Behind the forelock

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If you’ve ever built something from nothing, you know.

It’s never just a little business. It’s time, heart, growth and guts 🥹

A wee headcollar repair in the workshop this week 💚🧡💚🧡

Before and after on a girth repair 💪

Did you know?.......

👉 The horse's head and neck account for 10% of the horse's bodyweight
👉 The neck is the most flexible part of the horse's spine

Want to know more facts about your horse's anatomy and how they impact of how they move? Like and follow our page for lots more fascinating horsey anatomy facts....

✨️ would you ever use a waterford bit?

🐴Why waterfords should have a lip relief feature if they are to be used...

👇 Waterford mouthpieces primary work by applying pressure to the lip and, if pulled tight, the tongue.

😘 I have seen a lot of split lips, calloused lips and sore lips from waterford bits like this.

👀 You can see from the photo that all the rein pressure is applied to the first joint on the lip. This then nips, pinches and traps any lip and inside lip/cheek tissue.
They should always have some form of lip relief.

They are nasty and pinchy bits if not correctly used!

They often get used for 'strong' horses when really all they do is eliminate the centre of the tongue pressure and bar pressure of other bits. So get a rep for being 'strong' bits.

There are usually better options out there to stop your horse reacting the way it does which leads to you trialling a waterford and finding it works well.

Personally I would never recommend one. There is always a better option. If you are using one there's much nicer options on the market than the cheaper ones without lip relief.

Have you ever thought about having a beautiful leather item made? Whether it is a bespoke bridle, bag, box or any other leather item you can think of, hand stitching adds skill and personality.

When buying a hand stitched crafted item from a Saddler, you are buying durability, if a stitch is broken it is less likely to run along the whole row making it more durable and safe. You are also buying uniqueness, stitching is almost a Saddler's signature, many Saddlers can recognise each others work by the stitching style (who knew?!)

To find a Saddler near you go to https://www.mastersaddlers.co.uk/members/

Right. Let’s kick off 2026 with a Very Important One.
WHAT is the difference between a saddler and a saddle fitter?

Because honestly… this question causes more confusion than when someone shouts 'loose horse!' in the lorry park.

The short answer:
👉 A 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿 makes saddles.
👉 A 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 fits saddles.

Thank you for coming to my TED Talk. …but also, let’s go a tiny bit deeper.

Why everyone is confused (and it’s not your fault):
Both professions sit under the same governing body (the 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀), so people understandably assume:
'If it says Master Saddler, that must be who fits my saddle?'
🚨 Plot twist: not necessarily 🚨

So… what does a Saddler actually do?
👑A 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿 is a highly skilled leather wizard/genius (think Harry Potter with an awl instead of a wand-y thing).

They:
Make saddles
Repair saddles
Do major structural work (eg new trees, big rebuilds, serious surgery)
(they also do bridles, harnesses and stuff but this post is all about saddles)

A 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲𝗿 is someone who has reached Master status in saddlery (think Dumbledore* with an awl)

👑And a 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿?
A Saddle Fitter is trained in the dark art of actually fitting the saddle to your horse (and you!) and adjusting it accordingly.

Modern SMS Qualified Saddle Fitters are also qualified to:
Adjust flocking
Do full reflocks
Make fit tweaks
Often do minor repairs

A 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 = someone who’s reached Master status in 𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴.

Different skillset. Different exams. Different magic 🧙‍♀️

Can someone be both?
Yes!
Some people are dual-qualified unicorns 🦄
They can be both a Saddler and a Saddle Fitter.

But not everyone is. And that’s fine.

The takeaway (tattoo this on your brain):
🛠 Big repairs/new trees/major work? → Call a Saddler
📏 Fitting/balance/flocking/adjustments? → Call a Saddle Fitter
🤝 Sometimes they work together. Like the Avengers. But leather-based.

More myth-busting, saddle tea-spilling and horse-y nonsense coming very soon ☕🐴 Because education is great... but education that actually makes sense? Even better.

*apologies if the Harry Potter references don't work, I have never watched one before and had to ask my kids who told me the reference is wrong cos apparently Dumbledore isn't a better wizard than Harry... But you get the gist... hopefully?

I feel so lucky and grateful to have been able to learn some of the craftsmanship that goes into leather work. 🥰 Roll on 2026

MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎄