my equine career
My equine career in the spotlight... Tony Fellows Saddle Maker at Ideal Saddle Company, Walsall Q1: What exactly is your job?
My role at Ideal Saddles is as a Saddle Maker. Q2:
How would you describe what you do on a day to day basis?
I am a Piece Work Saddler. In a production system the tree is strained with a nylon web with the straps attached. We have a preparing section at Ideal that undertakes the staining, edging and the insertion of the knee blocks. I then take receipt of the various parts and bring them together to create the finished saddle.
Whilst I manufacture a number of saddles per week, many of them are to individual customer requirements This can take from six to eight weeks from measurement through to delivery and I will use many tools that are peculiar to my trade including the pricking iron (to mark where the stitching will go), awls (to perforate the leather before stitching) punches, edge shave, paring knife and more...
However, the majority of the Equine Page 56
cost you will pay for a hand- made saddle will be labour as both I and others will spend many hours lovingly creating this piece of saddlery from start to finish. The creation process is basically the same whether you require a General Purpose, Jumping, Polo or Dressage saddle.
Q3:
What is your role and what are your responsibilities?
I am a Piece Work Saddler- producing saddles week-in, week-out, to the very highest standards.
Q4:
What qualifications and experience do you need?
I completed a five-year apprenticeship within the company. However, I do believe there are specific City & Guilds qualifications available nowadays and the Society of Master Saddlers will be able to offer advice regarding this.
Q5:
How did you decide on this particular career?
It was always something I was interested in, as I heard a lot about the work through family and friends who were already employed in the trade.
Q6:
What are the most rewarding aspects of the job?
I am passionate about what I do and I am always proud of the finished saddle.
Q7:
When do you wish you were doing something else?
Like most people – when I’m having a bad day and things don’t go quite right.
Q8:
If you could change careers overnight, what would you like to be doing?
Not really sure as this is all I’ve ever wanted to do, but as long as I was working with my hands creating something worthwhile, I’d be happy.
Q9:
What is your most memorable experience in the job?
That would have to be meeting British Para-equestrian Dressage Rider, Debbie Criddle MBE who won gold and silver medals riding on a saddle I had made for her. I was very proud.
Q10:
What would you say to anyone thinking of embarking on this career?
Work hard at what you do and take pride in what you create, that way you will make a name for yourself in the trade.
Q11:
What item(s) in your wardrobe do you wear the most?
Levi 501’s Q12:
Who are your heroes (do not have to be equestrian)?
Sir Alex Fergusson - Manchester United’s Manager.
www.theequinesite.co.uk
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