Leatherwork Course Information

Suitable leatherwork course for the absolute beginner wherever their interest may lie. E.g. Horses, dogs, belt making etc.

Students will learn:

• Hand stitching using traditional methods
• Care and maintenance of tools
• Safe working practices
• To distinguish differing cuts of leather and correct choice for the job in hand. Also what to look for when choosing a leather hide.
• Choice and use of differing threads and needles
• The correct choice of hardware (e.g. Buckles).
• Cutting, preparing and finishing leather from the beginning to end of a project.

In addition advice on purchasing tools and materials and setting up a workplace. Any aspect of saddlery and/or leatherwork that students wish to discuss will be accommodated, time permitting.

By the end of the week, each student will leave with an item of leatherwork made by themselves. In the case of students whose interest are equestrian, this is generally a cavason bridle.

Cost: £450 per person

Saddlers Den can now offer training for students wishing to prepare for the Saddle Re-flocking & Adjustment exam which is now a requirement for any SMS saddle fitter or those wishing to upgrade to Master Saddler.

The course will follow the syllabus set down by the Society of Master Saddlers, copies of the handbook can be obtained by visiting their website. The course is still open to persons just wishing to learn more about the repair and re-flocking of saddles.

Subjects covered are:-

• Saddle construction and various types of trees used
• Various types of flocking and their attributes
• Various types of saddle panels, removing and replacing panels
• Stripping out and re-flocking panel

Students are required to bring  saddles to work on during the course.

Students not wishing to take the assessment may still attend these courses.

Cost: £350 per person

Please Note:

in 2025 the syllabus for the assessment will be changing to  ensure a higher standard of competency is achieved by candidates. This will also give candidates more confidence in performing re-flocks/adjustments once they have achieved the assessment. 

It will no longer be possible to sit the assessment directly after the course is completed. There will be a period of a minimum of 6 weeks where candidates will be required to practice the skills acquired on the initial course. The candidates will then attend a 2nd short course where further training will be given and candidates will need to  demonstrate that they are ready to take the assessment.

As yet we do not have all the details as to how it will work and further information will be posted when available. 

In the interim we do know that the first part of the course will be as listed above. 

Suitable for those wishing to expand their skills. Students for this course should have attended the basic course or have a basic knowledge of leatherwork. (e.g. Cut, prepare and finish an item).

Subjects covered are:-

• Pattern making
• Various types of reins
• Rolled, raised and padded work
• Fancy browbands (e.g. Clinchers, plaited)
• How to measure for a made to measure bridle
• Costing projects

Any aspect of saddlery and/or leatherwork that students wish to discuss will be accommodated, time permitting. Students may also bring their own repairs for advice. All that has been learnt is brought together in a project which incorporates the skills learnt during the week. For equestrian students, this is generally a head collar with rolled throat and padded head and nose.

Cost: £470 per person

For those who are unsure if leatherwork is for them this 2 day introduction will  cover all the points set out in the Basic Course description with the exception that there will not be a final project where the skills learnt are put into practice.

Cost: £240  per person

Apart from the advertised courses we are able to offer courses on most subjects. If you have a project in mind or wish to learn a subject not listed please contact us to see if we can meet your requirements.

You can book your course online, via the booking form below. Please fill in the necessary fields, which include name, email address, home address, telephone number, course title, course reference, booking reference, and course dates.

A deposit of £50 is require to ensure your place on the course. This can be made via bank transfer

To pay your deposit via BACs, please fill out the booking form.

If customers can’t find it, it doesn’t exist. Clearly list and describe the services you offer. Also, be sure to showcase a premium service.