Side saddle making

The making of side saddles to allow riders to sit aside rather than astride a horse (see also saddlery).

This craft uses products derived from animals – please read our ethical sourcing statement.

Status	Endangered
Craft category	Leather
Historic area of significance	London, West Midlands
Area currently practised
Origin in the UK
Current no. of professionals (main income)	1-5
Current no. of professionals (sideline to main income)	11-20
Current no. of trainees	6-10
Current total no. serious amateur makers	11-20
Current total no. of leisure makers
Minimum no. of craftspeople required

A side saddle is a type of saddle developed for ladies who did not want to ride in a carriage but when riding astride was considered unladylike.

Extremely traditional and tended to always be the top saddlers who specialised. Working with serge, linen, doe and pigskin.

Interest in side saddles is enjoying a revival – more people are riding side saddle and wounded veterans with limb loss are discovering the opportunities side saddles offer in their rehabilitation.
Although the craft is experiencing an upsurge there are still relatively few skilled makers.
Richard Godden’s retirement will mark a great loss to the side saddle making skills base and it will be difficult to replace him.

Individual makers:

Businesses employing two or more makers: