I have the opportunity to get an “all around” 5 star pad for relatively cheap (like new, $80) but after reading reviews, I believe my horse would benefit best from the same type of pad, but with the wither cutout at the front. But for $80 VS $300, I’m willing to cut the pad myself to make it work.
Do you think this material would be okay if I cut it? Would I have to hem/serge the wool to keep it from unraveling?
I’d also love any insight or reviews on 5 stars and high withered horses 
Thanks!
If this is thick, felted wool, just cutting it should not cause ravelling. A razor knife, Exacto cutting blade should work for cutting thick felt.
If you’re really worried, why not firm up the cut edge by re-felting it? While I don’t think wet felting would be appropriate in this situation, I’d bet needle felting would work great. The needles are pretty cheap online, and it’s actually pretty fun to do.
The 5 Star “all around” pad is contoured and has a wither hole. Shouldn’t need to stitch to keep anything from unraveling. If I remember correctly the only thing stitched on the 5 Stars is the wear leathers and the spine to hold it together, not the outer edges.
I guess I’m confused as to what part you’re cutting on?
How high is your horses withers?
Thanks for the responses!
I’m thinking of cutting out the small portion in front of the wither hole, making it a V shaped slit instead. She’s a hard to fit quarter with no topline, tall sharky withers and a great flat back once you get that far. Makes saddle fitting next to impossible!
But she listens to every cue, has a smooth gait, and is the most respectful horse I’ve ever met… So I’m wanting to help her be as comfy as possible while saddled. Unfortunately my budget is rather low, so I’m trying to improvise if you all think it might work?
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Just use a seam ripper to take off the piece of leather that holds the front together in front of the wither cut-out, and that should be enough to give you a “V shape”. Probably won’t even need to cut anything.
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