Sunday 29 June 2014

Sydney Free Saddlery






























Nigel at Sydney Free can make a saddle that is tailored to the rider and horse. These days, he may only make one a year as customers will opt for an off the peg saddle that might cost half the price. Each hand stitched saddle takes 40 hours to complete. Other time is spent in repairing boots, saddles and leather items.

Customers have included leading equestrian sportsmen and members of the Royal Family. Nigel's craft skills are in danger of being lost in our quest for lower prices. Once such skills are lost, they are hard to rediscover.