|
Post by Frances nli on May 9, 2006 15:37:24 GMT 1
I need a good saddler, since my local one is now closed down (Dorking).
1) Needs to be able to make a bespoke noseband/cheekpiece section for my (formerly!) beeyootiful English Sidepull bridle - darn pony stood on it and snapped it! 2) I want my saddle reflocking - long overdue, so may as well completely bankrupt myself!!
Any recommendations?
|
|
|
Post by specialsparkle3 on May 9, 2006 16:05:40 GMT 1
Helen Dart at Bookham Saddlery, ----She trained under Julia who used to own Dorking Saddlery, before she sold out. She has made all my in hand stuff etc in the past.
|
|
|
Post by specialsparkle3 on May 9, 2006 16:07:34 GMT 1
When did Dorking Saddlery close? I thought it was supposed to be doing well after it went all posh
|
|
|
Post by Mrs Craig on May 10, 2006 9:05:12 GMT 1
Hi SS3. Have heard of Bookham saddlery - is it on the main street?
Dorking saddlery closed last year. I don't think it did do very well - I certainly didn't need a posh saddlery stocked full of Toggi and Joules! I think the problem was that Attlees stocked all the same stuff, but also feed and more besides! A bit like a small grocers competing with Sainsbury's!
|
|
|
Post by specialsparkle3 on May 10, 2006 16:17:03 GMT 1
Sorry Francis, only just found this ,They've moved it haven't they? Right I am ashamed to say that tho Helen is a really good friend of mine I've never been tho I've got to take a headcollar in as soon as I can drive again. the address is 10 Grove Corner Bookham KT 23 4LP Ahh I've just rung her, and if you follow the signs to Polesden Lacey on the left coming from Dorking, she is behind the Green Grocer. She is a Master Saddler. Good luck ;D
|
|
|
Post by Mariaana on May 11, 2006 22:26:07 GMT 1
I hope I will be able to help you in (hopefully) not too far in the future... watch this space ! In the meantime, regarding the saddle flocking/fitting, I have heard good recommendations about Louise H... cannot remember her surname - I don't know anything about her but she might be good. Adrian at Buttons saddlery is one of the local ones, but only book him if you have the whole day to spare - if you book him for 11 am, he might turn up at 4 pm if you're lucky...Buttons do repairs, so does Ripley Horse & Rider.
|
|
|
Post by Mrs Craig on May 12, 2006 9:40:05 GMT 1
Thanks SS3 and Mariaana. Will check out Bookham saddlery first, as it's quite local to me (well, it's the nearest......). That's my Saturday job sorted! ;D
|
|
|
Post by Mariaana on May 12, 2006 13:27:14 GMT 1
If you come and visit Ripley Horse & Rider, PLEASE give me a shout and come and see the yard - we are just behind the green there!
|
|
sorne
Elementary Poster
Posts: 84
|
Post by sorne on May 12, 2006 17:36:32 GMT 1
Hi Mariaana, Are you thinking about Louise Howson? I used to use her and she was always excellent, but she started doing only WOW saddles and I had to change to someone else since I couldn't afford one Kirsty
|
|
|
Post by Mariaana on May 13, 2006 22:26:52 GMT 1
Yes, Kirsty - that'the Louise I meant, although I didn't know she's purely WOW now. Personally I would stay away from people who only fit/stock/sell one make of saddle, as they tend to be very expensive and cannot possibly offer you an independent opinion.
|
|