Courbette Axxis Close Contact
[S 709BL Axxis]

I bought this to fit two larger built Wb mares and needed a quality saddle on a budget. I bought it with the extra-wide tree and Coffee coloured. I've spent years riding in a Delgrange and more recently a friend's Biarritz and was really impressed when I unpacked this saddle - it's beautiful to look at and the leather quality is top notch. The panels were full but soft and while the french-style "banana panels" are in style right now, I've seen them bridge on so many horses and have known so many backsore horses going in those saddles that I wanted to avoid them along with their $4500+ cost. The Axxis fit my mare wonderfully - she moved out well and felt supple through her back on the first test ride and the seat depth and feel is comparable to the Biarritz. I had a jump school up to 4' and felt tight and was really impressed that the panels didn't impede on my mares big shoulders and allowed her to use herself really well. It was very secure and because of the way the one mare moves and is built, I find myself fighting a chair seat in most saddles but was centered perfectly in this one. I think a lot of people think they need to spend thousands and thousands to find a well balanced saddle, but I'm very happy that I chose to go with a more reasonable alternative - I think my horses actually move and jump better in this saddle than they have in the more expensive trendy saddles and I was told (and felt) that I rode very well in it. Great buy!