Star guest to present an award.
Paralympic dressage rider Natasha Baker will present an award at the 2025 Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Saddlery Competition.
Held at Saddlers’ Hall, London, on Tuesday, 4 February, the contest is supported by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers and features the world’s finest leather craftspeople.
The winner of the President’s Choice class - for a piece themed ‘making a difference: inspired by disability/disadvantage’ - will receive their award from Britain’s nine-time paralympic medallist, Natasha Baker.
Other classes at the SMS Competition showcase work from Apprentice to Master level saddlers and include saddle, bridle and harness making.
Entries are open to all SMS members and close on 20 January.
Made to order
Saddlers are required to make specific items ahead of the various classes.
A pair of riding bridle cheek pieces is needed for the Special Open Class; while for the Open Harness category, it’s a breast collar suitable for driving, including a neck strap.
Entrants in the Open Bridle class make a bridle suitable for showjumping or cross country; while in the Intermediate Bridle category, entrants create a drop noseband.
For the Open Class, entrants make a miniature piece of leather riding, driving or schooling equipment. Items must be no larger than half size and not intended for actual use.
The Master and Apprentice class sees apprentices making a plain snaffle bridle, with their respective Masters making a pair of plain reins to go on the bridle.
Find out more at www.mastersaddlers.co.uk
