As mentioned previously, Courbette has factories in two locations, Switzerland and Germany. Out of these locations come certain models of the Courbette line and there are some variances. One of the big differences is the tree.

First up the Swiss Saddles E-Motion Tree


Pictured above is the new E-MOTION concept to all Courbette's SWISS MADE SADDLES. The E-MOTION is an integrated spring tree and panel system like nothing on the market today. It is a COURBETTE / LEMETEX exclusive.

This new spring tree with an advanced 2-component design features a low-pommel and a semi cut-back head. The unique AIR ZONE cushion provides unparalleled flexibility and impact absorption. The soft cushioned seat with a lower center of gravity is our most comfortable yet. It allows for a wider range of E-MOTION and assists with the aids. The tree will flex at all points of pressure. Only one tree width is necessary. On wide-backed horses you can see the tree points in the front flex and adapt to the horses conformation. This spring tree is very light in weight, immune to extreme heat or cold, and retains its shape. The safety stirrup bars are recessed to eliminate the annoying bulk of stirrup leather buckles. NOTE: we think this tree is fine for horses in the 31-32 cm tree size anything smaller or larger will require a German "Federbaum" tree Saddle.

In addition to the tree there is a general tendency for a flocking difference as well. Once again we will start with the
Swiss "AWD" Panel System.



The Advanced Weight Distribution (AWD) panel system is part of the new E-Motion concept in the Swiss made saddles. Together with the new spring tree with 2-component design and shock absorbing air zone, they enhance the performance of every horse / rider team. These MEMORYFLEX panels eliminate pressure points and provide lateral stability and impact absorption. The revolutionary (AWD) system adapts to any horse, regardless of breed, conformation or training level. The panel units are manufactured in pairs and are always identical to each other.AWD Panel System means: Comfort for the horse and peace of mind for the rider. NOTE: Most but not all Swiss saddles have the AWD panel, we will make note of those that have the more traditional hand flocking.

And now for the German Hand Stuffed wool flocked saddles.


The WOOL-FLOCKED panels on the GERMAN made saddles are carefully hand stuffed to exacting standards. Courbette's well trained saddle makers are experts in their field. They are fully aware of the great importance of properly stuffed panels. The panels are the link between rider, saddle and the horse's back. It is their job to protect the horse, to keep the back cool and to allow the animal the freedom of movement to perform pain free at all levels of competition. Our panels are designed to distribute the rider's weight evenly over a large area. These traditional panels are lined with calfskin and increase the value and fitting characteristics of all Courbette's German made saddles.

A few additional thoughts.

• Tree size. Courbette's german made saddles are available in tree widths from 27-34 (extra wide), most saddles are in stock, but when it comes to the really narrow or extremely wide we need to check availability. According to Courbette the general rule of thumb is as follows:
  

  27 to 28.5 cm	extremely narrow and high to high withers
  29 to 30.5 cm	narrow to medium and average withers
  31 to 32 cm	low/wide wither and round/wide shoulders
  33 to 34 cm	extra wide

  .
• Care. Courbette recommends cleaning your saddle with a glycerin saddle soap as soon as possible. And preferably twice. The reason being, all the Courbette leather goods are coated with wax to preserve their appearance and well being, it is advised that the wax be removed as soon as possible, and that is done with the use of a simple glycerin saddle soap.
• Seat Size. To determine the correct seat size, you should be able to place the width of your hand, excluding thumb, between himself and the cantle of the saddle, making sure there is ample room between the pommel and yourself. If ever in doubt it is better to buy larger than too small.
• Saddle Fit. This is always the hardest to achieve and probably the most important aspect of buying a saddle. A couple of Courbette specific items:
  • Once you find the proper placement for your saddle, a deep seated saddle the pommel will sit about 1" lower than the cantle.
  • On all their flat seat close contact style saddles, the pommel will sit about 3/4" lower than the cantle.
  • It is important to remember that a new saddle will sit a little higher in the front, as an allowance has to be made for the panels to break-in.
  • Depending on your breed of horse, there may be a clearance of up to four fingers between the wither and underside of the pommel, but the seat should be balanced, neither tipping the rider forward or back.
  • It is recommended that you ride in your new saddle for about 20 hours WITHOUT using a saddle pad. This allows the panel to mold to the horse's back for proper fit. After break-in a suitable pad may be used.
  • Authors note. A very important aspect of saddle fitting is to make sure the saddle is clear of the back bone its entire length, and that the panels on the underside of the saddle along their length are in contact with the horses back. If you have gaps from front to back and they do not disappear with the tightening of the girth, bridging may be occurring (we are assuming for our purposes the tree is of proper width, a too narrow tree can create bridging as well) . It is important to get the situation rectified. If you are not in contact evenly with your horses back, your weight will be carried unevenly which could lead to many issues, like a sore back, unwillingness to move forward etc... A good saddle fitter can usually fix this situation. Take your time and get it right, a good fitting saddle can make a world of difference in a horses way of going and attitude.

  And lastly, if your still not sure about your Courbette Saddle purchase, don't forget you can
  RIDE BEFORE YOU BUY,
  with the Courbette's Test Ride Program, just give us a call for details and currently available program saddles.