Village Saddlery, Master Saddlers

As someone who has a dog that is absolutely terrified of fireworks, I really hope some changes are made following this consultation. I know many horse owners will agree.

📣‼️BIG NEWS ON FIREWORKS ! 👇

We are delighted that the UK government has today launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals to strengthen fireworks regulations. 🎆

We are urging as many people as possible to use the opportunity to make their voice heard before 7th October.

The proposals include reducing the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks to reduce the potentially devastating effect very loud fireworks can have on both animals and people. This is a practical step which has been at the heart of Redwings’ Keep Horses In Mind campaign and was reflected in the petition we ran last year, which closed with over 184,000 signatures and triggered a passionate parliamentary debate in January.

Public consultation is a key step on the road to regulatory change and consultations really can influence government policy, whether that involves supporting new regulations, or stopping unwelcome policies from being brought in.

Have your say here - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk

You can read more information over on our website, you'll find the link in our comments.

Thank you so much for all your support on this important topic ! ♥️

Great to see the reinstated Mounted Division in the West Midlands - recognising the invaluable part these horses offer to police teams.

🐴 A generation after the last police horse left the region, West Midlands Police has brought back its Mounted Unit with renewed purpose, modern capability and a powerful connection to the communities it serves.

What began as a cautious operational trial has grown into a confident, forward looking unit blending heritage with modern policing needs. And the reaction? Nothing short of phenomenal.

From packed town centre stop offs to calmer football matchdays, the impact has been immediate:
✨ Visibility and reassurance in communities
🐎 Crowd management advantages that foot patrols simply can’t match
🤝 Public engagement that bridges the gap between officers and the people they serve
🏟️ Safer stadium environments with a more approachable, positive atmosphere
📜 And even a touching moment of history returned home an original WMP ceremonial breastplate rediscovered after more than 20 years.

The return of Belgravia, Bruce, Yonkers, Yve, Yvonne and more horses to come, isn’t just a nod to the past. It’s a strategic investment in community-centred, highly visible policing at a time when it matters more than ever.

Read the full article in 👉 https://content.yudu.com/web/440a7/0A440oc/February-2026/html/index.html?page=18&origin=reader

The stock room clearance continues! An ex demo GFS Elite GP saddle - 17.5” in black, adjustable width. Contact us for more info.

Having a bit of a stock clearance of Riding Boots.
Petrie Windsor - £225
Petrie Elite - £325
Konigs - with or without zips - from £450
Absolute bargains if they are your size.
Message me with your size requirements & I will let you know if anything to suit!

Very sad news 💔 today about Blueberry and Uthopia.

Dear Blueberry,

I love you. I don’t know how to start this with any other words. I knew of course this day would come, but I don’t think I could ever be ready for it. And I’m sitting here, summoning up the courage to write this, knowing I’ll never have the words, knowing they’ll never be enough, but wanting to share something anyway because so many people loved you and it just feels like the right thing to do. You have been and still are so loved.

You have been my constant, my rock. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows, your gentle presence, your steady heartbeat, the silent moments we shared together have been my everything, the place I could always go to. In those quiet moments we had so many conversations without words; you loved me completely, as I am. You saw my heart and I yours.

I’ve never sat on a horse like you, Blueberry. It was always your heart and your mind that made you the best. We grew together, learned together, believed together. You would enter the arena and just know how special you were - I could feel you grow. The hush of the crowd as everyone turned to look at you. It would make me sit a little taller, shoulders back, head up - I just wanted to do you proud, to show the world what you were capable of; I could feel every muscle in your body move, every breath you took, every shiver of excitement and we would just melt into each other, it was like you could hear my heart speak and I yours. A partnership that everyone talks about, but you can’t really know until you’ve experienced it. And we danced Blueberry, didn’t we dance…

You transformed our sport, yes. The London Olympics was the greatest stage and we had no idea how our worlds would change, just a girl and a horse, trying our best.

But the biggest gift of all was the amount of joy you brought to this world. You made people smile every single day of your life. What a rare and special gift that is. You were born to do it, you always knew who needed extra care - so gentle with my children and the many others who met you, particularly those unwell. Seeing eyes light up - what a difference you made. To those who were able to meet you, even if just passing by, you gave hope, love and belief - you genuinely changed people’s lives, just with a touch, a nuzzle, warm breath on a face; just by being you. I’m so glad William and Isabella met you - they will grow up knowing your name, hearing stories about you, looking at pictures and videos of you. You will live on, not just in theirs, but in so many peoples’ hearts, and that gives me great happiness - you deserve to, and will be, remembered forever.

You chose me. And I was forever yours. I don’t know why, or how, but I thank my lucky stars you did. Our story is one that anyone who’s ever loved a horse can relate to - far beyond the medals and the talent, the reason to keep going, the reason we get up in the morning and do what we do, for the simple love of a horse.

You have been, and always will be, my one in a million and it has been the honour of my life to be not only your dance partner but best friend. The magic we had, no one can take from us, and we will dance again one day.

I feel you with me, I know you’re here. I saw a robin after I’d finished my tests the other day - just sitting quietly nearby, watching. Joined by a second before both flying off. You and Uti, always side by side, together always. I miss you both, more than I can say. The robin stayed just long enough for me to know you were there with me. It lifts me, and I will always look for you.

I love you Blueberry.

With every inch of my heart.

Forever and always.

My beautiful, best boy x