Cumbria School of Saddlery.

[Oberon]

I've always wanted to learn how to work with leather and make bridles/headcollars........

I haven't been on holiday for a couple of years, so I was thinking about doing the Bridlework Part 1 course next Jan.

Has anyone done courses with them?

 

[Holly Hocks]

Is this David May's place? If so, haven't done a course with them, but he did some work to a saddle I once had to help it fit - he's very good.

 

[contestdancer]

Yes - its a total must. I can't recommend the courses or David highly enough. You'll have a great time and learn loads.

 

[Oberon]

It's this place

http://www.saddlerycourses.com/default.htm

I'd like to be able to make my own bridle/headcollar .

 

[Holly Hocks]

Yes it's David May's place - he is very good at his job and really knows his stuff. He can make anything out of leather! It's definitely the place to go to learn to do it properly.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

i have known David for nearly 35 yrs he used to be the saddler at nimrods in edinburgh, then re met him in warwickshire in late 80's then he moved to cumbria. Fantastic saddler!

 

[tamsinkb]

I have done 4 of David's courses and have loved every one of them - go for it!

 

[Oberon]

I have done 4 of David's courses and have loved every one of them - go for it!

Oh cool - what were you able to do after the Part 1 course?

 

[ha903070]

Yes go for it, I did bridlework parts 1 and 2 and absolutely loved it!! He is a very good teacher too and helps you after you finish the courses, you can just ring him. Its such fun and so interesting.
The days fly by you are so busy concentrating.

I made my own leather headcollar on part 1 for my big mare and then made a complete flash bridle on part 2 for my tb plus a couple of dog collars and mens belts. You get loads done in a short time you'll be amazed.

 

[Baileyhoss]

I have done the reflock course. David is a legend. You'll love it and learn so much. I plan to do the bridle work courses next with a view to doing saddlery as a wee business in a few years.

 

[dominobrown]

My mum has done a few courses with him. She really enjoyed it. She made a dog collar and lead thing, and a nice Working hunter bridle for my pony at the time. I think you can make whatever you choose. You also learn ho to differentiate between quality leather etc.
Afterwards my mum set up her own tack repair business for a while and can make most things which are not too complicated.
This is very handy for me!