Bespoke Bridlework

14/02/2025

It's been a busy start to the year with lots of commissions and alterations to work on. Something a little different this weekend as I'm heading up the road to Midlands Heavy Horse Association to talk all things saddle fit and heavy horse. See you Sunday 😊

03/02/2025

Counting down the days until the National Shire Show...
I'll be in my usual spot on the balcony, look out for the banner. ☺️
I've over 30 premade sets for sale in both traditional and modern colours. Prices starting from £65 for a complete in hand set.😲 All made with my meticulous attention to detail and quality. I will have the MK2 plaiting aprons, made from waterproof canvas with ripstop lining. Raffia (the longest available in the UK!) Feather wraps, tail rings both Lite and traditional styles. Premade bows, ribbons and webbings for sale by the metre. Looking for something bespoke? Come along and have a chat. I have many sample books as well as the large selection of ribbons on display we can put together your perfect combination.
Still accepting orders for the show and will be up to the wire... Elaine xx

24/01/2025

🤷🏼‍♀️What to look for when choosing a saddle fitter…

🧑🏻‍🎓👩🏼‍🎓*Qualifications*.
Investigate where the fitter is in their professional journey.🔎🕵🏻
Society of Master Saddlers saddle fitting qualifications take up to three years to fully qualify. It is the gold standard. 🌟
SMS are the overseeing authority of their saddle fitters. SMS is not a commercial organisation. The highest level of saddle fitter is an SMS Master Saddle Fitter.
Other qualifications take less time🏃and require less experience. Which is great when you are starting out. I did an MSFC Diploma initially to have a qualification whilst gaining the experience for the SMS qualification.
If you look closely, you will see many of the shorter qualification pathway saddle fitters are also Trainee SMS saddle fitters - working towards this the gold standard too. Which I think is great. 👌🏻 A trainee can be a very good fitter if they have an experienced mentor for support.
Check out the qualification. Know where they are in their learning journey.

📝*Experience*.
How many years has the saddle fitter been doing the job? Without a doubt, we learn every day in this profession. I’m seeing more and more new bright eyed ‘saddle fitters’ enter the market place, and leaving within 3 years after realising what a tough gig it actually is.

🔧🛠️👩🏼‍🔧🧑🏻‍🔧*Adjustments*.
All saddle fitters should insist on regular checks of your saddle post sale. But they need to be trained to know how to adjust a saddle if needed. And what can be done to make it fit if the horse changes shape. Check - does your saddle fitter have a flocking qualification? Some qualifications do not include saddle flock adjustments. SMS does.

9️⃣0️⃣ *Saddle stock*.
Be careful by saddle fitters stating they have lots of saddles in stock. You might want it now. But then your new saddle might be a compromise as it is available now. Many could be old worthless saddles taken in part exchange. And manufacturers loan old unwanted stock onto the fitters on sale or return…saddles that rarely fit. Number of stock saddles are not an important consideration in choosing a fitter. ❌

↪️ *Returns*.
This is important. You have legal rights. Do not work with any fitter who suggests you waive your consumer rights if you buy a saddle from them.

🧑🏻‍⚖️*Regulation*.
Who oversees the saddle fitter? What bodies are they a member of to oversee them. This is so very important. Not all saddle training companies provide post qualification supervision.

So before you leap onto social media and ask who you should use, and are swayed by fitter’s aunties, uncles, friends and next door neighbours ☺️, do your homework. Word of mouth by people you actually know, and not social media is the way to get recommendations.

Your horse cannot do the homework for you.
For their sakes, choose your saddle fitter as carefully as you would choose a secondary school for your kids. 🔎

10/01/2025

02/01/2025

New saddles ‘V’ Second Hand Saddles

The old saying, “the biggest expense after purchasing your horse is the cost of a new saddle.” This hasn’t changed .

A new saddle might seem costly at first, but its long-term benefits far outweigh the initial expense. . But think of it as an investment in quality, comfort, and longevity.

🗝️ A few key point to think about. 🗝️

✔️ New Saddles

🔷 10 year or 5 year warranty dependent on manufacturer on their trees.

🔷 Materials and workmanship are guaranteed for 12 months, subject to fair wear and tear.

🔷 Assurance of quality ensures that the saddle is in prestige condition with no hidden flaws or damage.

✔️ Second Hand Saddles

🟨 Unknown ware & tear. Hidden damage such as weakened/broken trees, worn stitching.

🟨 Limited fit adjustments.
Preowned saddles may not fit you and your horse and could still require additional adjustments, likely a full reflock to the saddle.

🟨 No Warranty or Support.
Second hand saddles are not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, leaving you responsible for any issues.

