04/07/2026
I've been thinking 🤔 Not many followers of my small business would be aware of me as a person. I find it hard to talk about myself and what interests me but all of it contributes to how I operate.
So here goes nothing... I often refer to myself as a Jack of all trades. Creativity is in my DNA and in addition to my obsession with saddles, I am an artist, a leatherworker, a rider, a competitor, a passionate animal advocate, a collector (hoarder might be a better term, but it’s all useful I promise), a reader, a doomscroller, a mental health counsellor, a slave to 18 horses, 5 cats, multiple fish, 5 chickens and the various wild birds who turn up demanding breakfast.
I’ve a degree in visual arts, done veggie picking, hospitality, real estate, banking and policing, I’ve had my mental health battles and worked hard to manage the PTSD that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. All this “lived experience” has shaped me into the person I am today.
I was recently given the compliment of being the most “Gen X” saddle fitter that my client had ever met (she bought one saddle and ordered another so I think I’m doing something right). I'm blunt, opinionated and certainly not always easy to take, I’m forgetful and disorganised, I have a very dark sense of humour and a potty mouth. I am honest (it’s too hard to remember lies and I can’t be bothered) can be generous to a fault, you will always know where you stand, I care about the welfare of EVERYTHING, I am passionate about getting results and I don't compromise my ethics for anyone.
I LOVE creating and have a very well honed eye for detail. From sculpting in limestone, deer antler, apoxie and more to rocking horse renovations, furniture transformations, I’m eclectic and quirky and embrace the chaos of my studio. I’m proud to say that I’ve donated artwork to equine welfare charities helping to raise much needed funds for horses in need.
Together with my family we love and indulge our horses. It’s pretty much a given that when a horse becomes part of our family it has a home for life. Some have come to us from unfortunate circumstances. Some we have made the mistake of breeding (referring to the hilarious but destructive Ferdie and the spicy opinionated troll Gidget, yes they are siblings…). Some we have even actually purchased deliberately! All in all they are truly an indulged eclectic bunch. From tiny Caspian horses to huge Clydesdales. We are certainly not “Breedist”.
I’ve ridden horses my whole life, I’ve competed since a child, in eventing, showjumping, dressage, showing. I have the distinct advantage of my mother being a very talented rider, competitor and coach. What I have learned from her is part of me and the way that I ride, train and compete.
As far as saddles go, I am absolutely a**l retentive about correct fit, rider position and quality. I am largely self taught over decades, and have spent time in saddle factories in Walsall learning how the saddles are made, how to flock and do repairs. I appreciate fine leather, fine stitching and exceptional craftsmanship. I have developed good relationships with the saddlers I work with in the UK which means I can annoy them with impunity with questions and requests.
The purpose of this Bio is to reassure you that I am capable and that I take my responsibilities seriously. I am not here to “Blow smoke up your arse” (which by the way was something done in the 18th century by doctors to treat ailments and resuscitate near drowning victims), but to actually help you to stop fighting your saddle to sit correctly leaving you the energy to achieve your goals and do the best for your horses.
Cheers and happy riding. Nicki
