Susannah is a leatherworker specialising in side-saddle making. With QEST funding, she will undergo one-to-one tuition with master saddler Rob Jenkins and enrol in advanced courses at Salisbury Leather Training Centre with Mark Romain MBE, essential for refining her skills and achieving professional accreditation.
Having worked with leather for over five years, Susannah’s passion for side-saddle making developed through her own need for modern side-saddles that fit today’s horses. This interest was further honed during a 2024 workshop with Rob. Her work has been featured within TV series and event such as the BBC Christmas Countryfile show. She is committed to preserving this endangered craft while adapting it for modern needs.
Susannah’s side-saddles aim to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary innovations, improving both function and comfort. She focuses on sustainable practices, sourcing British-made materials and collaborating with suppliers committed to low-carbon production. She plans to raise the profile of this niche craft and contribute to its ongoing preservation. Her long-term goal is to establish a bespoke side-saddle business, advancing the craft and making it accessible for contemporary equestrians.
