The Saddler's Post

Poseidon Atelier creates traditional English saddles and fine leather goods, combining expert saddle fitting with heirloom-quality craftsmanship.At Poseidon Atelier, we understand that a proper saddle fitting is crucial for the comfort and performance of both horse and rider. Our experienced saddle fitter is dedicated to ensuring that your saddle fits perfectly, taking into account the unique anatomy and needs of your horse.Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a beginner embarking on a new adventure, we will ensure an enhanced riding experience and optimize the harmony between you and your horse. From dressage to trail riding, we will cater to all disciplines and preferences.

YUSSICO is a leather goods label and consultancy founded by award-winning designer and leather craftsman, Yusuf Osman. A lawyer turned leather advocate; his work he shares his journey of building a more meaningful life by slowing down, reconnecting with craftsmanship and appreciating natural materials.Yusuf was introduced to the world of traditional British leather craftsmanship during a weekend course in the Cotswolds. Over the past decade, he has been building his knowledge through sustained study and learning all over the world. A winner of the Leathersellers’ Award for three consecutive years, his work has been exhibited in the UK and Asia and is recommended by the Homo Faber Guide. He has been a judge for the Design-A-Bag Competition and for the Heritage Craft Association, has walked the runway at London Fashion Week and has been interviewed for numerous press and podcast features as a leading industry voice.The UK's foremost authority on fine saddle-stitched leather goods and a Freeman of the Leathersellers’ Company, he has taught leatherworking to hundreds of students from across the globe, including a number of very famous faces. He has worked with international brands including Jo Malone and eBay; has delivered workshops for ACAVA, the NHS and Lewisham Council; is an ambassador for Choose Real Leather and Leather Naturally; has appeared as a key-note speaker at APLF Hong Kong and Bangkok and as a leading industry voice at Lineapelle in Milan alongside the ‘Is It Leather?’ campaign. As well as continuing to make pioneering accessories for customers in his studio, Yusuf’s consultancy [link to new Services page] focuses on championing craftsmanship as an alternative to our throwaway culture. Despite the negative assumptions which are often incorrectly associated with leather, Yusuf’s deep understanding of the material has secured him work with big-named brands, interior designers and fashion houses to help them work with this natural material, which sustainably connects regenerative farming, food waste and the circular economy. Yusuf believes that many of the problems we experience today as individuals and communities, alongside the erosion of the environment, are as a result of our loss of knowledge around craftsmanship and materials. Reconnecting with craft and leather can help us to navigate the complex issues we face, and in doing so, we can uncover the threads that connect us all.Commissions, collaboration, consultation, individual tuition and private label work are welcome. 

With a proud legacy of nine years as a dedicated bench saddler in Walsall, I've passionately crafted 4 to 5 exceptional saddles weekly, setting myself apart in a predominantly male-oriented industry. In late 2022, I took a leap forward to establish my own business, specialising in crafting exquisite leather handbags accessories and English Made Saddles.Beyond my mastery in saddlery, I delved into the film industry, spending six months creating intricate leather props. While some of my film work remains confidential until the movie launches, you can explore a glimpse of my creations.Notably, my work is displayed at the Tower of London, a testament to my commitment to producing premium UK-made leather goods. Embracing tradition and quality craftsmanship, I am dedicated to continuing the legacy of exceptional British leatherwork and am eager to share my expertise and creations with you. Explore my collection and experience the essence of finely crafted leather goods.

EKP Leatherwork is owned by myself, Emily Porter of Mount Mee, QLD. A near-lifelong fascination with saddlery, and its centuries of skills, tools and traditions, led to the desire to learn and make. I was fortunate enough to learn from a traditional harness maker from the start, and continually strive to learn and grow as a maker.I combine traditional methods with classic equestrian style, inspired by my muse, The Horse, and I love showcasing the natural characteristics and sustainability of real leather.Every piece is made entirely by my hands – hand cut, hand stitched and hand finished, right here in the Moreton Bay hinterland. From design to completion, it is all done by myself without shortcuts or machines, resulting in a genuinely handmade, beautiful, and lasting piece made for you.Specialising in- bespoke bridle leather belts- minimalist and classic bags- custom work- quality repairs.If you value quality and tradition, and the knowledge that comes from learning things the right way; if you love leather and all things handmade; if you covet your own bespoke piece - then please reach out, I would love to hear how I might help you.

