Award-winner on leather dragons and comfortable bridles.
Tamsin Raymond has been named ETN/SMS Bench Saddler of the Month for November.
The award, presented in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), recognises those who uphold the highest standards of leathercraft skills.
Tamsin is a Master Saddler who runs TCR Saddlery in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales.
Her dragon bag was awarded second place in the SMS pre-made competition at BETA International 2024. Inspired by a new season of the TV series House of the Dragon, the piece showcases her incredible leathercraft skills.
The dragon, named Cobalt, is made from almost 1,000 individually stamped and stitched leather scales. Tasmin had kept the pieces of Italian leather since her college days in 2010/12, waiting for the right project.
Tamsin started the dragon bag in June ahead of BETA International in September, making the head first, followed by the body.
“I was working on Cobalt seven days a week for the last two weeks to make sure it was done in time,” she says. “I was really happy with how it turned out and to get a second prize placing was the icing on the cake.”
Hitting the right notes
Before training to be a saddler, Tamsin was studying music. However, she quickly realised that university wasn’t right for her and dropped out of the course.
So, what to do next? Tamsin had always enjoyed horses as a hobby, and didn’t want a career that would impact on this. “I was quite crafty, so I thought why not do saddlery - not fitting, but making and creating things out of leather,” she explains.
Working with leather
Tamsin did five short courses at the Cumbria School of Saddlery in Penrith with David May.
She then completed the two-year Cordwainer’s Diploma at Capel Manor College. This was followed by a series of courses with Mark Romain at The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, leading to full qualification as a saddler and, ultimately, Master Saddler.
Having completed her courses, Tamsin started her own business making bespoke bridles, general repairs and creating other leather items.
“Everything is hand stitched”
“It’s a 50:50 split between equestrian and non-equestrian bench work,” she says. “I don’t have a sewing machine, so everything I make is hand stitched, which is time-consuming but also very rewarding.
“Last month, I made a coachman's watch case, which is a little satchel with a pocket in the back to hold a watch. The customer borrowed one and I copied it. It was such an interesting project to do and the finished article looks great.”
Bespoke bridles
Bridles are Tamsin’s favourite item to make. Indeed, she finds it very satisfying creating something by hand completely from scratch – and takes great joy from seeing a customer’s reaction as their imagination becomes a reality.
Tamsin is currently working towards gaining the SMS bridle fitter qualification.
“I feel strongly about making high-quality, well-designed bridles and other items for the horse with the aim of maximising comfort,” she says. “From an ethical point of view, this is so important to me. The welfare of the horse must come first.”
Item in high demand
Tamsin is often asked for bespoke bling browbands, but says it’s taken her a while to hone her skills in this department.
“I couldn’t get my head around the way I was taught, so I found a different way of doing it,” she says.
“That's the great thing about bench work; if you make little tweaks and work out how to do it yourself, there's no reason why you can't develop your own techniques.”
Horse time
Tamsin has been around horses most of her life, and is on the lookout for a new one having lost her old mare a couple of years ago.
To get her horsey fix, she helps look after an American miniature Shetland called Jamaican Me Proud. Tamsin says she loves being around the 9hh pony.
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.
