Saddlery courses?

Montyforever

Montyforever

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Has anyone done one? I want to work with horses but not as a groom , enjoy making things and have made rugs ect in the past.
Is there anywhere I could go to have a go at it and see if i would enjoy doing it?
 
There is a centre in the Lake District that runs courses. I don't know the name of the place, but if you do a google search, you should be able to come up with it.

It is something I would love to do, but have not yet made the time for.

EDIT: Went and did a search: http://www.saddlerycourses.com/
 
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NeilM said:
There is a centre in the Lake District that runs courses. I don't know the name of the place, but if you do a google search, you should be able to come up with it.

It is something I would love to do, but have not yet made the time for.

EDIT: Went and did a search: http://www.saddlerycourses.com/
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Same advice! Go to David at the place above. He is absolutly full of enthusiasm and knowledge. I have been on a few courses now, initially just out of interest so I could get the skills to make my mare a bridle. I enjoyed it so much I have changed career and am now working for a saddlery and looking forward to doing my city and guilds levels over the next few years! David not only teaches you how, but passes on his love of saddlery, a really wonderful place to get learning!
 
Hi, Im in my first year at Capel Manor. Im sure they would let you do a taster day as we've had people in just for a day before :) Or could you maybe ask a local saddler if you could go with them for a day or a bit longer as work experience?
 
I can recommend Lee valley Saddlery courses here in Scotland, although may be a bit far for you!! You could stay at a B and B and enjoy the historic town of Galashields where they are based.

Practically One to one instruction, a true love of all leatherwork is passed on easily and clearly with great skill which will last you a life time.

i went last year for the beginners bridle course and learning how increadibly hard it is to make one keeper was a real eye opener!!

Nothing is cheap though, and once you are hooked you will need a few hundred pounds put aside to buy good tools to get you started.
 
Thanks everyone, can't currently do the capel manor one as ive not got enough gcses because I had to drop out of school in year 10 for health reasons. Do you think I would be able to find a local saddler willing to take on an apprentice?
 
montyforever said:
Thanks everyone, can't currently do the capel manor one as ive not got enough gcses because I had to drop out of school in year 10 for health reasons. Do you think I would be able to find a local saddler willing to take on an apprentice?
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Well worth asking, do make sure they run a good workshop though otherwise you will struggle to keep up with other apprenticies taken on at the same time. If you were taken on as an apprentice then you would have time out from work to go to sailsbury for your city and guilds levels. You would be in a small group with other apprentices at the same level as you. http://www.saddlerytraining.co.uk/

If you are free then you could head along to BETA and see the comps there, 1st years will be making rein stops and second years will be making a noseband in a timed comp. http://www.beta-uk.org/pages/trade/international.php Not sure how you get a ticket as work has sorted mine, but worth a call perhaps?

For inspiration check out http://www.franceskellybridles.co.uk/ such stunning work!!
 
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