt bottom or the Fleece (Deluxe) bottom?
The Felt bottom is generally better for "grip" and durability; it wicks sweat effectively but can be harder to clean. The Fleece/Merino bottom (Deluxe) offers more comfort for sensitive-skinned horses and can help fill in minor saddle fit gaps, though it may feel "bulkier" to some riders.

How do I clean and maintain it?
To keep the felt from becoming "hard" with dried sweat, users recommend using a rubber curry comb or a tool like a SleekEZ to scrape away hair and dried salt. For deeper cleaning, occasionally rinse with a garden hose (spraying from the center out) and hang it over a rail to dry. Never put it in a dryer or leave it in direct sunlight to dry.

Will it "bottom out" or compress over time?
Because this pad uses high-quality virgin wool felt rather than cheap synthetic materials, it is highly resilient. Users generally find that even after years of daily use, the pad maintains its thickness and "spring."

How do I know if it’s the right size for my saddle?
The standard barrel size for this pad is 29" x 30". It is encouraged to measure your saddle's skirt before purchasing. If your saddle has an exceptionally long or square skirt, you may need the "Roper" version (31.5" x 34") to ensure the skirt does not hang off the edge of the pad.

Does the "Precision Relief" actually help cold-backed horses?
Many users report that horses who are sensitive to saddle pressure or are "cold-backed" (stiff or grumpy when first saddled) show noticeable improvement with this pad due to the spinal channel and the way the Air Ride core distributes weight across the back.