RSO Leather

17/02/2025

Do you know if your saddle needs reflocking??? 🤔

The majority of saddles I have in the workshop to reflock often have at least 2 (sometimes more) different types of flock.

These different types of flock have different properties and, ideally, should not be mixed. Some types can ball up more, causing lumpy, uneven panels.
👉video shows small hard lumps being pulled out and what the new flock looks like 👍 👌 👈

✨️Message me to book your saddle in for a reflock ✨️

It's recommended that you have your saddle fully reflocked every 2 years.

👉Please like, share, tag your friends into this post, and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

👉You can find me on
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

👉 If you have any questions or want some advice on tack repairs or saddle flocking, please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

16/02/2025

Saddler vs Saddle Fitter - What's the difference?

I'm a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddler. A Saddler is a pretty awesome person actually 💪.
They make, repair, and design all things leather, from scratch, by hand. A saddlers talent is not just limited to tack though, I make belts, handbags, wallets, cases, dog collars and leads. All by hand.
The training to become a qualified Saddler can take up to 4 years and requires you to make bridles, saddles and harness to a specification, and a very high standard. This provides saddlers with the essential knowledge on safety when carrying out day to day repairs, or understanding the construction of saddles when saddle flocking, replacing girth straps etc.

Saddle Fitters obviously fit and supply saddles taking a template of the horses back to get an understanding of the best way to make both horse and rider as comfortable as possible.
Saddle Fitters still need to have some level of understanding surrounding saddles to make adjustments. As part of the SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter exam process, fitters are required to do a flocking exam and display a good knowledge of saddles, leather and repairs. However, a saddle fitter will never have to make an item from scratch.

For every qualification, the training will take years of hard work and sacrifice, and will teach completely different skills.

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

If you have any questions or want some advice on tack please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

16/02/2025

I had a great day yesterday at Hartpury College with a day of CPD around the current research into bridle fitting. Followed in the afternoon with a head dissection where we were able to see all the facial muscles, nerves, joints, tongues, teeth, tempromandibular and hyoid joints and the structure of the neck. Big thank you to all involved.
Correct bridle fit IS important and is something all equine professionals, horse owners, riding schools, equine colleges, pony clubs, riding clubs etc should be doing. The more we research, the more this is confirmed which is vital for horse comfort and welfare.

15/02/2025

I'm proud to be a member of the Equine Fitters Directory.

The Equine Fitters Directory allows you to search for and compare professional saddle, bit, bridle, and harness fitters. Every listed Equine Fitter is validated and meets the listing criteria set by the Equine Fitters Council: they must hold insurance, pursue continued professional development, and agree to abide by the EFC Code of Conduct.
Find an Equine Fitter in your area - Equine Fitters Directory https://search.app/yWFGpS34XMLBEev76

I offer fitting appointments with no obligation to buy. Adjustments can also be made to existing bridles to ensure the best fit and comfort for your horse.

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

14/02/2025

How much Henry James is too much Henry James? The answer is there's never too much......

RSO Leather is an official stockist for the gorgeous Henry James Saddlery range.

Give one a try with SMS Registered and Qualified Bridle & Bit Fitter Rachel Oldfield, bringing unparalleled expertise to equestrian comfort and care.

Make sure your horse is completely comfortable and happy 😊

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post, and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on
👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
👉 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
👉 Email [email protected]

If you have any questions or want some advice on tack, please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

13/02/2025

If you're stuck for gift ideas for your equestrian family and friends why not get them an RSO Leather gift card?

It can be used to buy or put towards an item from the website or for a new bridle or a bridle fit 🤔

To find more details on the Gift Card, check out our website shop rsoleather.com and for all the gorgeous handmade items.
Or you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

12/02/2025

These are some of the services we offer at RSO Leather;

💥 Bridle Fitting
💥 Bit Fitting
💥 Made-to-measure bridles
💥 Bridle adjustments
💥 Saddle flocking
💥 Leather repairs
💥 New girth straps
💥 Tack cleaning

Unlike regular saddle checks, bridle fit assessments are more often than not, a one time check.
Unless your horse is young or they've had a bit/tack change etc, where a follow up visit may be required, then it's really a one off check.