💻 If you’re purchasing a second-hand saddle online, it’s essential to have it thoroughly checked by a qualified saddle fitter before riding in it.
A professional can ensure the saddle is safe, properly fitted to your horse, and free of hidden damage like a compromised tree or worn girth straps. This safety check gives you peace of mind and ensures both you and your horse stay comfortable and secure.

23/12/2024

It's that time of year again already! 2024 has been one hell of a year. It's been emotional, it's been at times a bit painful. It's been rewarding it's made me realize that sometimes the hours of hard work, training and practice do pay off. As a saddler, harness maker and a horsewoman I've learnt a lot.

Highlights have been meeting super customer and creating their vision in harness and bridles which I have seen winning in the showring. Enjoying using my own harness and collars to many successes in the showring including an unbeaten run this season in Agricultural Turnout Classes.

Thank you to all my friends, family and customers for making it a fabulous year

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and Best wishes for 2025.

I will be back out saddle fitting on 6th January and back into the workshop on the 7th January.

As always for Saddle fitting enquires call Mill Saddlery and Riding Wear on 01449 672225

For saddlery, harness and leatherwork including full repairs service visit www.bespoke-bridlework.co.uk

09/12/2024

21/11/2024

📢📢EXTRA VIGILENCE REQUIRED📢📢
British Equestrian and their member bodies are currently monitoring a reported outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV-1 - neurological form) in France with cases potentially linked to the Le Mans venue. While this is an evolving situation and they await official confirmation, all members of the equestrian community who have recently been to, are currently in or intending to travel to/through France should be extra vigilant at this time. Please seek veterinary advice before travel and isolate any returning horses as per the quarantine protocols.

EHV-1 is an air-borne disease that can be transmitted up to five metres via coughing, but also through direct contact, via people and shared equipment. It can cause respiratory and neurological signs, abortion in pregnant mares and death of young foals.

It doesn't matter whether you are a pleasure rider, unaffiliated competitor, hunter or just moving your horse where others may be, pre and post checks are imperative. If you have any concerns about your horses health or welfare seek veterinary advice immediately.

Further useful information can be found on the British Equestrian website.
https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/equine/health-biosecurity/biosecurity

04/10/2024

As the season draws to a close I can safely say it has been one hell of a year. It's been a chance to really show off my skills with my own harness as well as see my work in the show rings with others. I'm thrilled to say that Max and I have been unbeaten in Single Agricultural Turnout classes this year which I never dreamed was possible.

Here is a snap shot of my harness out and about with Max and I and also a selection of other commissions. As the nights draw in and everything gets packed away please drop me a line if you need repairs or alterations ready for next year or if you have a new project in mind.

For Christmas gifts please get your orders in early as I am starting to get booked up.

As always if you need saddle fitting please call Mill Saddlery and Riding Wear on 01449 672225 to book.

For everything else please visit www.bespoke-bridlework.co.uk or call 07801368519.

There has been a problem with my email address through the website which has now been addressed. Please accept my apologies if you've tried to reach me via the website and not received a reply.

31/08/2024

Looking super, well done Alex and Holly. Bespoke Bridlework

17/08/2024

A really good explanation of what happens in the horses neck when over bent.

29/07/2024

Back in the workshop after a busy time last week. I took Max to the Royal Welsh Show and took part at Hook Norton Brewery Shire Horses Heavy Horse Parade. Huge thanks to Nick Carter head horseman for Hook Norton Brewery for his help and hospitality.

Always lovely to show off Max and his harness and collars that I've made here in the workshop.

Lots of Bridlework and Harness Alterations to do.

Please contact me through www.bespoke-bridlework.co.uk with your commissions

For saddle fitting contact Mill Saddlery and Riding Wear 01449 672225

27/07/2024

Joining us for Sundays carriage drive and here already, is the lovely Max. A six year old shire gelding, excelling at agricultural showing with an unbeaten record this 2024 season. Catch him this weekend in his blue Norfolk cart; with his delightful owner Carolyn.
Carriages depart at midday Sunday 28th, see you there!

12/07/2024

Well done Terry Clynes lovely to see such sportsmanship

Leading the way and most definitely The Finest Example of Sportsmanship and Kindness seen in the show ring for a Very Long Time - Terry Clynes 👏👏👏👏👏

28/06/2024

Max and I have had a wonderful couple of days at the Royal Norfolk Show. Second in a strong Geldings class. First in the Single Agricultural Turnout and Lovely to put the tandem together with Robert Clarke for the Pairs Agricultural Turnout. I'm really enjoying using the harness and collar that I made.

Back in the workshop making bridles today.

Enquiries to [email protected] for saddle fitting call Mill Saddlery and Riding Wear on 01449 672225