The Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition

3rd February 2009

We are very proud to announce that all our saddlers recieved prizes in the recent prestigious National Saddlery Competition

Photos to follow

Issi Russell and our new apprentice Jo Heard won the Master and Apprentice class in which the Master (Issi) made a pair of dressage stirrup leathers and the apprentice (Jo) made a dressage girth. The stirrup leathers were stitched in 14 to the inch with diamonte and the dressage girth was comfort shaped with diamonte loops. Laurence and our other apprentice Lauren also entered the class and Lauren won a Premium award for her girth which had patent accents and removable sheepskin, Laurence's stirrup leather carried the theme by having patent leather on the insides.

Jo Newman recieved a Premium award for her beautiful Heavyweight Hunter Show bridle

Emily White recieved a Second place for her rolled Conker colour Market Harborough

Jo Heard recieved a Second place and a Premium award for her Stallion In Hand bridle

Lauren Barton recieved a Third place for her Stallion In Hand bridle and Second place for her Apprentice Saddle

Lauren also recieved the Worshipful Company of Saddlers Award in conjunction with the City & Guilds Lion Awards and Medals for Excellence which set the benchmark of excellence for all learners and lecturers to aspire to. Lauren will be presented with her prize at the City & Guilds Lion Awards Dinner to be held in London

Look out for the outcome of this year's BETA Bridlemaking Competition being held at the NEC in Birmingham. Issi Russell, Jo Newman, Emily White and Lauren Barton are the competitors which should make for a very interesting competition!

Look out for future competition updates