Anybody who does saddlery or equine leather work on here?

[Sessle]

I know this should really be in careers, but as its not a hugely common thing, I thought it was likely to get seen more in here!
Basically just thinking about going down this sort of route, and wondering how to go about it? Is apprenticeship the only way?
Could anyone give me some more info of how they went about doing it, and what qualifications are needed? Either on this post or PM me?
Ta very much

 

[ThePony]

Hi,
Just popping out now so can't write a long reply, I do leatherwork, feel free to pm me any questions and I'll do my best to answer them!

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

David May runs short courses in cumbria. he used to work for nimrods in stirling and edinburgh. he is a brilliant saddler. he will know what full time courses are available.

 

[lizness]

Hi,
I do this, amgiving up doing it part time to do full time employed work now as it wasn't paying it's way! I went to David May, he is very good. It is enjoyable but you need to consider how difficult it is to work for yourself if you are going along this route. Also since people can get leatherwork so cheapso making things and repairing isn't always so much in demand.