Saddlers Company & Saddlers Hall

12/10/2026

Congratulations to Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn's School. 👏

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers is proud to continue its on-going partnership spanning five decades with Alleyn's School.
The annual Saddlers' Scholarships are awarded to students entering the Senior School who demonstrate exceptional academic potential.

The 2026 Tatler Schools Awards have been announced, and we're so proud to reveal that our Head, Jane Lunnon, has won Best Public School Head!

This award is so richly deserved, and we hope you will join us in congratulating Jane on this fantastic achievement.

See full list of nominees and winners here: https://bit.ly/47BnILc

09/10/2026

This Walsall Expo will showcase British Saddlery; the people, businesses, skills and craftsmanship behind Walsall’s saddlery industry.

Open to the general public, saddlery fitters and industry stakeholders.

Free entry
23-24th October
Town Hall, Walsall
Make sure it’s in your diary!

09/10/2026

Past Master Lucy Atherton recently had a good day at beta.international .

She joined an insightful discussion on the Value of Horses in Society, where the panel included:
* James Hick, CEO British Horse Society James Hick
* Sarah Dale, Head of Approved Centres, British Horse Society
* Alison Blackmore, Head of Changing Lives Through Horses
* David Mountford, CEO, BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association British Equine Vet Association

Lucy also encouraged James Hick and David Mountford to “have a go” with The Society of Master Saddlers, giving them a hands‑on experience of the craft and its standards. Pictured with Godfrey Morris, and Equine Fitters Directory Listed Fitters Frances Roche and Helen Reader.

A highlight was introducing them to Patrick Burns, Director and Christer Dahlberg, Tutor, where conversation quickly turned to the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.

All reflecting the Saddlers’ Company’s commitment to championing progress, collaboration and excellence. 🐎

08/10/2026

Past Master Lucy Atherton recently had a good day at BETA International.

She joined an insightful discussion on the Value of Horses in Society, where the panel included:
* James Hick, CEO British Horse Society
* Sarah Dale, Head of Approved Centres, BHS
* Alison Blackmore, Head of Changing Lives Through Horses
* David Mountford, CEO, BEVA - The British Equine Veterinary Association

Lucy also encouraged James Hick and David Mountford to “have a go” with The Society of Master Saddlers, giving them a hands‑on experience of the craft and its standards. Pictured with Godfrey Morris, and Equine Fitters Directory Listed Fitters Frances Roche and Helen Reader.

A highlight was introducing them to Patrick Burns, Director and Christer Dahlberg, Tutor, where conversation quickly turned to the Walsall Leather Skills Centre.

All reflecting the Saddlers’ Company’s commitment to championing progress, collaboration and excellence. 🐎

01/10/2026

Saddlers Company Court Member Jan Smith visited Sophie's Legacy head quarters to proudly present the Livery Charity cheque to Charlotte Fairhall (Sophie's mum and charity founder) and Lynne Huckle (fundraiser lead).

Over £21,000 has been raised by Saddlers Company members through a year of fundraising efforts. 🙏

Sophie’s Legacy charity is delighted. “This money will make such a huge difference to the lives of so many people and enable us to continue creating the changes that Sophie wanted to be made after she'd passed.”

A huge thanks to everyone who supported this charity.


Sophie's Legacy

29/09/2026

Some of the highlights from .international , NEC; celebrating saddlery craft, training and industry excellence.

• The SMS Fitting Myth Busters panel brought expert insight from Catherine Baker, Poppy Webber and trainee fitter Sian Crewe. Poppy Webber

• At the SMS Saddlery Competition bench, Charlotte, a graduate now working at The Royal Mews, demonstrated great craftsmanship to impressed visitors.

• Jane Holderness‑Roddam was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gala Dinner for her steadfast support of BETA and the wider equestrian industry.

• Congratulations to the entrants and winner of the SMS Saddlery Competition: Hettie Rodgers, Charlotte Eves, Izzy Walters ( Saddlers bursary recipient) and Tizzy Bowden of . They were presented awards by Prime Warden Mark Romain alongside judges Chris Taylor ( ) and Sarah Stevens ( ).

Also it was great opportunity to speak to the British saddlery trade.

29/09/2026

Some of the highlights from BETA International, NEC; celebrating saddlery craft, training and industry excellence.

• The SMS Fitting Myth Busters panel brought expert insight from Catherine Baker, Poppy Webber and trainee fitter Sian Crewe. The Society of Master Saddlers Poppy Webber - Qualified Saddle Fitter

• At the SMS Saddlery Competition bench, Charlotte, a Capel Manor graduate now working at The Royal Mews, demonstrated great craftsmanship to impressed visitors.

• Jane Holderness‑Roddam was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gala Dinner for her steadfast support of BETA and the wider equestrian industry.

• Congratulations to the entrants and winner of the SMS Saddlery Competition: Hettie Rodgers, Charlotte Eves, Izzy Walters (Heritage Crafts Saddlers bursary recipient) and Tizzy Bowden of Cirencester Saddlers. They were presented awards by Prime Warden Mark Romain alongside judges Chris Taylor (Saddlers Den) and Sarah Stevens (SES Saddlery).

Also it was great opportunity to speak to the British saddlery trade.

25/09/2026

Mark Romain, Prime Warden and Keith Marsh, Beadle, joined the Worshipful Company of Hackney Carriage Drivers this morning for a joyous send‑off of their Children’s Taxi Tour to Disneyland Paris.

Children across England, who suffer from chronic or life limiting conditions, are taken to Disneyland Paris by some of the capital's black cab drivers.

The black cabs were seen off on their journey from Canary Wharf to Paris, with the Royal British Legion Band and Corps of Drums Romford playing.

The Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley, spoke; recognising the incredible commitment behind this special annual event.

Thewchcd MagicalTaxiTour

25/09/2026

The UK Armed Forces Equestrian Championships enjoyed a special visit from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of the Royal Navy Equestrian Association, who met the winners, and heard more about the Equine Fit Award’s purpose and impact. Alongside The Princess Royal, Prime Warden Mark Romain was honoured to present the Equine Fit Award, recognising the importance of correct fit and welfare‑focused practice in service equestrianism.
UK Armed Forces Equestrian Association

This year’s Award went to Hannah (Royal Navy) and Hades, a combination commended for their turnout, partnership and attention to welfare. The initiative, delivered by the Equine Fitters Directory, continues to highlight the vital role of skilled fitters in supporting comfort and performance.

Our thanks go to the Equine Fitters Directory Listed Equine Fitters who judged the rider and horse partnerships:
Frances Roche, Frances Roche
Lily Spackman LS Saddlery
Gerda Janeliunaite GerdaCavalo
And for their expertise and commitment to welfare.

A superb day for the services community, and a proud moment for the Saddlers’ Company in supporting excellence in equestrian fit.

23/09/2026

Prime Warden Mark Romain attended Southwark Cathedral's Even Song last Sunday. It was with great pleasure that he presented Elizabeth with the Saddlers Chanter Medal.
Southwark Cathedral

We are delighted that the Worshipful Company of Saddlers has renewed its generous annual grant supporting Southwark Cathedral’s children’s choirs. 🎶

This invaluable funding enables young people to experience the joy, discipline and community that come with being part of our celebrated choral tradition.

Each year, one chorist is selected as the Saddlers’ Chantler and receives a special medal. This year’s Chantler will be presented with his medal on Sunday 20 September.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Saddlers’ Company for its continued generosity and support.