Supporting the Saddlery Trade

Championing the Craft of Saddlery

Unlike many other medieval craft guilds, the saddlery trade still flourishes. The Company supports the pursuit of excellence in the craft and underwrites the work of the Society of Master Saddlers, including its National Saddlery Competition, and trainee competition at the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) fair each spring.

Through equestrian prizes and access to training, the Company helps raise awareness of the importance of quality saddlery and skilled, professional fitting, supporting the wellbeing of horses while helping to secure a thriving future for the saddlery sector.

Training and Qualifications

In 1984 the Company initiated a Saddlery Skills Assessment and Qualification Scheme with the City & Guilds of London Institute and the Society of Master Saddlers. Today, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers remains the City & Guilds Centre for saddlery skills.

In 1999 the Company launched the Millennium Apprenticeship Scheme, supporting craft businesses for more than twenty-five years. In 2019, the Company supported the introduction of the Level 2 Leathercraftsperson and Level 3 Bespoke Saddler Apprenticeship Standards, and in 2024 a working group developed leatherworking units within the existing Skills and Education Group Level 1 Award in Fashion and Textiles, creating an accessible entry point for those considering a career working with leather.

The Company also supports learner-led skills pathways through the Heritage Crafts bursary programme, helping to transfer the knowledge and skills of experienced Master Saddlers to the next generation, while partnerships with Bayes Business School and Cockpit provide business and enterprise skills to help build a sustainable future for the saddlery sector.

Trade Liaison Committee

The Trade Liaison Committee advises the Court on the Company's involvement in and support for the saddlery trade and craft. The Committee meets twice a year to review priorities and activity across the trade.

The Saddlery Steering Group administers income from the Apprenticing Charity, supporting training and qualification programmes and providing access to bursaries. The Company's bursary provision for those in need is strengthened by the support of the City & Guilds Foundation and a recent generous gift from the Goold family.

Each year, Saddlers' Hall, the spiritual home of saddlery, hosts the National Saddlery Competition.

Who the Company Works With

• The Society of Master Saddlers
• British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)
• Capel Manor College Leatherwork Department
• Saddlery Training Centre
• City and Guilds
• UK Fashion and Textiles
• Leather UK
• Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust
• Walsall Leather Skills Centre
• Heritage Crafts Association
• Cockpit
• Lewisham College
• Bayes Business School