Jo the Saddler

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Jo the Saddler

Master Saddler and Harness Maker offering leather repairs and bespoke items in Wilts/Glos.

01/06/2026

Today’s quality control officer is conducting a thorough inspection of my work. Results pending. 🐈‍⬛

22/05/2026

From a clean work bench… to a rosette-winning finish ✨

It’s always difficult to capture every single stage of a project when you’re deep in the creative zone, focused on the making process and solving problems as you go. But I hope this video gives a little insight into what goes into creating something that is truly handmade.

Every pattern, every cut, every stitch, every adjustment — all done by hand with care, patience, and a vision in mind from start to finish.

Seeing this Belgian Draft Show Set go from an idea on the bench to proudly worn in the ring makes all the hard work worth it 🏵️

17/05/2026

Big news… the workshop is moving! 📦🔧

After 14 years in my tiny little workshop, the time has finally come for an upgrade. I’ve started packing everything up and honestly… how on earth did I fit so much into one small room?! Every shelf, drawer and corner seems to have been hiding something.

It’s been an amazing space that’s seen countless projects, plenty of creativity, and probably far more tools than it was ever designed to hold.

But don’t panic — I’m not going far! The new workshop is only 5 minutes down the road, so it’s the same work, just with a bit more breathing room.

So far it’s taken 4 car loads to move everything! Extra 💪 from Dad and James, and some very important child entertainment duties from Mum while we loaded and unloaded. A massive thank you to you all — couldn’t have done it without you.

New space, new adventures… watch this space.

16/05/2026

That fuzzy feeling inside when you get the message saying your work has arrived safely… and then the customer sends a photo from the first try on.

Seeing something you’ve spent hours designing, pattern making, and carefully crafting finally sitting on the horse it was made for is the best feeling. And doesn’t he look incredible in his new show set!

Moments like this make all the hard work worth it.

06/05/2026

Update on the home-grown rye straw experiment for my collar making…

Well… it turns out we may have grown the wrong thing! 🤦‍♂️ Instead of cereal rye (which is what we actually need for the straw), it looks like we have a nice crop of rye grass.
But we do have one correct plant about 4foot tall 🥳 which means it will grow in our part of the country.

But it’s all part of the learning process when you start experimenting with growing your own materials.

So the plan now is to take what we’ve learned and have another go in October with a right seed.

Trial, error, and a bit of patience — but hopefully one step closer to home-grown straw for my collar making. 🌾

04/05/2026

A few pictures of saddles being worked on over the last few weeks, getting them all ready for a summer of fun in the saddle. 🐎

There’s always a lot going on behind the scenes to keep saddles safe, comfortable and working as they should.

Clockwise from the top:
• Old and new girth straps – replacing worn ones to keep everything secure
• Old flocking coming out of a panel… often in big lumps like this!
• New pure sheep’s wool ready to go back in
• Topping up the flocking through the slits in the top of the panel
• Stitching on brand new girth straps

A good check-over and maintenance can make a huge difference to both horse and rider. ✨

27/04/2026

I’m stepping a little outside my comfort zone and working with white leather… eek! As if that wasn’t nerve-wracking enough, I’m pairing it with some absolutely stunning patent leather.

Here’s a little sneak peek of a sample I’ve been working on…

If it turns out the way I’m imagining, it’s going to be epic.

Watch this space. 👀✨

25/04/2026

Today we went and fitted Ranger’s brand new collar — and what a perfect day to do it! 🐾

Not only did he get to show it off, but we were also able to watch him take part in an agility competition. It was amazing seeing him in action!

When designing this collar, we had to keep agility rules in mind. In competitions, dogs aren’t allowed name or address tags that dangle from their collars (you really do learn something new every day!).

So instead, we had this lovely custom name plaque made and securely attached directly to his collar. Practical, competition-friendly, and it looks pretty smart on him too.

Safe, stylish, and ready for agility — Ranger is all set! 🐕✨

13/04/2026

Today is a big day for me and my littlest one. 💕

I’m feeling a mix of emotions as she heads off for her very first morning of pre-school. I know she’s going to have the best time exploring, learning and making new friends… but I will definitely miss my little sidekick this morning.

On the plus side, it means I have a whole morning in the workshop to create – something that hasn’t happened in a while! I’m excited to see what I can make while she’s off on her new adventure.

Here’s to new beginnings for both of us. 💗

Address

Trowbridge

Website

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SoJoCreationsShop

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