Gfeller Casemakers, Inc. is a proven leader in the supply of high quality leathergoods for the working professional. From 1946 to the present we have established the mark that others have consistently fallen short of in providing quality leathergoods at fair prices.This leadership position is one we take extremely seriously. We are keenly aware of our responsibilities and our vulnerabilities in this leadership position. We craft each and every product as though our continued survival depends on that particular item…Because it does.Steve Derricott had experienced success as an exploration geologist and was looking for a career change in 1985. He felt there was a potential in the Gfeller Casemakers business that had not been developed. His idea was simple and he had the history of cyclic metal prices and exploration demand on his side. He knew that the reason for hard times at Gfeller Casemakers was due primarily to a down cycle in field crew employment. The historical response of mineral exploration activities to fluctuating metal prices suggested that an upswing in demand was to be expected. If he could acquire the business and learn the operations while demand was low, the Company would be poised to grow when demand returned. He believed the key to long term success, for the company, was to diversify before the sure to follow down swing arrived. With help and constant support from his wife Lori, the Derricott team rebuilt Gfeller Casemakers. They were fortunate to attract custom manufacturing work that solidified the business and spread the demand away from seasonal Geoscience to year-round contracts. Customers as diverse as electronics manufacturers and custom knife makers to the Military Academy at West Point New York helped to grow a diversified Gfeller Casemakers. Changing markets have challenged the company and new products have been added to the lineup.A custom order request for a calfskin notebook cover (2007) would prove very fortuitous. Not unlike the request to build a student geologists field pouch, over sixty years earlier, this notebook cover and its acclaim on the internet launched a demand for new items to new customers. Suddenly Gfeller Casemakers became the focus of blogs and tweets by customers that had recently discovered the profoundly functional notebook covers and personal leather products.We are a stronger organization today because we have never departed from Roy’s insistence on premium raw materials, no nonsense designs and most importantly we enjoy our work.Roy Gfeller and his wife Mertie lived near Aurora Colorado in 1946. Roy was scraping by on a small acreage raising a few cows and doing part time saddle building and repair. He was an outgoing individual and made friends easily. Little is known about the ranching operation other than his desire to one day have his own place and raise purebred Short Horn Herford beef cattle. Much more information is available concerning his leather work. His journal contains details of saddle construction and most importantly shows an early disposition for purchasing only the best materials. High quality materials and attention to detail are to be vitally important in developing his future business as a Casemaker. His reputation for using only the best parts of the hide in his products will help to spread his work to every corner of the globe.– Steve Derricott 

Ridgely Davis is the proprietor and saddler at Light Horse Leatherworks, a custom leather work, saddle and tack repair shop in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.Ridgely Davis has been riding horses since his childhood and has always been attracted to the leatherwork of saddlery. Ridgely got diligent in his pursuit of learning the craft by apprenticing under qualified professionals and attending dedicated courses in England. It's a career that is approaching four decades and Ridgely claims that doing the work is still a learning process.Maryland Saddlery's Butler location serves as a pick up and drop off point for tack repair and restoration specialist Ridgely Davis.Ridgely studied American History and Museum Studies at Salem College in West Virginia where he attended from 1982 to 1986.

Patrick Burns recognized the need to preserve the craft, skills and knowledge of the ages old art of saddlery and was instrumental in an idea to bolster the trade as it is practiced in modern times.The Walsall Leather Skills Centre is a community interest company (CIC) operating under a Service Level Agreement signed with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers in October 2023.We have committed to delivering a range of general and specialist classes and workshops teaching the vocational skills and imparting the knowledge required to develop and maintain a skilled workforce for the UK’s saddlery trade and leathergoods manufacturing – whether factory, small business or craft.The Centre is a resource for the leatherworking community and organisations who support the preservation and transmission of centuries old leather craft and manufacturing skills.We are a resource serving the training needs of the saddlery and leather trades and for anyone wishing to acquire or improve their leatherworking skills.The Centre occupies a spacious, well-resourced premises in the centre of Walsall within a short walk from the Train and Bus stations.It is equipped with a knife press, sewing and seaming machines, a skiving machine, a Fortuna splitter, compressor, and a range of bench top equipment including staple guns.We keep a wide selection of tools, materials and leather. We have benches for 8 which is the maximum class size.We teach courses for the complete beginner to the advanced practitioner and support the delivery of the Leather Craftsperson (Level 2) and Bespoke Saddler (Level 3) apprenticeships.For those who wish to become a Qualified Saddler the training we offer supports the achievement of the City & Guilds Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma in Saddlery (Bridle, Saddle and Harness).Walsall Leather Skills CentreOur courses also support those who wish to develop their craft leatherworking skills – whether for pleasure or as businesses producing niche and luxury leather goods.Our trainers are experienced saddle, bridle and harness makers, leathercraft workers and leather technologists. Each teaches a subject or programme they have specialised in. The maximum class size is 8.  Most courses will limit numbers to 6 so that the training, which is intensive, can be properly supported by the tutor.

Robert H Steinke, served his apprenticeship with Keith Luxford, saddlers to H.M. The Queen before starting his own business in 1970.  Specialising in made to measure driving harness, he has exhibited at numerous shows including Royal Welsh, British Driving Society Show at Windsor, Equitana at Essen in Germany, Irish Driving Champs at Birr Castle, London Design Centre, Royal Dublin Show where he is now on the judging panel of the National Craft Competition and has given lectures & demonstrated his craft at the Irish Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. His work is also in the stables of the Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London, King Hussain of Jordan & King Idris of Libya & is the author of 8 books on saddlery & driving harness and contributed to several equestrian magazines. Apart from being busy in his workshop, Rob has been busy in his stables over the years. His interests have included showing, from leading rein to cobs and carriage driving and hunting. For 10 years Rob ran this own private museum, The Museum of the Master Saddler, beside his stables in Co. Cavan, Ireland before closing it to relocate to Co. Wexford were he now lives and works. He still specialises in made to measure saddlery & harness particularly for in-hand showing.Rob has now branched out into filming videos at his harness Makers Workshop in Co. Wexford, Ireland and is the harness contributor to The Carriage Commentator digital forum web site.  He has also launched his own channel on YouTube, “Rob Steinke”.https://rob-harnessmaker.com/

