Arabian Saddle Co/Lovatt and Ricketts saddle questions

[CanteringCarrot]

I’m considering an ASC Solstice or a LR Rubicon, and I’ve got 2 good leads on the former. A fitter that I used recommended these brands when I talked about wanting an English trail saddle. She thinks they’d be something suitable for my horses type. I’m looking for an English trail saddle that isn’t my dressage saddle, basically. It can be dressage-y but there are a few reasons as to why I don’t prefer my existing Aviar for trails.

I’m not sure whether to go with MW or W. I think these saddles run on the wider side, but a thicker endurance style pad could help take up some of the width if its on the wider side? My guy is typically a MW/W in most other brands, but I know they all measure up a bit differently.

The 17.5 seat looks like it might come up a little snug. I usually ride in a 17.5 dressage saddle, but did size up on my recent one to an 18 to have a bit more room, and it’s a deeper seat. The 18.5 might be too long for my horse though.

Any experiences with the seat and tree size on the Solstice and/or Rubicon?

Some saddles are known for running or feeling snugger, so I’m not sure which size to persue and I’m going the used route.

[phantomhorse]

We have several Rubicons here - with both medium wide and wide trees. I can measure the width of the gullets of them both if you think that may help with your decision.

I can’t really help with seat sizing compared to other saddles as I have been riding in these for many, many years now. But again, happy to measure whatever you like if that will help. We def have a couple 18s and an 18.5 and I think the MW is a 17.5.

[CanteringCarrot]

Oh that’d be awesome. Mostly just wondering what the width difference is between the wide and mw.

My only other concern is that the channel/gullet/spine area on some of these saddles seems to be rather narrow. Even on some of the newer ones. I’m not sure why they’re making them so narrow? Especially when catering toward wide horses that probably need decent accommodation for their spine.

[CanteringCarrot]

Well, back to the drawing board. Both are too narrow in the channel. They’re both less than 10 years old, so I’m finding that to be rather weird! My PRE has shown sensitivity to narrow channels.

[phantomhorse]

Well that is super frustrating.

Just out of curiosity, what is the width of the channel on the dressage saddle you are using now? I am going to have to go turn my saddles over and compare.

[MorganMaresVT]

@CanteringCarrot, couldn’t tell from your post if you were trialing or selling these saddles. I too am on a similar search, looking for a Wide Solstice/Rubicon in 17.5” or 18” seat. Have been having a heck of a time with both new and used sellers! If you have one for sale/on trial and wouldn’t mind PMing me with more details, I’d be very grateful. Highly motivated to buy!!