Every year since 1974, the National Saddlery Competition remains as the highlight of The Society's calendar, receiving generous backing from The Worshipful Company of Saddlers and various sponsors. The calibre of submissions from our inventive, skilled and gifted members from all across the globe consistently surpasses expectations, with The Bruce Emtage Memorial Plate for Best in Show as the coveted award. Saddlers Hall, a stone's throw from St Paul's Cathedral, welcomes a plethora of entries in the week leading up to the Competition, which welcomes Society members ranging from Apprentices to Masters. Over the weekend, a panel of judges meticulously evaluates each entry, assigning ranks within their respective classes. Keep an eye on Social Media for profiles of next year's Judges.
Our Partners from equestrian sports, academia, and the saddlery trade are invited to The Lunchtime Reception. Here, they can view the remarkable entries and engage in discussions about the influence of saddlery's skill, artistry, and craftsmanship on equine welfare and safety across sport, leisure, and retirement, all while enjoying canapés and a special beverage.
The Gala Awards Evening Reception is the zenith of the event, blending the thrill of the award announcements with an exceptional chance to network, reconnect with long-standing friends, and forge new connections. The joy of the evening is clear to see in the photographs.
This year, The Worshipful Company of Saddlers hosted a Saddlers Showcase Day on Monday, 3rd February, inviting guests from the equestrian world, giving them the opportunity to view the craftsmanship on display.











National Saddlery Competition 2025 - Results
A traditional plain cavesson Snaffle Bridle made by the Apprentice and Plain Reins made by the Master.
One prize is awarded for this class and the winners were:
1st: Master Saddler Chris Taylor and Apprentice Gabrielle Mitchley, Saddlers Den
A Stable Headcollar conforming to Level 2 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification
Sponsored by Abbey England
1st: Rosie Smith, King’s Troop RHA
2nd: Holly Stead, Walsall Leather Skills Centre
3rd: Jake Mann, Capel Manor College
4th: Luke Tapsell, Capel Manor College
Premiums:
Rosie Smith, Holly Stead and Jake Mann
Double Bridle conforming to Level 3 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification
Sponsored by George Barnsley & Sons
1st: Tamara Hug, Capel Manor College
2nd: Emily Perigaud, Saddlery Training Centre
3rd: Harri Bruce
Premiums:
Premiums: Tamara Hug, Emily Perigaud and Harri Bruce
A Driving Bridle Face Dropper with metal decoration
Sponsored by The Worshipful Company of Coach and Coach Harness Makers
1st: Jake Mann, Capel Manor College
2nd: Roh Wright, Walsall Leather Skills Centre
3rd: Harri Bruce
4th: Sophia Stratford, Capel Manor College
Premiums:
Jake Mann, Roh Wright, Harri Bruce, Sophia Stratford, Isabel Dudley and Isadora Bowden
Any type or size of Leather Saddle suitable to meet the criteria of C&G Level 2 or 3 Saddle specification
2nd Prize - Sponsored by Osborne Tools
1st: James Edwards, Acorn Saddlery & Saddlery Training Centre
2nd: Emily Perigaud, Saddlery Training Centre
3rd: Rebecca Bowman, Saddlery Training Centre
Premiums:
Any type or size of Leather Astride
1st: Daniel Haycock, Bliss of London Ltd
Premiums: Daniel Haycock
Any design and size of Drop Noseband, open to qualified and trainee members only
1st: Katerina Marinkovic
2nd: Charlotte Cheesman
3rd: Alyssa Nimmo
4th: Gudrun Thuesen
Premiums: Katerina Marinkovic, Charlotte Cheesman, Alyssa Nimmo, Gudrun Thuesen and Hattie Crabtree
A pair of Riding Bridle Cheek Pieces
1st: Stephanie Smith
2nd: Katerina Marinkovic
3rd: Roh Wright
Premiums: Stephanie Smith, Katerina Marinkovic, Roh Wright, Katy Warriner, Tamara Hug, Lily Spackman and Christie Farren
Any design of English Astride leather saddle
1st: Joshua Morris-Siegel
2nd: Shelley Musker Turner
Premium: Joshua Morris-Siegel
Any design of leather English Astride Saddle
1st: Hastilow & Sons
Premiums: Hastilow & Sons, Ideal Saddle Company, Lee Jones Saddlemaker and Bliss of London
A Breast Collar suitable for Driving including neck strap
Sponsored by Cribbs Carriage Masters
1st: Stephanie Smith
2nd: Mark Bushell
3rd: Louise Palmer, Saddlers Den
Premiums: Stephanie Smith
A Bridle suitable for Show Jumping or Cross Country
1st: Lisa Hoskins
2nd: Frances Roche MVO
3rd: Catherine Baker
Premiums: Lisa Hoskins, Frances Roche and Catherine Baker
Any design of Astride Saddle
1st: Spencer Gregory, Ideal and WRS Company Ltd
2nd: Andrew Hastilow, Hastilow & Sons
3rd: Nico Edwards, Bliss of London Ltd
4th: Lee Jones, L A Jones Saddlemaker
4th: Paul Edwards, Ideal & WRS Company Ltd
Premiums: Spencer Gregory, Andrew Hastilow, Nico Edwards, Lee Jones and Paul Edwards
1st: Kate Hardt
2nd: Christer Dahlberg
3rd: Julia Duffin
Premiums: Kate Hardt
A Miniature Piece of Leather Riding, Driving or Schooling Equipment
1st: Catrien Coppens, State Harness
2nd: Isobel Russell, In-hand Show Set
3rd: Helen Reader, Horse Boots
4th: Lee Jones, Saddle
Premiums: Catrien Coppens, Isobel Russell, Helen Reader, Lee Jones and Frances Roche
‘Making a Difference’ Inspired by supporting disability and / or disadvantage
1st: Helen Leedham (Lap Mounted Grooming Box)
2nd: Christie Farren (Leather Activity Book)
3rd: Hattie Crabtree (Braille Blocks)
4th: Christina Allansdotter (Knee, Ankle and Foot Orthorsis)
Premiums: Helen Leedham, Christie Farren, Hattie Crabtree, Christina Allansdotter, Godfrey Morris MBE, Jocelyn Danby and Frances Roche MVO