Wendy Winn is a lifetime horsewoman and expert in her field. Wendy has dedicated the last 18 years to Burns and saddle fit. During that time, she never stopped learning. Wendy has fit thousands of horses, collaborated with vets, studied equine anatomy, innovated the saddle, and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles. And somewhat recently, in her pursuit of knowledge, both sharing and gathering it, Wendy has taken to life coaching.Wendy serves as President of Outside Sales at Burns Saddlery. Our team prides itself on leading the western retail industry with innovative saddle designs and a rich array of western saddle fit. With nearly two decades at the company, the focus is on service excellence and a gratitude-driven approach to sales, ensuring that each client benefits from our deep-rooted expertise and commitment to their satisfaction.Coaching at Kansas State University, alongside my spouse, has refined leadership skills that complement my professional life, fostering a synergy between mentoring young athletes and steering a dedicated sales team. In both arenas, success is a shared journey, underpinned by unwavering accountability and a passion for the brand we ride for.We appreciate all you do for horse & rider, Wendy.Connect with Wendy or another knowledgeable Saddle Rep.Contact information and upcoming events in pinned posts.https://burns1876.com/brand/SaddleryBurns Saddlery, headquartered in Salina, Utah, is the oldest, same family-owned Western retail business in the world. Miles Lamonie Burns, a hard-working cowboy and talented craftsmen, opened the first Burns retail shop at the gateway of Capitol Reef near Torrey, Utah in the spring of 1876. The business was passed down through generations from parent to child. Today, Burns shares the traditions of the West with you by handcrafting beautiful heirloom products for horse and rider.Hey, we hear you. A poor-fitting saddle and a sore horse don’t lead to winning results. That’s why our number one priority is finding a saddle with the perfect fit for both you and your horse. The development of our precisely angled trees and our signature challenger skirts provide ultimate comfort and movement for your horse. Our saddle-fitting experts are on hand to assist you in finding your perfect fit whenever and wherever you are. Careful attention is given to every detail of a Burns saddle, from the hand-tooled patterns to the intricate stitching to the quality cuts of premium USA leather. This extra care and attention is what makes a Burns saddle remarkable, setting it apart from the rest. And we never shy away from a custom design. We know you’re giving everything you’ve got, and so should your saddle.So, what are you waiting for? It’s about time we got you in a Burns.Welcome to the Burns family. The best part of the horseman community is how we’re all united by our love of the sport. We may be a little wild, a little quirky, and a little silly, but we all have a place in this tribe.Whether you meet Burns at an event, a saddle-fitting, or in one of our shops, our team is there to answer your questions, improve your performance, or just catch up on life. At Burns, you’re not just a client, you’re family.

Lauren Broxton is a designer and maker of bespoke, contemporary leather goods, built to stand the test of time. Inspired by the dynamics of the forgotten British post-industrial, she creates robust, resilient pieces crafted entirely from reclaimed saddlery leather, in homage to the heritage of her hometown. Driven by a need for interdependence in design, she forges close working relationships with local craftspeople, resulting in the marriage of traditional craft and modernity whilst ensuring circularity.Characterised by distinctly bold, sculptural silhouettes, Lauren's romanticised vision of the everyday aims to capture the extraordinary that lies amidst the ordinary. Drawing inspiration from art, politics and sociology, her work explores themes of class, sex and gender, often influenced by castigated groups in society. Innovative approaches to leatherwork strike the balance between the industrial and the artisanal, resulting in unique objects that can never be truly replicated. 

Paul Smith is a factory manager with Albion Saddlemakers, based in Walsall, England, and a global leader in the industry. Paul’s extensive knowledge of the trade takes him around the world in the company’s relentless drive for remarkable quality and superlative performance. He talks to Christian whilst on a business trip to Wellington, Florida.The Albion Brand StoryStarted in 1985 by Paul and Sherry Belton, the Albion England brand was originally born out of a desire to pioneer a truly premium range of equestrian competition saddles, bridles and accessories which exceeded all expectations.Albion’s (meaning ‘Old England’) guiding principle is simple, to always deliver a supremely superior quality product, blending traditional values and artisan craftsmanship with revolutionary innovation and state of the art technology. At the heart of Albion’s success is the tremendous pride the company takes in producing beautifully handcrafted country lifestyle items, which embrace the best of British design combined with carefully honed skills and processes that have been passed down through the generations.After realising the potential of applying Albion’s undisputed heritage for exceptional quality to other country pursuits, the natural way forward was to establish a stronger lifestyle positioning for the brand. The roll out of a carefully chosen selection of exquisitely designed lifestyle products to satisfy the aspirations and intrinsic desire for items of distinction as demanded by the discerning Albion customer followed. Currently the range includes luxury candles, timeless handbags and clutch bags, stunning silk scarves and stylish umbrellas – with further exciting additions planned.

