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Let's start with the names, because they speak volumes. Daniel Deusser, winner of the World Cup final. Sophie Hinners, European Championship medalist. Sandra Auffarth, Olympic champion. Riders of this caliber don't choose their equipment by chance, and one of the saddles that links their names is the Prestige Rubino AS-X. When so many top-class riders opt for the same model, it's worth asking what makes it so special. The short answer is: AS-X technology. The longer answer, along with the difference between the two seat types and tips on how to check if this saddle is right for your pair, can be found below.
Table of Contents
- Who rides in Rubino AS-X? From world elite to Polish show jumping arenas
- What is AS-X technology and what does it really change?
- Shoulder movement, which every jumper strives for
- Two seats: MD and MF - which is for you?
- Close contact and communication with the horse
- Panels and fitting to the horse's back
- What did independent research show?
- Leather versions and personalization
- Saddlefitting - a condition without which a saddle's class means nothing
- Test before purchase - risk-free decision
- Summary - for whom is Rubino AS-X the right choice?
Who rides in Rubino AS-X? From world elite to Polish show jumping arenas
The list of users of this model is a ready map of the world's show jumping and eventing scenes. Daniel Deusser, one of the most successful German show jumpers of the last decade, has won the World Cup final and the most prestigious Rolex Grand Prix series. Sophie Hinners, who in 2025 was one of the best riders at the European Championships in Casas Novas, also competes in the Rubino AS-X. Among the users are also versatile riders: Sandra Auffarth with an Olympic gold to her name and Alex Hua Tian, the first Chinese Olympian in eventing history.
Such a selection of names is no coincidence. At this level, a saddle must withstand a test that cannot be cheated by marketing: dozens of starts in a season, horses of various builds and temperaments, courses where every tenth of a second counts. If the Rubino AS-X attracts such riders, it is a sign that its design meets the real needs of the pair, and not just looks good in a catalog.
Prestige Italia also has a strong presence in Polish show jumping arenas. Riders such as Jarosław Koziarowski, a rider and coach with national and international successes, winner of the CSI2* competition in Warka in 2025 on King Salvador, and Damian Ostręga, winner of national Grand Prix rounds on horses such as Quilotta and Valencia Volo, ride with this Italian brand. The presence of such names shows that the Prestige saddle family is genuinely tried and tested in sport here, not just available for sale.
One caveat, however, is fair to anyone considering a purchase. A champion's name under the saddle is a recommendation, not a guarantee. Your horse has its own back, its own symmetry, and its own way of working, so the suitability of the choice will be determined by the fit of a specific saddle, not by the list of riders. We will return to this topic when discussing saddle fitting.
What is AS-X technology and what does it really change?
The model name not without reason includes the abbreviation AS-X. This is technology embedded in the saddle tree, which is the structural skeleton of the saddle, and it is what most distinguishes Rubino from classic jumping solutions. It's about adaptive construction: one that, instead of rigidly holding one shape, makes the entire saddle flexible and allows it to react to what the horse is doing.
This translates into a simple thing. When a horse is working over an obstacle, its body changes shape in fractions of a second, and a rigid saddle can interfere in these moments. The Rubino AS-X is designed to follow this movement and give the horse freedom where it needs it most, without depriving the rider of stability and a sense of control. The essence of this design can be summarized in one sentence: the horse's freedom and the rider's confidence should not be mutually exclusive, but go hand in hand.
Shoulder movement, which every jumper strives for
There is a moment in a jump that determines a clean clear: the phase in which the horse lifts its front and tucks its legs. This is the work of the shoulder, and anything that restricts it costs centimeters over the pole. That's why a good jumping saddle is judged not by how it looks at rest, but by how much it doesn't get in the horse's way in that very second.
The Rubino AS-X solves this with adaptive block attachment and a movable tree. Thanks to it, the front of the saddle has the freedom to flex, and the panels can work behind the shoulder instead of blocking it. In practice, the horse works its front more willingly and cleanly, and the rider gets a partner who doesn't hold back before the obstacle. This is most clearly felt by horses sensitive to equipment and those who are just gaining confidence at higher heights.
Two seats: MD and MF - which is for you?
The Rubino AS-X can be ordered with two seat depths, which is often the most important decision when choosing, as it concerns how you sit day-to-day.
MD (medium deep), embraces the pelvis more firmly and seats the rider more centrally. It gives a sense of security and helps maintain a stable position in more difficult parts of the ride, when the horse speeds up or makes sharp turns between obstacles. This is the choice for those who like to feel like they are sitting in the saddle, not on it.
MF (medium flat), leaves more room and freedom. It's easier to rise above the obstacle, actively work the body, and relieve the horse's back in flight. This is a natural direction for riders who build their style on lightness and mobility in their seat.
It is worth emphasizing that the choice between MD and MF is not merely cosmetic. The AS-X technology and the tree remain the same, but the feeling for the rider is genuinely different, so the decision should stem from your riding style, not from fashion or habit. If you're unsure which group you belong to, the best answer will come from sitting in both versions on your own horse.