Make sure your horse is completely comfortable and happy 😊

Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Registered Qualified Bridle and Bit Fitter and SMS Qualified Saddler based near York in lovely North Yorkshire.

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and, help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Check out our website shop rsoleather.com for more gorgeous handmade items.
Or you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

11/02/2025

✨️Make sure your horse is happy and comfortable for spring✨️

Bridle Fitting appointments are filling up heading into March. Take advantage of 10% off bridle fitting/check assessments for March and April.

Covering York/Yorkshire and surrounding areas. For appointments or any questions please message me.

(No travel charge applies if you are within a 20 mile round trip radius of LS24 9RF. After 20 miles, travel is charged at 45p per mile on top of the fitting fee from LS24 9RF. Yard bookings are welcome and mileage can be split between people).

Does your horse need a saddle check or a massage?

Check out qualified equine professionals Sarah Rymer - Qualified Saddle Fitter and Susan Lambeth Equine Therapy by Susan

09/02/2025

👉The Fenton Polo Belt👈

💥This is a unique, personalised belt using either 1, 2, or 3 different colours of your choice.

💥Using British bridle leather, each of the spaces is hand stamped to make the pattern, and then the linen thread is threaded by hand. The pattern is repeated along the length of the belt strap where the ends are secured into place and an elegant, West End buckle is added to the belt that can be paired perfectly with any outfit, be it smart or casual.

💥The width of the belt is 11/4"and can be paired with either a brass or nickel plated buckle.

To find more details on the fabulous FentonPolobelt, check out our website shop rsoleather.com
Or you can find me on
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

08/02/2025

👉Could you recognise the common indicators of a Bridle/Bitting issue?👈

💥Contact evasion or resistance to rider’s aids

💥Tongue out

💥Head tipping

💥Above the bit

💥High head

💥Ears back

💥Eyes part closed, mouth open

💥Eyes closed, head raised

Unlike regular saddle checks, bridle fit assessments are more often than not, a one time check.
Unless your horse is young or they've had a bit/tack change etc, where a follow up visit may be required, then it's really a one off check.

Make sure your horse is completely comfortable and happy 😊

If you have any questions or want some advice on tack please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

07/02/2025

Do you know if your saddle needs reflocking??? 🤔

The majority of saddles I have in the workshop to reflock, often have at least 2 (sometimes more) different types of flock.

These different types of flock have different properties and, ideally, should not be mixed. Some types can ball up more, causing lumpy, uneven panels.
👉As shown in the photos👈

It's recommended that you have your saddle fully reflocked every 2 years.

👉Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

👉Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

👉 If you have any questions or want some advice on tack repairs or saddle flocking please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

07/02/2025

06/02/2025

👉The Balance Stirrup👈

✨️ These leathers are made 2" wide to provide a larger base of support and stability for your lower leg.

✨️ They also help to alleviate leg, hip, or ankle pain by providing more support for the leg.

✨️ They are available in either black or brown stirrup leather and have 16 holes and come in standard lengths for jump/GP saddles.

✨️ These are handmade from thick stirrup leather and will take time to settle.

To find more details on the fabulous Balance Stirrup Leathers, check out our website shop rsoleather.com
Or you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post, and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

05/02/2025

Do you want to save money on bridle fitting and make sure your horse is comfortable and happy?

Unlike regular saddle checks, bridle fit assessments are more often than not, a one time check.
Unless your horse is young or they've had a bit/tack change etc, where a follow up visit may be required, then it's really a one off check.

Make sure your horse is completely comfortable and happy 😊

Where multiple bridle fittings are booked at the same yard, mileage charges will be split equally between customers/owners (mileage may not be applicable depending on yard location).

The correct fit of your horse’s bridle and bit is equally as important as the rest of your tack. I can often make small changes to your existing bridle or offer advice on alternatives to improve the comfort of your horse.