Erica Allen is the new owner of Christian Lowe Leather Care, having purchased it from Christian Lowe. They have a conversation on the business.People who know Erica well, know that she has always been really in-tune with the horses she surrounds herself with; constantly striving for improvements, no matter how subtle or small. So it comes as no surprise that sharing her education & knowledge to make other peoples horses more comfortable would be of interest to her.  Given her years working in veterinary medicine, as well as sales revolving around the comfort or horses all around the world, the services Erica offers all logically fell into place as the perfect union to enhance the comfort of horses. Erica is also a dressage rider, coach and trainer known for her attention to rider position, balance and subtle use of all aids to communicate with the horse in a kind and fair manner. She strongly believes there is always room for improvement.  While her passion lays in dressage, her eye & experience isn’t limited to that discipline. Many people may be surprised to find out that her passion was swayed by an accident resulting in a broken back. It was a blessing in disguise resulting in her uncharacteristic ability to pin point and discuss minute points & feelings that most riders have not contemplated about themselves or their mounts.

Stephen Sothmann is the President of Leather & Hide Council of America (LHCA). In this role, Stephen represents and promotes the interests of the U.S. hides, skins and leather industry before a wide-range of stakeholders, including U.S. and foreign governments, industry trade associations, media outlets, and other organizations related to global leather production and trade.To promote quality US leather as the leather of choice, both at home and overseas, working with stakeholders from producer groups to buyers, from fashion houses to end consumers. And to promote the industry encouraging free trade, overcoming logistics issues and exploring new opportunities. We strive to protect and promote the sector.To support our members as they build their businesses, develop new products and open new channels to market providing resources from research to trade insight and delivered through our international networks. We work to protect and promote the interests of every member whatever the size of their business or area of operations.To promote leather as a material, championing its sustainable credentials and building on the quality standards and processes that give us confidence in what we do. We work to establish best practice, to communicate that to end users, to create ambassadors for leather and to champion those standards around the world.

Kate and Jack Lennie are podcasters, YouTube hosts and magazine publishers. We Are Makers is their brand. They live north of Glasgow, Scotland.“At We Are Makers, our mission is to celebrate and elevate the work of independent makers worldwide. We strive to promote the beauty and importance of craftsmanship, foster a supportive community of creators and consumers, and inspire a renewed appreciation for the artistry and innovation that goes into handmade goods. Our goal is to be a voice for independent makers, providing a platform for their stories, insights, and expertise to be shared with the world. By championing independent businesses, we hope to encourage consumers to choose quality over quantity and support the preservation of traditional skills and techniques.”

Brett Viberg is a third generation owner of a family business. VIBERG boots are expertly made from start to finish at their Victoria, B.C. workshop by a small team of talented craftspeople – just as they’ve always been made for the last 92 years. It’s taken five generations of innovation to make the world’s most beautiful and durable boots.Brett has re-shaped the long-standing family business into his vision, building on an established brand and bringing it into a newly defined marketplace, from an industrial boot manufacturer to stylish boot brand. Quality and integrity remains at the forefront as does the commitment to staying authentic to the family name, but Brett is successfully driving the company forward in a vastly different business world from the one his family had to face in prior generations.

Lisa and Loren Skyhorse began making saddles over 50 years ago in northern California. They now call Durango, Colorado their home.Their passion for horses and custom saddlery runs deep. They are both avid riders and have ridden horses all over the world, including Africa, Mongolia, Peru and the Altai mountains in Southern Siberia. They were avid Endurance Riders for over 20 years and together completed 4 World Championship Ride and Ties.Lisa and Loren have always run their business with the utmost integrity. They remember when a person’s handshake and word were their bond and continue to live and do business by that code of honor.Below is a short explanation of how they came to produce Skyrider. We hope that knowing the evolution of Skyrider will be helpful in your decision to try one.How Skyrider was BornIn 2010 Lisa and Loren set out on a venture to design and construct a saddle that was affordable, yet encompassed all the qualities of their nicest custom saddle. As a result of their effort, the SKYRIDER was born. It wasn’t easy, however. There were several prototypes built and tested before deciding on just the right design. Only after Lisa and Loren were completely satisfied with the durability of the saddle and its comfort for both the horse and rider, would they offer it to their clients.

