KHSMaster Saddler
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Kate at the workshop window with Kenzo the workshop cat on her shoulder

Kate Hardt, Master Saddler

Hi, I'm Kate.

I had my first horse at 11. At 12 I saved my pocket money for an old saddle, just so I could take it apart and see how it was made. I've been fascinated ever since.

The story so far

Forty years, one thread.

  1. 1987

    Apprentice saddler

    Trained in a public-facing workshop in Uttoxeter: saddlery, bridlework, harness and military police horse saddlery. Then in-house saddler at another saddlery.

  2. 1990s

    Into the police

    Twenty years with West Midlands and Staffordshire Police, mostly as a traffic officer on the M6. Often the one called when a horsebox overturned.

  3. Horse Watch

    Protecting tack

    Revived Horse Watch for Staffordshire Police and designed a saddlery marking scheme that won awards and was taken up by other forces.

  4. 2021

    Back at the bench

    City & Guilds Level 3 Saddle Maker and Bridle Maker. Joins the Society of Master Saddlers, and wins second prize at her first national competition.

  5. 2022

    Saving a saddle

    Raises the money to stop a rare side saddle going abroad, and takes it to the Museum of the Horse herself.

  6. 2023

    Master Saddler

    Made a Master Saddler by the Society of Master Saddlers. Equestrian Trade News names her Bench Saddler of the Month.

  7. 2025

    National champion

    First prize for side saddle making at Saddlers' Hall, London. In December, the shop opens at Fletchers in Eccleshall.

Kate with William Fox-Pitt and SMS President Catherine Baker, holding her certificate

National Saddlery Competition

Placed every single year she has entered.

  • 20212nd, first ever entry
  • 20232nd, saddle making · 3rd, bridlework
  • 20242nd, side saddle · 3rd, astride saddle
  • 20251st, side saddle · Side Saddle Association Cup
  • 20262nd, astride saddle (small business class)

Held each year by the Society of Master Saddlers at Saddlers' Hall, the home of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers in London. There was no competition in 2022.

HRH The Princess Royal looking at Kate's saddle at Saddlers' Hall in 2023

In the news

A royal visitor, and a few headlines.

At Saddlers' Hall in 2023, HRH The Princess Royal stopped for a chat about the future of the trade, and took a look at Kate's saddle.

What Kate believes

Three things that never change.

The horse comes first

It's in the crest: tueri et protegere equos, to serve and protect horses. If something isn't right for the horse, she won't sell it to you.

Repair, don't bin

Good leather is made to last, not to fill landfill. A repair keeps something you love in use for years.

Buy British

Leather, buckles and saddle trees from British makers, many in Walsall. Use it or lose it.

Society of Master SaddlersBETA retail memberMade in Staffordshire ambassadorSide Saddle Association

The workshop crew

Who you'll meet.

Kenzo, the spotted tabby workshop cat

Kenzo

Workshop cat. Spends most of the day in her basket on the bench, and loves a fuss from customers.

Monty and Oakie, Kate's horses, in their rugs in the field

Monty & Oakie

Kate's own horses, and the first to test anything new from the workshop.

Kate in her workshop apron holding a new saddle

Kate & Tom

Kate makes it. Tom helps keep the orders moving, and customers say he spots the details.