SADDLERY SHOWCASE FOCUSES ON CRAFT AND SKILLS TRAINING

The 2026 Saddlery Showcase and Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition shone a spotlight on the importance of maintaining the craft skills needed to produce the very best leather and saddlery products. Peter Bramell, Principal of Capel Manor College congratulated the students and entrants and trailed plans to expand the leather, saddlery and shoe making provision at the College. Simon Yarwood of the Curriers Company spoke eloquently about the sustainability of modern leather and its utility as a very versatile material. Suzie Fletcher summed up encouraging all 240 present to champion what we stand for, our craft and our businesses. Guests from schools, colleges, the heritage craft sector and equestrian world also took the opportunity to have a go on work benches that had been set up as well as engaging with the leading training providers; the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, Walsall Leather Skills Centre and Capel Manor.