I have a quarter horse that I’ve been told has some high and long withers. I agree. Anyways, I recently purchased a pad with a cutout for wither relief, yet the cutout isn’t long enough to clear her withers! I was thinking of cutting it back farther, but I waited a month for this pad and paid good money for it, I really don’t feel like ruining it. Any thoughts as to what I can do?
I wouldn’t cut on a fleece pad unless you have a way to stitch it. Then if it doesnt work out for you reselling it is unlikely. I guess the dogs would be happy with a new bed? 
If you want more wither relief, maybe try one of these.
https://sphgear.com
I have one for my cowhorse saddle. You have to consider what type of saddle and rigging you’re using but they are nice pads. The same or very close to the same quality of wool 5 Star uses. (White pads are the same as 5 star 90% virgin, 10% reworked wool, grey pads are 80/20)
Great customer service. They will help you order the pad you need.
Your horse has very normal withers, I think. I would not call them high at all. Yes, her heart girth is set a little forward so that may possibly cause the saddle to “pull foward” on her, but it’s not bad.
You might be better off trying a shoulder-relief girt if you are having problems with saddle fit.
I don’t understand when you say the pad doesn’t “clear her withers”. You should always “tent” the pad before you put on the saddle. It shouldn’t be pressing down on the withers.
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I think I know what the OP might mean – it seems the pads with a wither cutout have too small a cutout to provide wither relief.
I also have SPH pads, and a 5Star pad that is split like the SPH ones. It makes tenting a whole lot easier, and there is no pad pressure on top of wither.
I highly suggest that you try getting a Best Ever Pad. They have different types and styles and some that are specificly for high-withered horses. You can take a conformation test on the website in order to see what style saddle pad is best for your horse. They are completely customizable. I know that they are expensive but they are heavy-duty and they last a while. I personally think that it’s worth the price.
https://www.besteverpads.com/help-finding-the-right-pad/
The key is having the nesesary amount of build-up in the wither portion of the saddle pad.
Also, I think a shoulder-relief girth could be beneficial when paired with a good saddle pad. I highly recommend the Total Saddle Fit Shoulder Relief Girth. They are very popular wnd have had great results. They have both English and Western style girths and the have various materials. I think that every horse snd rider should use one of these.
https://totalsaddlefit.com/cinch/
Let me know if this helped at all!
I have a Coopers Ridge pad for my TBx mare. It’s the only western pad I’ve found that clears her withers!
OP could also consider a 5 Star pad with the full wither cutout (flex fit).
Thank you all for your suggestions, I will certainly keep them in mind. The shoulder relief girth sounds very interesting, I think I’ll take a look at that! Also, do any of you know how long the wither cutout is on the pads y’all recommended?
I have SPH longest pad, the Limousine with square corners. The total length is almost 32" and the wither cutout is about 11" long.
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