Annual Theme
Each year the Prime Warden of the Saddler's Company sets an annual theme to focus the Company's activities across trade, equestrianism and charity. Recent examples include craft and skills training, highlighted at the 2026 Saddlery Showcase and National Saddlery Competition, and the Year of Entrepreneurship under Prime Warden Hugh Taylor in 2023/24.
How the Annual Theme Works
The Prime Warden chooses a theme for their year in office, which shapes lectures, events and partnerships across the Company's three pillars of trade, equestrianism and charity. The theme gives members and partners a shared focus for the year's activities.
Craft and Skills Training
Craft and skills training has been a recurring focus for the Company, most recently spotlighted at the 2026 Saddlery Showcase and Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition, which shone attention on the importance of training the next generation of saddlers.
Year of Entrepreneurship, 2023/24
The theme for Prime Warden Hugh Taylor's year in office was entrepreneurship. Activities included a Company lecture with two entrepreneurs from the equestrian world, a mini business course delivered by Bayes Business School at Saddler's Hall, and an event marking the 130 year partnership between City, University of London and the Company.
The theme also showcased entrepreneurial members including Nikki Newcombe of Bliss of London, Rachel Rayner-Lok, Godfrey Morris MBE, Michael Darley, Charlie Laurie of Charles Laurie London, Camilla Lywood of What a Pickle, Sam Laurie and Chris Maffey of CM Bespoke Designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Prime Warden's annual theme?+
It is a focus chosen by each Prime Warden for their year in office, shaping the Company's lectures, events and partnerships across trade, equestrianism and charity.
What was the 2023/24 annual theme?+
The theme for Prime Warden Hugh Taylor's year was the Year of Entrepreneurship, showcasing entrepreneurial members and hosting a mini business course with Bayes Business School.
Has craft and skills training been a Company theme?+
Yes. Craft and skills training was the focus of the 2026 Saddlery Showcase and Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition, held at Saddler's Hall.
