The Journeyman Saddler

What is the Journeyman Saddler?

The Journeyman Saddler has been working for over twenty years making and repairing all types of associated equestrian and leather goods, using the finest fittings and English saddle and bridle leathers available. We take great pride in creating either unique pieces or everyday items. Your item will be cut, shaped and stitched using age old skills and techniques which have remained unchanged for centuries. This ensures the finest quality craftsmanship. We also make a range of fashion items using bridle leathers in plain designs or with an equestrian theme.

Journeyman Saddler Services

Preloved Saddles

We have preloved saddles looking for a new home, plus we are able to source a wide range of branded new saddles.

Repair Saddles

Current saddle can be repaired, re-flocked and refurbished so that they look as good as new.

Commissions

New saddles can be commissioned to suit a specifically unique horse and rider so that you have a bespoke item.

Assess, Fit & Advise

Our saddler is qualified to assess, fit and advise regarding any saddles and any horse requirements.

Saddlery

New saddles can be commissioned to suit a specifically unique horse and rider combination so that you have a bespoke item for your particular equestrian discipline.

We also have preloved saddles looking for a new home, and are able to source a wide range of branded new saddles. All of our preloved saddles are checked, cleaned and repaired to make sure that they are fit for purpose before they leave us.

Your current saddle can be repaired, re-flocked and refurbished to look as good as new.

Our saddler is qualified to assess, fit and advise regarding any saddles and any horse requirements and will advise you, no matter how good or bad the assessment! Our priority is the comfort and safety of both horse and rider.

Side Saddlery

The Journeyman Saddler has been trained at the Saddlery Training Centre (Salisbury) by Richard Godden (formerly of Champion & Wilton), who is a Master of the craft having spent his whole working life as a saddler specialising in the manufacture of side saddles and is the only person who teaches the art of manufacture and refurbishment of side saddles.

The Journeyman Saddler has also worked alongside Laura Dempsey, who is a world-renowned side saddle specialist. Providing the side saddle tree is reasonably sound, an old side saddle can be brought back to life. Great care and attention to detail is taken with every side saddle and all work is carried out by hand, using traditional materials and methods.

We can also manufacture a range of side saddle accessories including balance girths, overgirths, stirrup leathers, leather sandwich cases and leather horn or hunting flask cases. Our saddler is qualified to assess, fit and advise regarding all English side saddles and accessories.

Bridlery

The Journeyman Saddler has trained at the Saddlery Training Centre (Salisbury), and with the Queen's Master Saddler, and incorporates some of the latest ideas and techniques in advanced bridle making into traditional bridlery. We use the best bridle leathers and fittings available and can craft intricate designs using beadwork, diamanté, handstitching, braiding and raised leatherwork in order to create stunning designs that can be unique to the client.

We also repair and rejuvenate tired and trusted bridlework to give it a new lease of life. All of our bridles come in standard sizes, i.e.: Shetland / small pony, pony, cob, full-size and hunter, and in black, Havana and Australian nut colours.

We also manufacture girths such as Balding, Atherstone, a soft triple-fold girth as well as Fitzwilliam girths and side saddle girths. Bridle components can be made to the clients requirements, such as cheeks, heads, nosebands and flashstraps. We make a comprehensive range of stirrup leathers from pilch size up to hunting weight. There are many other items available on request such as martingales and a balancing kit available for schooling, etc...

Leathercraft

The Journeyman Saddler can make items for you or your pets using the same methods and materials used in the production of our saddles and bridles. The standard colours are black, Havana and Australian nut, however other colours can be sourced to suit the clients needs. We have made:

pictures
chaps and half chaps
belts
handbags
cartridge bags
dog collars and leads
folios
briefcases
archery equipment
re-enactment equipment
leather drinking vessels
fireside bellows and other museum items

Our range of work is wide and varied and we will try and adapt designs to meet the needs and demands of our clients, thereby ensuring them of an original piece. We also repair leather items which are in need of a little TLC!