Proud Members of:
A traditional plain cavesson Snaffle Bridle & Plain Reins
This class is open to Master Saddlers and their Millennium Apprentices only. The Snaffle Bridle to be made by the Apprentice and the Reins to be made by the Master. No raised or padded work.
Marks will be weighted towards the apprentice at 2/3 to 1/3. Points for each item will be added together and the Master and Apprentice with most points will win. There will only be a winner and no placings.
To be eligible for this class – the apprentice should not have received their completion certificate prior to the competition.
Prize: Master: A bottle of Champagne
Apprentice: A tools and materials voucher to the value of £100
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship, suitability for purpose.
Prizes in kindly sponsored by Abbey England, George Barnsley & Sons & The Worshipful Company of Coach and Coach Harness Makers
a) Headcollar conforming to Level 2 City & Guilds Skills Assessment specification.
b) Double Bridle conforming to Level 3 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification.
c) A Driving Bridle Face Dropper with metal decoration. Conforming to the size in Level 3 City & Guilds Skills Assessment specification. May also have fancy stitching.
Open to Members’ Employees / Apprentices, Trainee Members and Students undergoing training at The Saddlery Training Centre, Capel Manor College or Walsall Leather Skills Centre.
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Class a – Entrants must not have commenced training before 1st September 2022.
Class b & c – Entrants must not have commenced training before 1st September 2020 or, in the case of Millennium Apprentices, the apprentice should not have received their completion certificate prior to the competition.
Please note: Entrants may not enter classes 2a and 2b. You may enter 2a and 2c, or 2b and 2c.
Prizes:
Class 2a: Abbey England vouchers for tools or materials to the value of:
1st – £150 2nd – £100 3rd – £75
Class 2b: George Barnsley & Sons Vouchers for tools to the value of: 1st – £150 2nd – £100 3rd – £75
Class 2c: Sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Coach and Coach Harness Makers Vouchers for tools or material to the value of:
1st – £150 2nd – £100 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged by the C&G specification where appropriate and quality of craftsmanship.
2nd prize kindly sponsored by H Webber in conjunction with Osborne Tools
Any type or size of Leather Saddle (must be suitable to meet the specification and marking criteria of C&G Level 2 or 3 Saddle which includes all cutting, stitching, finishing and assembly being done by the entrant) (Should incorporate knee pads, knee rolls and have a flocked panel)
Open to Members’ Employees / Apprentices, Trainee Saddler and Student Members and Students undergoing training at The Saddlery Training Centre, Capel Manor College or Walsall Leather Skills Centre. Entrants must not have commenced training before 1st September 2020 or, in the case of Millennium Apprentices, the apprentice should not have received their completion certificate prior to the competition.
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Entrants to ensure that the origin of the saddle is not identifiable by manufacturer’s nameplates or saddle nails.
Prizes: Osborne Saddlery voucher for tools (2nd Prize) and prize vouchers for tools or materials to the value of:
1st – £175 2nd – £100 3rd – £50
Entries will be judged by the Skills Assessment specification and the quality of craftsmanship
Any style of leather Astride Saddle (must be manufactured on a wooden tree).
Open to all employees of trade members who commenced their training after 1st September 2020.
(It is accepted that trade entries might not be the sole work of the entrant ie. that the cutting and/or machining might not be the sole work of the entrant.)
No miniatures. Entrants to ensure that the origin of the saddle is not identifiable by any manufacturer’s nameplates, saddle nails or markings.
Prizes: 1st – £175 2nd – £100 3rd – £50
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship.
Any design and size of Drop Noseband
Open to all members except Masters.
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Prizes: 1st – £175 2nd – £100 3rd – £50
Entries will be judged in this order: Quality of craftsmanship, suitability for purpose and design.
A Pair of Riding Bridle Cheek Pieces
Any length, width 5/8”, stitched 10 to the inch, with hook studs.
Any colour leather, thread and fittings
Open to all members and employees thereof. Not to have won a 1st prize in any class in the last three competitions (* See note 13 re. guests)
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Prizes: 1st – £100 2nd – £50 3rd – £30
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship and suitability for purpose.
Any design of English Astride leather Saddle made on conventional wooden tree.
Open to members and employees thereof who manufacture no more than 10 saddles a year.
Must be the SOLE work of the entrant, including webbing the tree, building, blocking and seaming the seat, all cutting and machining.
