A SADDLE’S SECOND LIFE

Has your loved saddle earned its retirement, but you can’t bear the thought of it just sitting in the tack room a token of years you’ll never forget? With Ruby Creagh, your saddle can be transformed into a bag, a keepsake made to be carried every day, not left behind in storage.

I know a saddle is never just a saddle. It’s the early mornings, the partnership with an animal who meant something to you, and sometimes, what’s left once that chapter has closed. However you’ve come to this page, I understand what these pieces carry, and I take real care with every saddle that arrives at my studio.

Please read through the process below before placing your deposit.

HOW TO START

Drop me an email to get started, and I will come back to you with your deposit amount. This depends on whether you are choosing a style from the existing collections or something bespoke. Once your deposit is in, I will be in touch straight away with everything you need to send your saddle to me. me.

CHOOSING YOUR STYLE

You’re welcome to choose from my original collection or existing saddle bag collection. Take a look and see what feels right. Or, if you have something else in mind, get in touch. We can talk it through together; I’m always happy to discuss a bespoke design if you would like something different. One saddle typically yields one bag, plus a wallet or small pouch, though this depends on the size and condition of your saddle. I will help you work out what’s possible once the saddle is with me.

TURNAROUND TIME

Turnaround typically runs 2–6 months from when your saddle arrives with me, depending on the waiting list at the time. I’ll keep you updated along the way, and will always be in touch before your project begins.

SENDING YOUR SADDLE

Pack your saddle as snugly as you can in the smallest suitable box, folding the flaps in on themselves. Do include any bridle pieces or tack you’d like worked in, along with a note of your name, order details and preferred style. Girths and stirrup irons aren’t needed. Please send via a tracked, insured courier and keep hold of your tracking number.

Local to Ilkley? You’re very welcome to drop your saddle at the studio in person — just get in touch and we’ll find a time.

MAKING IT PERSONAL

Bridle pieces, reins, halters, nameplates and saddle brand plates can all be worked into your finished piece. If there’s something specific your horse’s tack included that you would love to incorporated, just let me know. This is often what makes a piece feel truly yours.

PRICING

Prices are the same whether you supply your own saddle or choose a piece from the existing collection. What you’re paying for is the time and craft that goes into making a piece. Personalisation like nameplates is included; more elaborate additions may carry a small extra charge.

YOUR REMNANTS

Once your piece is made, there’ll usually be some leather left over, and it’s yours to decide what happens to it:

1. Made into an additional small item for you

2. Kept by me to fold into future pieces, so nothing goes to waste

3. Returned to you

Unless you tell me otherwise, I’ll keep offcuts in circulation for future work, and where possible, the saddle tree will be passed on for reuse rather than thrown away.

BEFORE I BEGIN

I’ll always be in touch before your project starts, to confirm your style, any personalisation, and answer any last questions.

WHEN IT’S FINISHED

Once your piece is complete, I’ll send you photos and details straight away.

FINAL PAYMENT & RETURN

On completion, you’ll receive an email with your final balance, which includes fully insured return shipping, signed for on delivery.

Thank you for trusting me with something that clearly means so much. It’s a real privilege to help a saddle find its next chapter, and I can’t wait to see what yours becomes.

Ruby x