Saddlers Visit Heart of Spanish Equestrian, Leather and Saddlery Sectors

In Jerez the visit focused on the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the Yeguada de la Cartuja Stud Farm. The group were joined by Ann Sadler (Vice Chair of the UK Side Saddle Association), Lien Deraedt (Manager of Tandy Leather) and Mercedes Gonzales Cort (Chair of the Spanish Side Saddle Association and one time Coach of the Riding School and first female rider at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna).  We were also honoured to meet the founder of the Riding School, Alvaro Domecq, who still rides every day in his 80s.  En route to Seville the party called into the remarkable Dorantes harness workshop and leather museum in Lebrija. The quality of the craftsmanship and detailed stitching was quite something to behold. Much was learnt about the Spanish equestrian, leather and saddlery sectors which has read across for the UK.