Side Saddle Construction
The WALSALL LEATHER Skills Centre offers a side saddle construction course for those who wish to make a side saddle from start to finish under instruction from a side saddle specialist master saddler.
It will also interest those who may wish to refurbish an old side saddle.
This 2 week intensive course is taught by Rob Jenkins, who specializes in new build as well as the restoration of side saddles. Building on the success of the course delivered in 2024, we will run 2 courses in 2025. Places are limited to 4 on each course to ensure participants get sufficient individual support to complete their saddle within the 2 weeks.
Students may supply their own tree and/or use donor fittings from an old tree. The stirrup bar and leaping head socket must be fitted to the tree before attending the course.
It is noisy work and requires a pillar drill and lots of drill bits to get through the spring steel in the tree. Or we can provide new trees ready mounted with bar and leaping head socket at cost. This leaves the learning time to concentrate on building the saddle.
Course Content
Duration and Fees
2 weeks.
The fee is £1,500.
In addition students pay the cost of the prepared tree with leaping head assembly and stirrup bar (est. £650-£700) fitted and all other materials including leather (est. £500-£600). However, students can bring their own leather and materials if they wish thus reducing the expense.
This course is not subsidized nor is any bursary support available currently. Once offered a place you will be asked to pay a deposit of £200 to secure your place.
Course Dates
Course 1 from the 9th to the 20th June inclusive.
Course 2 from the 18th to the 29th August inclusive.
The workshop will also remain open over the weekend between each course week for participants.
Other Information
While participants will likely want to bring their own tools, the Centre can supply tools for participants coming from abroad.
If you want to discuss your interest further or to apply for a place, please email patrick@walsall-leather.org or telephone 07860 957580.