Susan has regularly entered  the Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition and has won The Side Saddle Association Trophy twice, and awarded several Premium awards for "Excellence of Craftsmanship".  

Side Saddle fittings and flocking alterations can be carried out on your own premises. Only the best leather is selected for making new Side Saddles using traditional skills combined with both traditional and modern methods and materials.

Older Side Saddles and much loved favourites can, in most cases, be sympathetically repaired and restored. Great care and attention to detail is taken to replicate any original design feature in repairing the original saddle.

Balance Girths, Balance straps, 3 fold leather Girths, stirrup leathers and other accessories can also made to order. Side Saddle stirrup irons, numnahs and other accoutrements are also normally in stock.

Susan has been riding since the age of nine and rides whenever time allows, especially riding sidesaddle when she can  She has ridden horses of numerous different types and breeds.  Susan also has a broad experience in many other equestrian spheres, including carriage driving and High Goal Polo.

In her spare time, she enjoys walking with her flat-coated retriever Rueben, who will often accompany her on saddle fittings or in the workshop, where he greets visitors with enthusiasm.

Susan attended the Cordwainer's College in London, gaining The Cordwainers Diploma in Saddlery Studies and City & Guilds Saddlery Skills qualifications.  She was also the first student to be awarded the Worshipful Company of Saddlers Gold Medal for the most outstanding student of the year. Susan also received a Bursary award from the Worshipful Company of Coach Makers and Coach Harness Makers, and acceptance to the Guild of Master Craftsman with Distinction.

On leaving Cordwainer's, Susan worked in Germany under the guidance of Sattlermeister Horst Olderdissen at the Sattlerei Janitschke Bielefeld, before returning to Liss in Hampshire to establish 'The Saddlers Workshop' in 1993.

Susan served on the Society of Master Saddlers Executive Committee for several years, and was on the sub committee that put together the original Bridle Fitting Qualification. Susan was also an Assessor for the City & Guilds Saddlery Skills Assessment Examinations and occasional Judge at the National Saddlery Competition.

Susan continues her professional development by attending various courses held throughout the year by The Society of Master Saddlers and other Equestrian related organisations

The Saddler's Workshop

Susan Elizabeth Slade

Master Saddler

DROP US A MESSAGE

Award Winning

Meticulous Award winning craftsmanship

Side Saddles

Side Saddles a Speciality

Reins & Bridles

Bespoke Design & Fit

for Horse & Rider

Bridles are made to the customer’s specifications,  and to fit the horse in question. For the very best results, a yard visit is recommended, where all the design features can be discussed and the horse accurately measured.

The bridles Susan creates, represent the ultimate in design and comfort for both horse and rider, where only the very best materials are used. With the finest quality leather and fittings selected, and the meticulous care taken by Susan, becomes evident in the quality of the finished product.

Bespoke items such as Dog collars and Belts can also be made for that special occasion where exceptional quality counts.

Other items that have been requested in recent years have included: Alpaca Headcollars, vintage car body straps, kitchen lighting straps, military re-enactment items eg. arrow quivers etc.

Susan has won numerous awards at The Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competitions, including winning the Open Bridle Class three times.

Flocking adjustments can be done at the customers premises, however full re-flock's are usually done back in the workshop,  then returned and re-fitted and adjusted as necessary.

At "The Saddler's Workshop" a selection of new saddles are available from the Brands listed, along with Stirrup leathers, Girths and other accessories.

Adjustments also undertaken for WoW and Flair saddles

A few Previously Owned Saddles are also sometimes available.

Brands stocked include:

Black Country, Kent & Masters, Thorowgood,  Jeffries, Hastilow, Monarch, GFS, PDS,  J Whitaker,  Pro-lite, Gel-eeze, Snuggy Hoods

Susan is a Society Of Master Saddlers Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter with many years experience of fitting and adjusting astride saddles.

Astride Saddles

Qualified Saddle Fitter

Susan Slade is a Master Saddler and Harness Maker and Master Bridle maker, as well as being a Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter. Susan also holds the British Horse Society Assistant Instructors Certificate.

The Saddler's Workshop

Susan Elizabeth Slade

Master Saddler