Solstice vs. Equinox specific question

[SRH]

I know that there have been many posts about these saddles but I am seeking any advice for this specific example. I am primarily a dressage/group horsemanship clinic participant (the second may mean I am on horse back quite a few hours).

I am short and I need a saddle that ( for now on my limited budget) will need to work on a few similar size and shape lusitano horses. They are pretty round, not much wither and short backed.

I am short, like a close feel, and like to always work on improving my seat.

I am looking at these two saddles

Solstice - 17.5" Wide tree - I like that it is wide for the horses I don’t know if the 17.5" will be too big? But could possibly try a fleece cover to eat up some space? Looks like it might have more curve to panels then what appears may be straighter in the equinox which might cause bridging with the equinox? Might like to have a mono flap (like equinox) but wouldn’t be a deal breaker.

Equinox - 17" MW - I am concerned (even with re flocking the MW may not be wide enough?) the 17" is probably a better size (but only a 1/2" difference). I like the idea of the mono flap and it looks like it may be straighter then the Solstice but could be the view of the photos) I am concerned the panels looks pretty straight from front to back and may lend to bridging on a short backed horse?

So, any opinions if you have one or the other or any thoughts greatly appreciated. I know this is not an ideal situation but this is where things are right now doing the best I can on a budget and looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thank you!

[Lieselotte]

I can only speak to the Solstice which I have demo’ed but did not buy. The seat size runs small, in my opinion. My Frank Baines saddle is a 17.5 and fits me perfectly but that same size Solstice felt too small. Also, depending on what year the saddle was made in, check the stirrup bar placement and whether you have more than one position to play with. The one I tried was a bit older and put my legs slightly in front of me, giving me another reason not to choose it. But it is a well-made and comfortable saddle so if it fits you and your horse, go for it. (Never tried the Equinox.)

[patti]

Agree that the Solstice seat runs a little small.

I’m 5’4" and I ride in one and love it!

[jaybird660]

Did we already email? The Equinox is a closer feel and the tree is straighter longitudinally. The flap is also straighter with a high thigh block. The Soltice will feel a little bulkier in my opinion and is not quite as straight front to back with a more forward flap and not as deep a seat. I also think the Solstice will feel wider in the twist as it is not a monoflap.

[Kitt]

The Solstice seat does run small, as others have mentioned (this seems to be true across the board for the L&R saddles), the seat is deeper and the twist, to me, is almost uncomfortably wide. It also has more longitudinal curve to the tree and fits a “dippier” back profile than the Equinox, and it’s a lot more saddle. The trees on the L&R saddles also tend to run really wide; their wide is equivalent to an xw or xxw in many saddles, so the mw Equinox will be quite a lot narrower than a wide Solstice.

The Equinox doesn’t tend to bridge on a shorter back, unless it’s a dippy shorter back. If that’s a concern (and if you’re willing to get a new one), you can have one bench-made to your specs for at or around the same price as an off-the-rack saddle. The Equinox will suit most dippier and shorter-backed horses if it’s made with a K panel (which adds a little over $100 to the cost) and an upswept rear panel. And if you’re petite enough to need a shorter flap or modified block, BC will do that at no extra charge. L&R, otoh, charges (or used to charge) more for any modifications.