From Christmas gifts to gorgeous headcollars… this award-winner makes it all in leather.
Bonnie Dale has been named ETN/SMS Bench Saddler of the Month.
The award, presented in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), recognises those who uphold the highest standard of leathercraft skills.
Bonnie is an intermediate saddler who combines ongoing training with working for Harley Equestrian in Northamptonshire.
She’s also started her own business Bonnie Dale Leatherwork.
Growing up in Ireland
Bonnie grew up in West Cork, Ireland and has ridden since she was four years old.
Always creative, her favourite subjects at secondary school were woodwork and technical graphics.
“I’ve always loved making things by hand and finding out how things are put together,” she says. “I think this comes from going to work with my dad who is a motorsport engineer.”
Architecture loses out to saddlery
Bonnie worked at Fernhill Sport Horses [in Kilkenny] for almost three years.
“Working with the young horses on the yard and away at events gave me such valuable experience,” she says. “It was during this time that I realised that I wanted to work with horses in some way or another.”
Having finished her leaving certificate [the Irish equivalent of A-levels] at 17, Bonnie toyed with the idea of studying architecture at university. But her passion for horses remained so, that summer, when she found a saddlery course on the internet, it was like a dream come true.
“I thought I would be much happier being able to hand-craft items and still be involved with the equine industry,” she explains.
Saddlery training
In 2021, Bonnie began studying for the Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making at Capel Manor, London, finishing her studies at the end of June last year.
She completed her City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Saddlery and is now an SMS Intermediate Saddler. In the future, Bonnie would like to do her Level 3 in bridle making and possibly the bridle fitting course too.
In the workshop
Bonnie has worked four days a week Harley Equestrian in Northamptonshire since the start of her saddlery course. Her boss is SMS Master Saddler and Qualified Saddle Fitter Tracy Habgood.
“I’m always busy and it’s a fun place to work,” says Bonnie. “They’ve made feel so welcome since I came over from Ireland.
“I’m the only one in the workshop and I make new equestrian items as well as doing repairs on all sorts of things including boots, rugs, designer bags and everything in between.”
Bonnie finds repairing items particularly rewarding.
“It’s so important to keep items usable instead of always buying new. Repairing also keeps a sentimental item alive,” she says. “Handing back a repaired item to its owner is a great feeling.”
Winning ways
Being placed in all three classes she entered at the SMS National Competition earlier this year has boosted her confidence, says Bonnie.
“It was a lovely experience to be part of the SMS community,” she adds.
Bonnie won the Trainee Bridlework class where entrants had to make a snaffle bridle. She came fourth in another Trainee Bridlework class to make a crupper and dock; and third in the Trainee Saddle (Rural) class for which she made a saddle.
Unusual commissions
Bonnie has had a few unusual commissions – one being to make a flagpole holder harness for a Scout group’s 100th anniversary.
“It was unusual to make something to fit a person, rather than a horse or dog, but I can’t wait to see it in use in their parade,” she says.
Bonnie has also made a tool roll for a vintage Aston Martin car.
Own business
When she’s not working at Harley Equestrian, Bonnie is focusing on building her own business - Bonnie Dale Leatherwork.
Currently, she’s busy making stock including leather bracelets to take to Christmas markets.
“I’m making lots of different kinds of leather bracelets and bangles, which are proving popular. I have also made some tote bags, belts and a few custom items like headcollars,” she says.
Horses back home
Back home, Bonnie’s family has several equines.
There’s Spirit, Bonnie’s pony who is now 35; his companion Peaches the Shetland; Nellie who is her mum’s horse; and Jack who’s patiently waiting for Bonnie to return to Ireland, get him fit and do some eventing.
How to nominate a bench saddler:
Everyone is invited to nominate bench saddlers they feel deserve to be named ETN Bench Saddler of the Month. Candidates for the award must be a member of the SMS and based in the UK or overseas.
To nominate a bench saddler (or more than one), email editor@equestriantradenews.com and tell us why this person deserves to be put in the spotlight. Please include the bench saddler’s name and business name too.
