It might be assumed that everyone who trains as a saddler makes saddles! Logical - but not correct – and to explain. The saddlery industry is neatly divided into two parts. ‘Town’ saddlers are those employed in Walsall – still known as ‘the leather town’ despite the fact that saddle-making is one of the very few remaining leather-related industries. ‘Country’ saddlers are those anywhere outside Walsall whether in a city, a town, village or a tiny hamlet.
The majority of those who train in Walsall remain in the town once they have completed their training. Some continue to work for the firm where they trained – in fact, some saddlers spend their entire life with one company. Others leave and set up in business on their own – one of the reasons why Walsall is home to so many small firms. The size of the business doesn’t equate to how successful it is because saddle-making remains largely craft-based and some leading craftsmen prefer to run a small, highly specialised firm. Some of the very small firms comprise a single Master Saddler plus one employee and someone to ‘do the books’ (often a wife or other member of the family). Even the largest manufacturers are relatively small in terms of the wider business sector.
The ‘Country’ saddler is quite different. Whereas most ‘Town’ saddlers enter the industry after leaving school, the ages, backgrounds and academic qualifications of those entering the ‘Country’ saddlery sector vary enormously. Training to become a Qualified Saddler and/or Harness-maker takes four years. Various options are available and choice very much depends on the individual’s preference and commitments - although the apprenticeship method is by far the most favoured. A minimum of three years after qualification as a Saddler and/or Harness-maker, those demonstrating suitably high craft skills are invited by the Society of Master Saddlers to apply the coveted ‘Master’ title.
The career routes chosen by the Country saddler vary. Some stay with the firm where they undertook their apprenticeship - in which case they often elect to specialise in a particular area of bespoke made-to-measure equipment. Others undertake further training at the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury with a view to becoming a side saddle specialist. Yet others go on to train to become a Qualified Saddle Fitter. Others find and fulfil a particular niche in a saddlery. And then there are those who opt for diversification!
Diversification! The SMS boasts ‘if it’s leather, we can make it’. The fact is that the craft skills used in making equestrian-related goods can be used or adapted to make virtually anything in which leather is the medium. Thus SMS members make leather furniture, dog collars, travel goods, cartridge bags, fashion items such as handbags and belts, purses, stunt equipment for the film and television industries, door knobs and other door furniture. The list is endless. Most will be made to measure to fulfil commissioned orders but some items are destined for elite retail stores in Mayfair and Knightsbridge.
Anyone considering entering the industry must be motivated and committed. Natural dexterity is a decided advantage. Creativity and artistic ability are useful. A love of horses is a benefit. Horse knowledge and riding or driving or other equestrian experience is a definite asset. The saddlery industry is demanding. It is hard work. At times, it may involve unsocial hours. The plus points include opportunity to work in a craft-based industry that maintains some of the highest skills in the world. The training in this country is second to none. The Society of Master Saddlers is the most highly respected and profiled saddlery-related body in the world and members work in unity to promote craft and skill standards and to further the welfare and safety of horses and their riders. Saddlery is challenging. It is fulfilling. It is unique.
This month the SMS will be play a big part in BETA INTERNATIONAL* which takes place at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Readers who are attending will receive a special welcome in the British Saddlery Pavilion where the SMS is running Bridle-making and Saddle-making competitions over the three days of the show.
Information about membership of the SMS, advice about training, et cetera can be found on the website: www.mastersaddlers.co.uk 01449 711642.
*Entry is restricted to members of the equestrian trade. Telephone BETA: 01937 582111
Words by Pat Crawford
