What On Earth (or Horseback)???

I opened email on my phone this morning to find this message from Beval Saddlery LTD (I entered a drawing at their WEG booth and now they have my address - it's not like I've ever bought a thing from them):

I was still half asleep when I looked at the photo, so when I saw half a saddle, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me. I looked again: nope, I wasn't nuts, this new saddley-thing was in fact only half a saddle. What the ----? The copy says, "The ultimate riding tool to assist the rider in obtaining the perfect position through balance and building core strength."

I clicked on the "Learn More" link and found this enhanced photo:

Along with this ad copy: 

 The Butet offers advanced designed capabilities combined with the finest materials and top European craftsmanship, which appeals to anyone who can only accept the absolute best!

The Practice saddle is a great tool for teaching riders of every level how to hold the correct position, the correct balance and will help build the strength they need to maintain it. Used by top trainers to help their students understand and promote the fundamentals of maintaining proper balance and building their core strength.

The saddle is supplied with custom girth and saddle cover.

Gosh, the latter is so awfully nice of them, considering that they are selling this HALF A SADDLE for the low, low price of $2,995.00. >.< Here's the link if you want to look for yourself.

Sarcasm aside, what do you think of this? I'd say it's an interesting idea, and I wouldn't be surprised if it does help strengthen your leg, but it seems to me you could get the same benefits riding in an old flat saddle, like the Crosby Prix de Nations that is currently serving as decoration in my bedroom. No kneerolls/blocks, no padded flap, just a couple of thin pieces of leather between your leg and the horse. Maybe I should list 'Ole Faithful on eBay for a couple thousand bucks under a tag line like, "Same Results As New Butet/Lower Price." HAH!  

Also, is it just me or does the saddle in the photo appear to be used? When you click on the website photo for more pictures, it tells you "Product images coming soon." Maybe that photo is of the one and only Butet Practice Saddle in existence, and they are just waiting to see if anyone is willing to cough up the dough before they build more. It does say "used by top trainers" but I have to wonder... I have the feeling, though, that some of the fancy H/J trainers, with clients whose parents have more money than Bill Gates (like that chick from the Hunter Derby with five horses in it... still getting over that) will probably sign right up for it. Some people are definitely impressed by the latest gimmick. Personally, I think that as long as it doesn't hurt the horse, they are welcome to have at it. I'll be the one over there dropping my stirrups to strengthen my legs and core. ;-)