Is there anyway to cut down a woven wool western show blanket?

[cmdrcltr]

I’m getting ready to show in some western dressage classes, and my little gelding is overwhelmed by the large, 34x36 show blankets. I have folded one end under, but that makes either the front or the rear very bulky. Unfortunately, the off-the-rack solid colors available for “Arabian/Barrel” size (Myatex brand) don’t go with outfit. I know I could order a custom pad from Myatex with the right size/color, but the cost is almost three times the price of the off-the rack blankets. I just can’t justify the expense for a single, solid color pad.

Is there anyway to cut an oversize navy pad down successfully?

If not, what color might you add to the mix?

Colors available: http://www.culturedcowboy.com/horseequipment/saddlesblankets/pages/arabiansaddleblankets.htm

My outfit: Navy pants/chaps, white top with Navy cuffs and accents, and navy and lighter blue crystals on it.

Horse is a chestnut and white Paint (about 50/50 color).

Thanks!

[reinerspook]

I’d think if you cut that sort of pad, it would fray and fall apart. Have you checked Ebay? Might be able to find something smaller on there.

[goodhors]

I am going to say that cutting down a woven blanket is not going to work well for you. The stability is on the ends, where the finish threads bind down the yarn and strings going the other direction. Cutting the ends off, will let the weaving come all loose, since I don’t think some plain sewing will hold the weaving tightly enough in place to use for a blanket.

Have you tried on other size woven blankets, to find a size suitable for your smaller horse? Used to be the “Navaho” style came in 30x30, which then got to be too small for modern saddles and long backed Western horses. Some makers might have a pony size available, woven smaller than the ones in your link. Other vendors might still sell the smaller sizes, 30x30 or 30x60 double layer, if you hunt around. Have you checked bigger sellers, like Schneiders?

Not sure what you want to spend, but a custom blanket, sized to fit, colors you want, is an option from a weaver.

[cmdrcltr]

Yes, as I stated–and linked–in my OP, the company does have smaller sized blankets available in a more limited color selection, i.e. no navy. I simply cannot justify the cost of having a smaller custom blanket made. So, given the color scheme I shared at the end of my first post, what available color smaller pad would you try?

[poltroon]

Black would seem the best of those choices. You could also try the cream.

[Aces_N_Eights]

Since cutting down a blanket would not work without it fraying and unraveling, I would choose the Sand colored blanket with a chestnut paint and navy blue outfit. Any of those neutral colors would work but I really like Sand color on chestnuts.

[cmdrcltr]

Thanks for the feedback, poltroon and Aces N Eights.

[Chardavej]

You asked this question:

[QUOTE=cmdrcltr;7526170]

Is there anyway to cut an oversize navy pad down successfully?[/QUOTE]

And then seemed to get snippy in your reply, and only thanked the ones with the color suggestions.

You asked about cutting down, they told why it wouldn’t work, and offered suggestions even to check ebay, they just didn’t offer a color suggestion.

[Showbizz]

You can get a used higher-end pad on Ebay or elsewhere. Higher-end (not Mayatex) typically come in 32" lengths. Cheaper pads are more often than not too long, IMO.

That said, when I use a 34" pad I tack up as normal, putting the rear of the show pad where I want it and leaving the length on the front end. My liner pads are only 30 - 32", so I fold the front under itself (not under the liner pad). You can shorten the length several inches without doubling the pad up under the actual liner pad or saddle. You might already be doing this but if not hope this helps!

[CA_ASB]

The blanket that they rep is a Mayatex. Since I have a short-backed horse, I use the roper size as well, and I’ve had the same dilemma as you. Cream is actually white, and that is what I would use with your combo. You can also order them from Rod’s, where they are $10 cheaper. http://www.rods.com/barrel-size-solid-san-juan-show-blankets.html For one of my outfits, I did end up getting a custom color from the company you mentioned - it took nearly 3 months to get it in.

[MoonoverMississippi]

I agree with the sand, unless one of the blues will bring out the lighter colored crystals on your show outfit.
And I second checking out Ebay.

[acoustic]

You could try folding it to the size you want then sew it. Maybe. I really don’t know but that’s what I would try. A sewing machine savvy friend could help. I can’t sew anything but a button and usually screw that up. Ask the employees of a local craft shop too (the fabrics section), they may have some ideas.

[Foxglove]

Yes, if the pad is woven, you can adjust the size . . .

It would be a bit tedious --something to do on a rainy day, perhaps. Assume you want both shorter in length and width? Then you’d have to do all sides. If you only want shorter (wither to rump) then you could just do the back (rump) or wither end. Cut the last “thread” or yarn off leaving the edge --this will ravel, but that’s what you want. One by one pull the crosswise yarns off until you have the length you want and a long fringe --I’d say 2 inches to 3 inches of fringe would be ideal. Using a latch hook (easy to buy at a craft, or sewing store, or many people use them to help finish braided tails), reach through the weave and “back weave” each lengthwise thread into the blanket making sure you do this on the underside and the edge is tight and even. That should do it but if you are worried it will come undone, use a big needle and darning thread and sew the end you adjusted.

Second suggestion would be to find a complementary color you like in a light canvas fabric --fold like a blanket binding and hand stitch to the cut edges.

Finally, if you have a carpet store near you, they might be willing to bind the edges for you similar to what a throw rug looks like.

I’ve done the first and second, but not tried the third.

Foxglove

[kookicat]

Would one of these work? http://www.sstack.com/western_saddle-pads_show-pads/schneiders-solid-wool-show-pad/#