Close contact and communication with the horse
The front part of the saddle, including the area under the rider's thigh, is intentionally thin. The less material between the leg and the horse's side, the closer the contact and the clearer the aids from the calf and thigh. Communication with the horse thus becomes quieter and more precise, and an advanced rider will notice this difference from the very first approach to an obstacle.
The back of the saddle is designed in the opposite way. Large injected membranes provide stable, secure support for the seat here. In short: you feel the horse in front, and you have support in the back. You can find the full range of models from the Italian manufacturer in the Prestige jumping saddles category.
Panels and fitting to the horse's back
The Rubino AS-X was designed as a saddle that adapts to the horse, rather than forcing the horse to adapt to it. The manufacturer offers five panel variants and a unisex tree available in several widths, plus additional technical and aesthetic options. As a result, the same model can be configured in a dozen different ways.
This flexibility is an advantage, but it comes at a price: the more possible settings, the harder it is to hit the bullseye based on a description alone. The panel layout, tree width, and seat depth must be chosen for a specific back, and this is where the saddle fitter's work comes in.
What did independent research show?
Prestige didn't just rely on its own claims. The first tests of the Rubino AS-X were carried out by an independent research center, and their conclusions explain well why the saddle has been adopted in competitive sports.
Measurements showed, among other things, a quicker and more effective push-off, no restrictions in the horse's movement sequence during the jump, better rider balance, and less shock upon landing and smoother exit from it. In other words, the saddle is not only meant to not hinder, but even to support the horse at every stage of the jump. This is a rare case where the slogan of freedom of movement can be measured, and not just beautifully described.
Leather versions and personalization
Like every saddle from the Premium line, the Rubino AS-X is entirely manufactured in Italy, using selected leathers. There are four to choose from: classic Calfskin for everyday use, durable and sporty Forte, elegant and comfortable Lux, and the most exclusive Elite. Color-wise, the saddle comes in shades of Black, Tobacco, and London, from deep black to warm, cognac browns.
In addition, there's a whole layer of configuration: tree width, one of two seats, five panel variants, and additional technical and aesthetic details. If you're wondering which leather will work best for you, we've elaborated on this in our article on Prestige Italia leather types.
Saddlefitting - a condition without which a saddle's class means nothing
It must be said outright: even the best-designed jumping saddle can harm a horse if it doesn't fit properly. An ill-fitting saddle presses, inhibits shoulder movement, and over time leads to muscle tension and the horse's resistance to work. The class of the model does not protect against this in the slightest.
The wealth of Rubino AS-X configurations, which we praised above, is also the reason why it's better not to make selections by eye. At Equishop, we approach saddle fitting where the truth about the saddle is visible, which is with the horse and in motion. That's why our team of experts travels to every stable in Poland. We start by assessing the back, its symmetry, and the horse's way of working, and only then do we choose the saddle settings, never the other way around.
Thanks to this, the decision is made based on how the saddle performs in the rider's everyday conditions, not on what the product sheet promises. This is the only way to genuinely check if the gullet, panels, and seat truly harmonize with the back of a specific horse.
Test before purchase - risk-free decision
In this price range, buying blindly makes no sense, which is why we offer a test of the Rubino AS-X on your horse, before you make a decision. This is the simplest way to find out if the promised freedom of movement and close contact will actually work for your pair, because the horse's reaction can be surprising.
During the test, it is worth observing several things at once: how the horse works its front over the obstacle, whether the take-off is willing and fluid, and whether you yourself sit freely, without fighting to maintain your position. This is also an ideal opportunity to compare the MD and MF seats and feel for yourself which one better suits your style.
Remember that the Rubino AS-X has a really wide range of configurations. For the test to actually say something, and not just be a ride on a random setting, arrange a consultation with our saddle fitter. We will select the version according to the horse's build and your preferences before you decide anything.
Summary - for whom is Rubino AS-X the right choice?
The Rubino AS-X is an option for riders who don't want to choose between their own comfort and the horse's freedom, and expect the saddle to reconcile both. The model's greatest value lies in its AS-X technology combined with the option of choosing seat depth, allowing one model to cater to two different riding styles.
Key takeaways:
- AS-X technology makes the tree and the entire saddle flexible, giving the horse freedom of movement without compromising rider stability.
- Two seats, MD and MF, allow you to adjust the depth of the seat to your own style, instead of compromising.
- Thin front and thigh area sharpen communication between the rider's leg and the horse's side.
- Independent research findings confirm quicker take-off, better balance, and softer landing.
Want to check if the Rubino AS-X is right for you and your horse? We invite you for a saddle fitting consultation and to get in touch. You can see the model live in our store at ul. Oświęcimska 9 in Ruda Śląska, you can also arrange a test on your own horse or request a saddle fitter to visit. You can find the full collection of the Italian manufacturer in the Prestige Italia category.