Entrants to ensure that the origin of the saddle is not identifiable by manufacturer’s nameplates or saddle nails.
Prizes: 1st – £200 2nd – £125 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship, stylish design and suitability for purpose.
Any design of English Astride leather Saddle
(Made on a conventional wooden or synthetic tree and with panel filling of your choice i.e. flock, foam, felt or a combination of materials). The saddle entered in this class must have been readily available to order for the past six months.
Open to all Master Saddler Trade members (all entries will be from the company, not individuals – no more than one entry per company).
Entrants to ensure that the origin of the saddle is not identifiable by any manufacturer’s nameplates, saddle nails or markings.
Prizes: There will be one prize of £250 and no placings. (The prize will be awarded to the company)
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship and suitability for purpose.
In addition the Neil McCarraher Trophy will be presented.
Prizes kindly sponsored by Cribbs Carriage Masters and Funeral Directors
A Breast Collar suitable for Driving, including neck strap
Open to all members and employees thereof.
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Prizes: 1st – £200 2nd – £125 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship, suitability for purpose and design.
A Bridle suitable for Show Jumping or Cross Country, including bit and reins
Open to all members and employees thereof
Must be the sole work of the entrant
Prizes: 1st – £200 2nd – £125 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged in this order: quality of craftsmanship, suitability for purpose and design.
Any design of Astride Saddle (made on a conventional wooden or synthetic tree.)
Open to ALL members and employees thereof.
Entrants to ensure that the origin of the saddle is not identifiable by any manufacturer’s nameplates, saddle nails or markings.
Prizes: 1st – £225 2nd – £150 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged on stylish design, innovative design and quality of craftsmanship.
made on a new tree or refurbished old tree, to include the stirrup leather (no iron)
If an old tree is used photographic evidence must include the tree in its original state before work commenced. Any original work not included in the restoration should be declared. For example, if the original set seat or bellies were not replaced. Otherwise, all work and other materials must be new. Must be all leather with a serge panel or Wickham pad.
Open to all members and employees thereof.
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Prizes: 1st – £225 2nd – £150 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship and suitability for purpose.
A Miniature Piece of Leather Riding, Driving or Schooling Equipment
The entry should be no larger than half size and not intended for actual use, by miniature breeds for example.
Open to all members and employees thereof.
Must be the sole work of the entrant.
Prizes: 1st – £175 2nd – £100 3rd – £50
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship and innovative design
“Making a Difference” – Inspired by supporting Disability and/or Disadvantage.
Any design of leather item which could be used to enhance the life or experience of the user whether they are human or animal. The item could be a new version of something you have made in the past or a prototype for a new piece of equipment. Each entry must be accompanied by an explanation of its intended use or purpose.
Examples, but not limited to: Adaptive tack, canine equipment or equipment for those with physical limitations.
Open to all members and employees thereof.
Must be the sole work of the entrant
Prizes: 1st – £200 2nd – £125 3rd – £75
Entries will be judged on quality of craftsmanship and innovative design and suitability for purpose.
NO MINIATURES TO BE ENTERED IN ANY CLASS APART FROM CLASS 12.
Only members who enter the competition and whose item is submitted are entitled to attend the evening reception and prize giving (with one guest * see note 3)
All queries regarding the schedule should be directed to the chair of the Craft Committee, Mark Romain, at The Saddlery Training Centre: 01722 341144 saddlerytraining@btconnect.com
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
- All entrants must be a member in their own right or properly employed and on the payroll of a member’s business or be a saddlery student (see 2). In the event of a company entry, the entrants must be employed and on the payroll. In the event of any fraudulent entry, membership will be suspended for one year. In any dispute the Judges’ decision is final.
- Students undergoing training at Capel Manor College and students at The Saddlery Training Centre and Walsall Leather Skills Centre who are not employed by a member or are not a member in their own right as a trainee are eligible to enter Classes 2 and 3 only. With regard to the bridle classes in class 2 this will be split between students in years 1 & 2 and years 3 & 4. Entrants in class 2a must not have commenced training before 1st September 2022. Entrants in class 2b and 2c must not have commenced training before 1st September 2020, or in the case of Millennium Apprentices should not have received their completion certificate prior to the competition. It is therefore essential that the date on which training started is accurately recorded on the entry form. Those who started college training after 1st September 2022 will normally be expected to enter class 2a but may elect to enter 2b instead if they so wish. However, entrants may not enter both classes 2a and 2b. Entrants may enter class 2a and 2c or 2b and 2c.