From the Himel Bros. website – My passion for leather jackets grew out of a vintage clothing business that I started in 1993. The beginnings of the internet and the desire to accumulate knowledge as to which garments had value led me to research every detail of construction, heritage, and history of each rare piece I found. It was only after the publication of Rin Tanaka’s book Motorcycle Jackets: A Century of Design did I realize that I had been the source of many of the jackets in the book. It was that book that metamorphosed me from seller, to collector and researcher of leather jackets.  My own family history was in sportswear manufacturing from the 1930s until the 1960s, so I felt a quasi-spiritual connection to the history of clothing manufacture. Even the name—Himel Bros. Leather—is an homage to my grandfather and his two brothers. I contacted the oldest schmata men left alive and picked their brains on company histories, sewing techniques, and designs to understand how to make perfect jackets. By working with some of the most talented knowledgeable people in the business, Himel Bros. was born out of sweat and research.I tracked down the finest most authentic hides from the best of the best tanneries globally, sourced the finest replica zippers from Japan and accumulated old stock parts over the course of several years. I sourced original machinery and parts, and where none were available, found the most authentic new materials for each period of jacket. I drew upon my collections of the rarest designs and tailored each pattern by hand, making each jacket one by one using 1930s bench made techniques.Our team are some of the finest leather craftspeople in the business and we pride ourselves on trying to be the best of the best as garment makers. Himel Brothers believes everybody deserves to have “One Good Thing”!

Calyse was founded by Cassandra Severino when she sparked an interest in making handbags. It all started when she met her partner, an automotive upholsterer. Picking up the leather off-cuts in the shop, Cassandra was inspired to make use of what would be waste. With a passion for fashion, she began sketching handbag designs and navigated how to turn these into tangible goods. This hobby quickly grew into an obsession, a mission to further her learning, practice tirelessly and become a skilled craftswoman, full-time working artist.Being an environmentalist herself, Cassandra strives to produce products that are sustainable and built to last. Sourcing leather thoughtfully is one of the top priorities for staying earth-friendly. High quality leather hides are sourced from designer factory overflow or vegetable tanned leather that is easier on the environment by using plants rather than chemicals to process. Our main Leather use comes from recycling vintage saddlery and tack, saving these beautifully patina’d and high quality leathers from the landfill. All hardware is natural solid brass sourced from top notch supplier in Newburyport, MA.Each and every piece is thoughtfully designed and handmade out of Cassandra’s studio based in Candia, NH. Quality and sustainability are the key factors behind Calyse bags in order to bring you a beautiful, heirloom piece of wearable art that is built to last and take with you wherever you may go.

Will Ficner dabbled in making bags from reclaimed pieces of leather, his first real foray into leather craft stemming from a belt project. After doing a project entirely in leather he was hooked and chose to spend the next few years working primarily with leather.In 2010, Will decided to give his sewing and leather craft projects a name. A fusion of his name and the neighbourhood in Ottawa where he grew up inspired the name, Wilboro. Initially, Wilboro was purely based around making products for family, friends, the occasional commission and for himself.  Since then, Will has been steadily building a fully operational leather and sewing workshop and is ever honing his skill set.Wilboro is a one-person design and fabrication company that thoughtfully designs durable bags and leather goods that introduce timeless style and function into your everyday life.  All goods are handcrafted in the Wilboro Ottawa workshop from superior materials.

