A SADDLE’S SECOND LIFE
Turn Your Retired Saddle into an Heirloom You Can Carry Every Day.
A saddle isn't just equipment, it's the early mornings, the partnership, and the memories of a horse you loved. Don't let it gather dust in the tack room.
I grew up in the saddle, managed a stable yard and competed for years, so I know exactly what yours holds. I handcraft your retired saddle into bespoke leather pieces made to be used every day and last a lifetime.
Now booking for spring 2027 I take just 25 saddle commissions a year.
CHOOSE YOUR TRANSFORMATION
The Collection Set: £1,200
Your saddle transformed into a matching set from my existing designs.
1 x medium bag, 2 x small bags, 1 x cardholder or purse.
Best for: making the most of every inch of your saddle's leather.
Fully Bespoke Commission
We design a 1-of-1 piece together, built from scratch around your life.
Custom design and pattern drafting, a prototype to test fit and style, and optional extra pieces from the remaining leather.
Best for: a truly personal statement piece.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Consultation and deposit. We talk through your vision by phone or email. A deposit secures your place on the waiting list.
2. Posting or drop-off. I send a heavy-duty saddle box to your door with packing instructions, or you can drop it at my Ilkley studio.
3. Deconstruction and assessment. I strip, nourish and condition the leather, then call you to review its condition before anything is cut.
4. Making and delivery. Making takes around 8 weeks from your slot's start date. I send photos of your finished pieces, then ship them by tracked, insured courier.
PRESERVING WHAT MATTERS MOST
Nameplates, brass fittings, stirrup leather markings and brand stamps can all be woven into your finished pieces. Offcuts can be returned to you, made into small items, or kept for future projects, so nothing goes to waste.
GIVE A RIDER THEIR SADDLE'S SECOND LIFE
Gift vouchers are available for the Collection Set or towards a bespoke commission. They're beautifully presented and secure a 2027 slot.
MEET ME IN PERSON
Come and see finished saddle pieces, and a saddle mid-transformation, in person:
The Hepworth Wakefield, 20–22 November
Sunny Bank Mills, 27–29 November
Ilkley Market, first Sunday of every month
Badminton Horse Trials, 5–9 May 2027 · Country Living Pavilion
Burghley Horse Trials, 2–5 September 2027 · Country Living Pavilion
Or visit my Ilkley studio by appointment. Bring a photo of your saddle and we’ll talk.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is my saddle suitable?
Most leather saddles are, including children's saddles and older ones. Synthetic saddles can't be used. If you're unsure, send me a few photos and I will let you know.
What if the leather is old, dry or worn?
I deeply condition every saddle. Aged leather often makes the most beautiful, character-filled pieces, and we review it together before cutting.
How much can one saddle make?
Usually a four-piece collection, or one bespoke bag plus small goods from the offcuts.
Do I need to send irons or girths?
No. Just the saddle, plus any small hardware or nameplates you'd like included.
What are the payment terms?
A deposit secures your slot. The balance is due on completion, before insured shipping.
Can I see my saddle before it’s cut?
Always. Once it’s stripped and conditioned, I call you to look at the leather together, and nothing is cut until you’re happy with the plan.
Can you include my horse’s name?
Yes. I can emboss their name, or a date that matters, and work in nameplates, stirrup leather markings or the maker’s stamp.
My horse has passed. Is that something you work with?
Many of my saddles come to me this way. There’s no rush. We go at your pace, and I treat every saddle as the precious thing it is.
READY TO GIVE YOUR SADDLE ITS NEXT CHAPTER?
Places on my bench are limited so every piece gets the time it deserves.
Turn Your Retired Saddle into an Heirloom You Can Carry Every Day.