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Saddlers make custom saddles for specific animals and riders, often using traditional techniques. They also repair and restore old saddles and teach apprentices. Saddles can be made for different types of riding and are often sold in equestrian centers.
A saddler’s main job is saddle making, which can include everything from leather tanning to custom assembly and design work. Saddlers also often carry out repairs and restorations of old pieces. Most of the work is done individually based on special orders and generally requires a lot of skill and specialist skill.
The art of making saddles is ancient. While techniques and tools have advanced over the years, many of the basics of the craft have remained constant. The best made saddles are usually created for specific animals, usually horses, but sometimes also mules, donkeys or camels. A saddler will also usually see to it that the saddle fits a specific rider.
There is some work that a saddlemaker can do more generally, but most saddlers work depends, at least in part, on the clientele. Saddlers take measurements of both animal and rider, and note any of the rider’s preferences. The leather’s color, smoothness, and overall design can almost always be customized. The length and style of the stirrup is also malleable.
More traditional saddlers will tan the leather for the seat, although many modern crafters purchase pre-treated, ready-to-use leather sheets. Still, the leather must be cut and fitted over the base of the saddle, known as the “tree”. Saddlers can make their own trees or buy them commercially. Trees are usually available in several standard sizes, which can be adapted and modified for a variety of riders.
Saddlers without regular customers often make basic saddles that can be adjusted for a variety of riders and crossbows. They are usually sold in leather shops or equestrian centers, and buyers are usually referred to the original saddler for necessary adjustments and adjustments. As well as being experts in saddle construction, saddlers must also intrinsically understand the proper use and care of saddles and be able to pass this on to riders.
The saddler’s specific duties often vary somewhat depending on the type of saddle in question. A seat designed for basic trail riding is often constructed very differently from one used for racing, fox hunting, or herding cattle, for example. Show saddles and rodeo saddles must also be built to specific specifications. Saddlers often focus on a specific type of riding scenario and tailor their services there only.
Saddle repair is also part of a saddler job description in most cases. In some markets, there is a high demand for equestrian supplies and riding tools. Most of the time, however, once a customer has purchased something like a saddle, chances are they won’t need it again for many years. However, he will need that saddle maintained and repaired from time to time, which is where sealers come into play again.
Many saddlers also teach their craft to students, usually in the form of an apprenticeship. Saddlers’ requirements are often vague, and there are rarely organized schools or formal education programs that teach this type of leather. More often, students learn by studying with a master’s degree. Offering apprenticeships to select individuals is a good way for saddlers to keep their skills sharp and contribute to the future of the profession, while earning a little extra income.
Some saddles are made in saddle factories, usually on assembly lines with some human interaction but also a lot of mechanical processing. A person who works in these operations is not usually called a saddler. The term is generally reserved for artisans.
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