Capel Manor!

[Velcrobum]

I am at a loss that this is the only taught Saddlery/Bridle making course in UK.

Fears for future of UK's only saddle-making course

Students come from across the world to study the specialist course at Capel Manor College in Enfield.

www.bbc.co.uk

However there must be numerous apprenticeships throughout Walsall and other saddlery/bridle/horse tack makers throughout UK ?

 

[Baywonder]

I do think something needs to be done to secure these skills for future generations.

Walsall has been the heart of the saddle making industry for years, and the larger companies can, and do, take on apprentices / trainees. However, there are many companies in Walsall with just a handful of workers (or purely self-employed, like my DH) and they are not in a position to offer, or indeed want to take on an apprentice. Saddlery courses used to be run by Walsall College, but the last one ceased a few years ago, causing an uproar in the Walsall area.

A couple of years ago, a new 'Walsall Leather Skills Centre' opened up in the centre of Walsall, and they provide saddlery and leather goods training courses. How in-depth and to what level their training goes I don't know, but at least it is something to build on for the future.

I have been with my DH for over 30 years, and every time I watch him work I am in awe of his skills - so I do sincerely hope it can carry on for generations to come.

 

[SilverLinings]

Leather working is a huge part of our national heritage and it would be incredibly sad if those skills were lost, or if training ceased to be available resulting in saddlers being self-taught and therefore of vastly ranging competence. I visited the Walsall Leather Museum back in the 1990s and it was amazing to see how much of the town used to be taken over by harness and saddlery makers, right up until the second world war- in fact, many of the large factories were only built post 1900. the reduction in saddlery and harness needed between ~1930 and ~1950 must have been one of the largest industrial collapses in history, with the cessation of horses being used as the main source of transport and by the armed forces.

It would help to keep this historic industry alive if horse owners bought British-made saddlery and associated leather goods where possible (and affordable). They tend to be very good quality, and certainly aren't always the most expensive option (which often seems to be European brands). If you plan on using the tack for two years or more then spending a little more on products with good quality leather, stitching and dyes means that you will save money in the long run as you will only have to buy once.

 

[catkin]

It would help to keep this historic industry alive if horse owners bought British-made saddlery and associated leather goods where possible (and affordable). They tend to be very good quality, and certainly aren't always the most expensive option (which often seems to be European brands). If you plan on using the tack for two years or more then spending a little more on products with good quality leather, stitching and dyes means that you will save money in the long run as you will only have to buy once.

I would agree - and made to measure bridlework means you can have exactly what you need, and fits, for your horse. Looked after properly it will last years (yep, even if used everyday in all weathers). I have one bridle that is now on its second pony. It only needed slight alterations to fit.

 

[SilverLinings]

I would agree - and made to measure bridlework means you can have exactly what you need, and fits, for your horse. Looked after properly it will last years (yep, even if used everyday in all weathers). I have one bridle that is now on its second pony. It only needed slight alterations to fit.

I have Walsall-made saddles and bridles (and a leather headcollar) that have been in use for 25-30 years since new, and they are all still in excellent condition and used regularly. The last time the saddle fitter came out she told me I would get almost the original purchase cost if I chose to sell the saddle second hand now (it has been re-flocked in the intervening years, but otherwise just looked after well). I also have a hand-me-down martingale, a few bits of harness and a leather girth that are all much older than 30 years and they are all in very good condition too, despite their age. The only 'problem' with buying good quality leather goods is that you have to take care of them or you won't benefit from the investment for as long as you could do!

 

[COldNag]

That's really sad.

I trained at Cordwainers some 35 years ago (waves to Cremedemonthe) and back then there were probably 20 saddlery students per year, perhaps more?

It will be a very sad state if affairs if we lose this course.