How an award-winning saddler has created a family-friendly lifestyle.
Lee Jones 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.
Lee, who runs Staffordshire based L A Jones Saddlemaker, was nominated by his wife Lisa Lunn-Jones who says: “Lee is a gifted specialist who takes pride in every piece of work he does.
“He treats customers with the upmost respect with an all-round skill-set offering sound advice and service as well as amazing work which is like art!
“Even through tough times, Lee has remained just as dedicated, producing leatherwork to the highest of standards - and this deserves to be recognised.”
About Lee Jones
Lee Jones has been a saddler for 36 years. After leaving school in 1998, he enrolled on a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) leatherwork programme.
“I never liked school, I would go in for registration and then leave, spending the day at the local stables until it was time to go home,” he says.
“From a young age, I’ve always been intrigued by how things are made and put together, so a career making things seemed logical.”
After his YTS course, Lee’s training continued at the Walsall Leather Centre and then with saddle-maker Jabez Cliff which was based in the town.
Cricket balls
As well as being renowned for its saddles, Jabez Cliff also made leather footballs, cricket balls, rounders balls and golf bags. Lee honed his skills making these products before moving onto saddles.
“I still have one of the rounders balls I made,” he says, “it’s on a shelf in my workshop
“The skills I learnt at Jabez Cliff have been invaluable throughout my career. John Hammond was my apprentice master and I’m still in contact with him today.”
Lee went on to work at eight different saddle companies over the next three decades. In 2021, he was awarded SMS Master Saddle Maker status.
Workshop in the back garden
Four years ago, Lee adopted his son – and decided to start working for himself.
“I wanted to be at home more following the adoption,” he explains. “I’m lucky that what I do doesn’t feel like a job. My workshop is in my back garden and working from home means I can do the school run, which I love doing.”
Lee’s business – L A Jones Saddlemaker -specialises in bespoke saddlery and other custom leatherwork.
Whether it’s making a saddle or a motorcycle seat, Lee loves the whole process of taking the raw materials through to creating a finished product.
Meeting the customer and handing over the completed item gives him an immense sense of pride, he says.
Saddles for New Zealand
As well as his UK customers, Lee makes three or four saddles a month for a company in New Zealand. The arrangement ensures a nice steady flow of work, he explains.
Lee has long been a big supporter of the SMS National Competition. He had his first win back in 1992, and his most recent in 2020 in the Open Saddle Class. The certificates are displayed on his workshop wall.
Earlier this year, he was placed third and received a premium award in the hotly contested Open Saddle class for which entrants were tasked with making a dressage saddle.
Industry changes
“I’ve seen lots of changes over the years in the industry,” says Lee. “While the craft itself is still very traditional, there has been the arrival of synthetic trees, for example.
“But perhaps the biggest change has been around saddle fitting. The emphasis on ensuring the best possible fit for the horse’s comfort is so important, and the study and greater understanding of equine biomechanics is such a positive step.”
Family and assorted animals
Lee laughs when asked what he does in his spare time… but goes on to explain that when he’s not working, he loves spending time with his family which includes two Great Danes, a hamster, a goldfish and 12 chickens.
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.
