Saddle/bridle making

[Mr Punch]

I’m wanting to look into learning how to make my own saddle and bridle. Not really knowing where I want to go with it just think it would be a great skill to have.

Does anywhere know anywhere in northern England that holds courses? I’ve looked online and everywhere seems to be either way down south or in Scotland.

Or can anyone give any guidance with what’s involved gaining qualifications? I had a look on the master Saddlers website but the guidance wasn’t that clear really.

Thanks

 

[Orangehorse]

Is it Cordwainer's College? Probably a full time educational course.

 

[catroo]

Bridle and headcollars are relatively simple, my other half makes them. He's pretty much self taught, he got a DVD and simple paper guide from a saddlers near totnes in devon.

He started with a simple inhand show bridle but now does lots of fancy things like padded, fancy stitching, clenchers etc
It's great for me, all my ponies have their own bespoke made to measure bridle to suit their head perfectly.

He didn't ever attend an official course but saddles would be more complex

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

Saddlers Den in Southport 😊

 

[Orangehorse]

It is not Cordwainers, sorry. I think that was the original name, but it is now a shoe making and fashion college.

 

[OldNag]

It is not Cordwainers, sorry. I think that was the original name, but it is now a shoe making and fashion college.

Think Cordwainers still offer saddlery though - has moved from Hackney to Herts (I was there quite a long time ago). ..

 

[cremedemonthe]

I trained at the original cordwainers in Hackney in 1987 it has since closed and is now situated in Capel Manor



http://www.capel.ac.uk/saddlery.html

Oz

 

[OldNag]

I trained at the original cordwainers in Hackney in 1987 it has since closed and is now situated in Capel Manor



http://www.capel.ac.uk/saddlery.html

Oz

Ah thanks Oz, I thought it was just a move and rename.

 

[Mr Punch]

Bridle and headcollars are relatively simple, my other half makes them. He's pretty much self taught, he got a DVD and simple paper guide from a saddlers near totnes in devon.

He started with a simple inhand show bridle but now does lots of fancy things like padded, fancy stitching, clenchers etc
It's great for me, all my ponies have their own bespoke made to measure bridle to suit their head perfectly.

He didn't ever attend an official course but saddles would be more complex

Thanks. Would you be able to let me know which Saddlers it was as I’d be really interested in getting a copy.

 

[Mr Punch]

I trained at the original cordwainers in Hackney in 1987 it has since closed and is now situated in Capel Manor



http://www.capel.ac.uk/saddlery.html

Oz

Thanks. That looks great but too far away for me at the moment.

 

[sbloom]

Scotland any good?

https://www.facebook.com/pg/uksaddlery/about/?ref=page_internal

 

[catroo]

Thanks. Would you be able to let me know which Saddlers it was as I’d be really interested in getting a copy.

Www.tannerbates.co.uk

Can't see the DVD on the website, just a belt making kit, but if you give him a call he should be able to help

 

[Mr Punch]

Scotland any good?

https://www.facebook.com/pg/uksaddlery/about/?ref=page_internal

I was looking at this one and it looks brilliant but i'm in West Yorkshire so would need to stay up there for the duration of the course and don't have the spare funds at the minute.

 

[Mr Punch]

Www.tannerbates.co.uk

Can't see the DVD on the website, just a belt making kit, but if you give him a call he should be able to help

Thank you will take a look at this x

 

[sbloom]

It's a really specialist skill these days which is why you're only finding a small handful of locations you can study at, I would always expect to have to do an overnighter for most training for my work as a saddle fitter.

 

[Floxie]

Bridle and headcollars are relatively simple, my other half makes them. He's pretty much self taught, he got a DVD and simple paper guide from a saddlers near totnes in devon.

He started with a simple inhand show bridle but now does lots of fancy things like padded, fancy stitching, clenchers etc
It's great for me, all my ponies have their own bespoke made to measure bridle to suit their head perfectly.

He didn't ever attend an official course but saddles would be more complex

Thanks. Would you be able to let me know which Saddlers it was as I’d be really interested in getting a copy.

Thank you will take a look at this x

I suspect he may be overwhelmed if EVERYONE calls him with the same request! So would you mind updating us, Mr Punch? I'm also really interested, but as I say if you're going to phone I'll hold off for now...