Saddle-making is a saddler’s primary responsibility, which can range from leather tanning to custom fitting and design work. Repairs and restorations of antique pieces are frequently performed saddlers. The majority of the work is done on an individual, special order basis, and it frequently necessitates a high level of skill and craftsmanship.
Saddle making is a centuries-old craft. Many of the basic tenets of the craft have remained constant over the years, despite advances in techniques and tools. The best saddles are made for specific animals, most commonly horses, but also mules, donkeys, and camels. A saddler will also ensure that the saddle is appropriate for the rider.
While a saddle maker can do some general work, the majority of saddler jobs are dependent at least in part on clientele. Saddlers take measurements of both the animal and the rider, as well as any preferences the rider may have. The color, softness, and overall design of the leather can almost always be changed. Stirrup length and style can be changed as well.
Although many modern craftsmen purchase pretreated and ready-to-use leather sheets, traditional saddlers will tan the leather for the saddle seat themselves. Even so, the leather must be cut and fitted over the “tree,” which is the saddle base. Saddlers have the option of making their own trees or purchasing them from a store. Trees come in a variety of standard sizes that can be adapted and modified to fit a variety of riders.
Saddlers who don’t have specific clients frequently create basic saddles that can be adjusted to fit a variety of riders and animals. These are frequently sold in leather shops or equestrian centers, with buyers being directed back to the original saddler for fitting and any necessary adjustments. Saddlemakers must not only be experts in saddle construction, but also in the proper use and care of saddles and be able to pass this knowledge on to riders.
Specific saddler responsibilities vary depending on the type of saddle in question. A seat built for basic trail riding differs significantly from one used to jockey a race, go fox hunting, or round up cattle, for example. Show saddles and rodeo saddles must also meet specific requirements. Saddlers usually specialize in one type of riding scenario and provide only that type of service.
In most cases, a saddler’s job description includes saddle repair. Equestrian supplies and riding tools are in high demand in some markets. However, once a client has purchased something like a saddle, he is unlikely to require one for several years. However, he’ll need to have that saddle maintained and repaired from time to time, which is where saddlers come back into play.
Many saddlers also instruct students in their craft, often through apprenticeships. Saddler requirements are frequently ambiguous, and this type of leatherwork is rarely taught in organized schools or formal education programs. Students are more likely to learn studying under masters. Apprenticeships are a good way for saddlers to keep their skills sharp and contribute to the future of the profession while also bringing in a little extra cash.
Some saddles are made in saddle factories, where they are often assembled on assembly lines with some human interaction, but also a great deal of mechanical processing. Saddler is a term used to describe someone who works in one of these operations. Craftsmen are usually the ones who use the term.