Awl Together Leather is a custom leatherwork and shoe repair studio located in East Vancouver, BC, co-owned by Ariss Grutter and Tess Gobeil.“We opened our doors during the COVID-19 pandemic on May 4th, 2021, after deciding we could work to change the homogenous demographics of our industry.Ariss and Tess first met while working together at a local boot manufacturer and formed strong solidarity as underrepresented leatherworkers – both sick of sexism and unstable work environments. Together, we have over 10 years of leatherwork experience. We have named our company to reflect our collective values ‘All Together’ and a commonly used leather tool – an Awl.We launched a Kickstarter campaign in April 2021 and reached our initial goal of 10k in 36hrs and 30 days later, on our grand opening, we had raised over 22k. In our first year of operation, 1428 customers walked through our door— 940 of whom became repeat customers. During that period, we completed 6694 individual jobs, ranging from a small re-stitch to re-dying Gucci’s leather countertops in Holt Renfrew. We keep thousands of items out of a landfill.”Awl Together Leather operates on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It’s part of our mandate to train and help marginalized communities enter professional leatherwork as both workers and owners. 

Misty Shaw is President of 1876 Media and a groundbreaking company with an idea for the leather arts and its artisans. Illum Atelier is a one-of-a-kind subscription-based online learning platform dedicated to teaching the worldwide traditional arts community the fundamental skills needed to find success at every level of craftsmanship. We have built a world-class filming studio in Salt Lake City, Utah where we invite artisans and craftsmen in the community from all over the world to create course curricula. Classes cover a myriad of topics including, but not limited to, the most fundamental understanding of types of materials, tools, and machinery, to full project-based instructional courses. We are striving to elevate and unite the traditional arts community through this unique learning experience.Vision – To elevate and unite the traditional arts community through authentic relationships and narrative, unique learning experiences, and industry events.

Lucy Cushley is the saddler who makes more than saddles. After a lifetime of working with horses (and being accompanied by dogs) in 2016 Lucy travelled to Enfield, London, to study for two years at Capel Manor College, one of the last places to study saddlery full time.Since returning to Co Down in Northern Ireland, Lucy has continued to develop her skills in saddlery and leatherwork, regularly traveling to Britain to undertake further qualifications and training from Masters. Their mentorship, alongside support from a number of societies and trusts, has meant that she is able to continue to supply her customers with bespoke, luxury items of leatherwork and saddlery. For well loved or damaged items, Lucy provides a repair/refurbishment service to give items a renewed lease of life.It is these traditional skills, and high quality materials which let your bespoke commissions come to life. From bridles, bags, collars to home furnishings, working on new, exciting designs, we are always excited to bring your ideas to life.

Pictavia Leather is owned and run by Hamish Lamley, based in Perthshire, the heart of Scotland. All leather products are designed and made by Hamish and his apprentices.Hamish has over a decade experience in traditional leatherworking, and through years of research and experimental archaeology has worked hard to explore Pictish culture. Hamish has consulted on and starred in various television shows to talk about the Picts and showcase Pictish culture.I began teaching myself leatherwork whilst bedbound for several years. It provided a way to focus my mind, and gave me a lot of time to pursue another avenue to researching my passion for history and archaeology. For me Leatherwork is also about function. I use traditional methods because they have also been developed over thousands of years, and are often the most functional and practical. I want my work to outlive me, and so I strive to create the most durable works to combine function and beauty.Leatherwork is my connection to the past. It is my way to solve problems as our ancestors did, to work at my own pace and see the world as they did.When I take knife, needle and thread to leather, it is with the same techniques that leather craftsmen have used for thousands of years as I explore early Medieval leatherworking methods and tools alongside their contemporary counterparts.There is the inherent challenge of trying to solve a problem using only the most basic of tools.It is my passion to recreate ancient Pictish artwork from the stone carvings and jewllery, bringing the old medium back to life in leather, and to research and produce historic replicas based on archaeological finds.

Jeff Churchill is the founder and owner of Jitterbug Boy, a purveyor of high-quality, custom made boots and shoes for the arts. His shoes can be seen on stage and screen worldwide.Jeff’s focus is on fine craftsmanship working in unison with the specific technical and physical requirements of the client’s productions. They understand the effect that the proper shoes have on not just the costume or the artist, but on the whole show.

