Reflecting on the Beginning
Three participants, one master, and plenty of leather – that’s how our sidesaddle adventure began at the Walsall Leather Skills Centre under the guidance of master saddler Rob Jenkins.
The goal: a handcrafted sidesaddle. The means: patience, craftsmanship, and a good dose of humour.
Leather, Tools and First Doubts
The first hours were marked by admiration for the high-quality materials – and a slight sense of apprehension about the tasks ahead. Rob Jenkins, a man of unwavering calm and impressive precision, guided us through the first steps: cutting, shaping, and tooling the leather.
Sounds easy? Think again!
At the latest, when we tried to coax the stubborn material into the right shape, it became clear: crafting a sidesaddle is no Sunday afternoon project.
The Battle with Needle and Thread
Rob demonstrated endless patience as we worked through fine stitching, precise padding, and the tricky seat shape. At times, the mood hovered somewhere between ambition and despair – but giving up? Not an option! Every small success was celebrated, and every misplaced stitch was met with a knowing smile.
The Grand Finale: Three Saddles, Three Success Stories
After days of focused work, coffee breaks, and the occasional curse, the moment had arrived: our sidesaddles were finished! Each was unique in style and detail but bore a common signature – precise craftsmanship, learned under the watchful eye of a true master.
An Experience That Lasts
This course was more than just a training session – it was a journey into the fine art of traditional saddlery. With three completed saddles, a sharpened eye for detail, and a newfound appreciation for true craftsmanship, we said our goodbyes to Walsall.
Rob, we’ll be back – and next time, our stitching will be even neater!
Interested in this course?
Find out more information here and note that this course is in high demand spaces are only allocated upon payment of a deposit.