Bridle and Bit Fitting by Society of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Bridle Fitter Rachel Oldfield covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

04/02/2025

Saddler vs Saddle Fitter - What's the difference?

I'm a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddler. A Saddler is a pretty awesome person actually 💪.
They make, repair, and design all things leather, from scratch, by hand. A saddlers talent is not just limited to tack though, I make belts, handbags, wallets, cases, dog collars and leads. All by hand.
The training to become a qualified Saddler can take up to 4 years and requires you to make bridles, saddles and harness to a specification, and a very high standard. This provides saddlers with the essential knowledge on safety when carrying out day to day repairs, or understanding the construction of saddles when saddle flocking, replacing girth straps etc.

Saddle Fitters obviously fit and supply saddles taking a template of the horses back to get an understanding of the best way to make both horse and rider as comfortable as possible.
Saddle Fitters still need to have some level of understanding surrounding saddles to make adjustments. As part of the SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter exam process, fitters are required to do a flocking exam and display a good knowledge of saddles, leather and repairs. However, a saddle fitter will never have to make an item from scratch.

For every qualification, the training will take years of hard work and sacrifice, and will teach completely different skills.

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

If you have any questions or want some advice on tack please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

03/02/2025

👉The Country Belt👈

💥This gorgeous belt is a fantastic addition to your wardrobe.

💥It's both multi-purpose and practical as not only is it a stylish belt, it can also be turned into a dog lead, stirrup leather, neck strap, and even a broken rein!

💥The belt width is 1" with brass fittings and handmade using traditional saddlery techniques in either black or dark havanna.

💥It can be personalised for that unique gift.

To find more details on the fabulous Country Belt, check out our website shop rsoleather.com

Or you can find me on;
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post, and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

02/02/2025

What should you expect during a bit/bridle fitting?

Unlike regular saddle checks, bridle fit assessments are more often than not, a one time check.
Unless your horse is young or they've had a bit/tack change etc, where a follow up visit may be required, then it's really a one off check.

Make sure your horse is completely comfortable and happy 😊

✨️ I'll carry out an assessment where I look at the facial/mouth conformation of your horse and discuss any concerns or problems that you may be experiencing.

✨️ I'll ask if your horse has shown signs of evasion related to the bridle/bit by asking lots of relevant questions.

✨️ I will ask to see the horse walked and trotted in hand.

✨️ The horse is ridden in the normal tack/equipment as this gives the rider a chance to impart as much information and feedback as possible and for me to see how the horse behaves and moves.

✨️ We will have a discussion then about any issues and the key points that need to be addressed and agree to a realistic change of bit and/or bridle to suit the horse and discipline.

✨️ Following any changes made, I will then ask to see the horse ridden again.

✨️ No horse and rider will be rushed as every horse is different, so some may be quicker to respond than others and will be given the appropriate time.

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post, and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on
👉 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
👉 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
👉 Email [email protected]

If you have any questions or want some advice on tack, please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊

01/02/2025

Are you struggling to find a bridle that fits your horse, or do you have tack that needs repairing or a saddle flocking????

I'm Rachel Oldfield - RSO Leather, I'm a Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Registered Qualified Bridle and Bit Fitter and an SMS Qualified Saddler based near York in lovely North Yorkshire. I specialise in bridle fitting and beautiful bespoke, made to measure bridles. I also offer a bridle alteration service for clients who want to ensure their current bridle is the best fit for their horse.

Unlike regular saddle checks, bridle fit assessments are more often than not, a one-time check.
Unless your horse is young or they've had a bit/tack change, etc, where a follow-up visit may be required, then it's really a one-off check.

Make sure your horse is completely comfortable and happy 😊

I carry out all tack repairs and saddle flocking along with handmade headcollars and gorgeous small leather goods.

Please like, share, tag your friends into this post, and help support this small business 🙏🙏🙏😊♥️

Covering York and surrounding areas. For appointments/questions, you can find me on
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rso_leather
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RSOleather
Email [email protected]

If you have any questions or want some advice on tack/bridle fit, please get in touch. I'm always happy to help 😊