Tony Fantasia is an artist and leather worker and family man. He has a goal is to bring you the best quality custom design work at the best possible price. Tony strives to perfect his leather craft and has started to build interest in other mediums such as metalwork, foam sculpting and set design. And incorporating engraving and etching, along with wood working, to expand his general offerings to the public.

Vision Saddlery was founded by Owen Morgan in 2007, after having gained years of experience and training in Europe and North America. Now with over 20 years in the industry, he is able to let his understanding of the demands of the equestrian world show through the designs of the Vision saddles.​In his teens when working in the family tack store, Owen set two goals for himself: to gain work-related experience with the tack store's saddler, and to train with the best saddle companies in Canada and internationally.At age 17, Owen took his first course with Prestige Italy; and later, a course with David Kempsell, Master Saddler and creator of the Flair Air Bag. In his 20's, he felt that his skills needed to be refined even further and headed to Europe to train with Tolga Aksoyek in Belgium. Tolga started making higher-end saddles in 1991 and has produced and worked on many different saddle lines that are sold world-wide.In 2009, Owen was hired by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Musical Ride as their full-time in-house saddler. He fits and maintains the saddles for all of the horses, as well as all of the leather work required.

Lucy Ellis Leatherwork was launched in 2019 after Lucy discovered that there was a lack of genuine, high quality leatherwork available. As a Master Saddler and Master Bridlemaker, with years of experience in the equestrian industry, Lucy understands the importance of correct workmanship. She strives to create beautiful products using traditional methods so they are built to last, just like the good old days.

Rachael Argo is a Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Qualified Master Saddler and Qualified Saddle Fitter.Rachael was head groom at Belwade Farm, a horse stables near Aboyne, Scotland, where she oversaw a yard of up to 100 horses and 8 staff members. During this time she was fortunate to be able to work with some of the best vets, farriers, physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons in the UK. Rachael developed a good eye for movement and conformation in a horse and also an appreciation for what we expect from horses and the problems that can arise from these expectations.Rachael also rides to a high level and finds that her riding ability helps greatly when assessing horse and rider for a saddle fit. This gives her a better understanding of what is required from the saddle and from the horse. It enables her to pick up on issues that may otherwise go unnoticed and often helps to avoid potential problems for horse and rider.Rachael enjoys all aspects of the saddlery trade but especially saddle fitting as no two horse / rider combinations are ever the same.

Paul Van Dyke says his interest in good horses and gear began early in life so it was no surprise that this interest led him to his eventual career. Two saddlery apprenticeships, under Ron Silverman and Don Butler respectively, finely developed his skills as a horseman. Paul credits working with different horsemen, cowboying and starting colts as foundational to his success.In May 2004 Paul followed his passion and officially struck out into the business on his own; making, using and showing quality stock horses. Most months find him at home near Sheridan, Wyoming starting colts, but a key part of the business sees him traveling across the country starting colts for different breeders. Paul is often found out in the hills, on the ranch, or day working, using his horses in situations that only genuine cowboy work can do to develop them. The winter months are the time he uses to build custom saddles in his shop.Paul has a deep respect and love for the horse trade and it gives him great satisfaction to go to a branding, see a horse he started quietly dragging calves and then turn to see a good hand riding one of his saddles.

Trent Peterson of Bellingham, WA would say he has always taken the road that is less travelled, and that he will always find a way to travel that road. His life journey took him on a life as a ski bum in Vail, CO, a school stint in Fisheries Science that landed him a job for the Washington Fish & Wildlife Department, and then he found himself making a hand on the Walking D ranch in Winthrop, WA. which is where he first was introduced to horses and packing with mules in the mountains.Trent moved abroad to the UK to become fully immersed in the culture, pubs, and vineyards for the next 6 years growing grapes and making wine but missing the wildness of the mountains he grew up around. There, he learned life is about living and not just existing.