Courbette
Magic
Close Contact Saddles
Manufacturer: Courbette
Model: Magic
Category: Close Contact Saddles
Purchase: I acquired this saddle from a shop that was closing its doors. I got a steal of a price on it at $275 for the saddle and matching Courbette leathers. I think the total retail value is around $700. I bought it to use until I can get a tune up for my trusty old favorite (needs reflocking and more maintenance, I am going to miss it while it is at the saddler's), and then I will put it away as my show saddle.
Likes: This saddle has the softest most comfortable seat that I have yet ridden in. The seat is not confining at all, though a bit deep for my comfort. I prefer my saddles a little flatter, but that's just my preference. I am a H/J & dressage person, and I am very pleased with how natural it feels to sit in this saddle and the position that it puts my leg in. It will be a while before I can take it over fences (just got on my new guy for his first time yesterday, he's not even green yet), but judging by the way it feels on the flat, I think that I will very much enjoy it over fences. I did not feel any parts of the seat rubbing me or feeling hard and uncomfortable under my bones, so this would also make a super wonderful trail and pleasure saddle. And easy to take care of to boot! Gotta love the "magic" leather! And, I love the E-Motion flex tree that Courbette uses in their saddles. They fit my guy like a glove, and he is somewhere between a 31 and 32 cm tree. He is wide, but does not have particularly low withers.
Dislikes: The size was labled a 17 1/2, but it measured a clean 17. This worried me a bit because I like to ride in an 18. BUT, this saddle surprisingly did not feel tight on my tush. I found that the seat also tends to pitch my pelvis forward just a tiny bit, but I think that has more to do with the size of my keester than with the design of the saddle. Riders who have less "fluffy" rear ends than mine should have no problem. The leather is not as grippy as I like, but it is certainly not slick. I am a bit concerned with how the all-weather leather is going to break in, I like to see that suppleness and a nice patina, but that's pretty low on my list of things that might worry me about this saddle.
Quality: The usual Courbette quality! A+ definately.
Summary: I am not sure that advanced H/J people would think the world of this saddle. I won't be at that level with my new guy for a long time, but this saddle should take us through intermediate quite easily. I get the sense that this saddle is intended as a working/schooling type, though it is most certainly nice enough for the show ring. Those of you in wet climates will love the all-weather leather if you have been considering a synthetic. Even if you pay full price, it is well worth the money, and I am very happy with it.
Rating: 4
Author: Keeffer's Mom
Date: 2005-07-30
Usefulness Rating: 3.75758 out of 5.
66 reader(s) voted.
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