- Entrants in all classes must ensure that the origin of the item entered is not identifiable by the manufacturer’s name, nameplate, mark, stamp or saddle nail. Items which do not conform to this condition will not be entered into the competition.
- Entries in Class 7 will be from the company, not individuals – no more than one entry per company. The saddle must be an existing stock line which has been available to order for the past six months with no competition embellishments.
- Entries in all classes, apart from class 3b, 7 and 10, must be the unaided work of the individual entrant.
- Items of work from previous competitions may not be re-entered and the entry must have been completed in the last two years.
- Entrants may not enter more than one item in any class. (Except in the case of Class 1 for a Master with more than one apprentice).
- Entries must conform to the specification and / or description of each class. Entries which do not comply with the specifications will be disqualified. Specifications / measurements / marking criteria for Classes 2 and 3 are available on request from the Society’s office or by visiting the SMS web site / training / qualifications / handbooks. www.mastersaddlers.co.uk.
- A note may be included with an entry to explain any particularly innovative design but must not include anything which may identify the entrant.
- No photographs of entries may be published on social media prior to the competition. Non-compliance will result in the entrant being disqualified.
- Entries must be notified on the official entry form and it is essential that every form is endorsed by the Master / Employer / Tutor if applicable. The entry form is available on the web site.
- Due to organisational requirements and to confirm numbers, we request that entry forms are returned to the Chief Executive by Monday 20th January 2025 but earlier if possible. The form should not be included with the item sent to Saddlers’ Hall. Early return of the entry form is required to enable arrangements for the reception to be made. Late entrants may still enter items in the competition but may not be able to attend the evening reception.
- All entrants who return their entry form by the closing date may attend the evening reception with a guest who must be named on the entry form. In respect of class 5 entrants may only bring a guest if they enter a second class and both entries are submitted. If an entry is not submitted for judging the entrant does not qualify for attendance of the evening reception.
- Finished entries for all classes should be delivered to: Catherine Morris, Saddlers’ Hall, Gutter Lane, Cheapside, London, EC2V 6BR to arrive no later than Wednesday 29th January. You must use the full name and address to ensure your parcel is delivered. Judging takes place on Friday 31st Jan and Saturday 1st February and therefore no late entries can be accepted.
- Overseas deliveries – entries sent from outside the UK may incur customs or VAT charges. It is the responsibility of the entrant to ensure that the correct paperwork is in place and to cover any costs associated with delivery to and return from Saddlers’ Hall. Early investigations via the HMRC web site of the necessary process is highly recommended to ensure that the documentation is completed prior to sending the entry to the UK.
- PACKAGING – VERY IMPORTANT Every individual item must be clearly and securely labelled with the entrant’s name and the class to be entered. It is not sufficient to only include your name on your parcel or on a compliment slip within it. If items are not labelled we cannot guarantee they will not become separated from your parcel and they may not be entered in the competition. Your name and class should also be noted on the outside of your parcel to aid unpacking. All bridles must be assembled to avoid loss of parts in unpacking.
- If more than one class is entered please include a list of items contained within the package in the top of the box to ensure nothing is overlooked in the unpacking. Please also include a note or inform the office if an entry indicated on the entry form has not been completed and so has not been sent.
- It is at the discretion of the judges to award an additional fourth prize if appropriate or not to award prizes or trophies if a satisfactory standard or number of entries in a class has not been reached.
- Competitors’ entries will be displayed in the Hall for the Saddlers’ Company Saddlery Showcase which is taking place on Monday 3rd February. The SMS evening prize giving and reception will take place on Tuesday 4th February from 5pm with doors opening at 4.15.
- All entrants must arrange to remove their entries from Saddlers’ Hall after the presentation of prizes on Tuesday 4th February. If you or a friend cannot collect your item please provide a return label and stamps (not a pre-paid label) to the value of the postage and make arrangements for a parcel service or courier to collect from Saddlers’ Hall and advise Catherine Morris of your arrangements. tc@saddlersco.co.uk Tel: 0207 776 8901. If a friend is collecting your item please ensure that they confirm with Hazel Morley or Mark Romain which entry it is.
The ‘Conditions of Entry’ and Schedule specifications will be strictly adhered to including items being fit for purpose. Entrants must make themselves fully aware of all specifications, marking and judging criteria relating to their class.