Horseytalk.net Special Interview
Joanna Heard
Society of Master Saddlers newly qualified saddler, Joanna Heard, talks about her career within the saddlery industry including the training involved and her daily routine.
Talking Saddles What is your job?
I am a full time saddler based at Stroud Saddlery in Gloucestershire.
Describe your typical day…
It's hard to describe a typical day as my work is so varied. I usually start the week checking what jobs need to be done. These can be anything from repairs to bespoke orders. I then check if we have the correct materials and fittings required to complete these jobs and order any we do not have. I also check and reply to email enquires throughout the week. Customers also come in with their repairs and bespoke orders, I book these in and advise the customer on cost and time scale as well as how I plan to repair or make their item. Once I have finished the jobs that I have been working on I price them up and they go into the shop where the customer is informed that there items are ready for collection.
How did you get into this type of work? What qualifications/training did you have?
Whist doing my A levels I applied for a place on the Cordwainers Diploma at Capel Manor College, Enfield. I managed to get the last place available for the September enrolment which was very lucky. So I started the course in September 2008 were I was able to complete my City and Guilds qualifications up to Level 2 over the two years I was at Capel. I completed the Cordwainers Diploma in 2010 were I was awarded a graduate bursary from the Worshipful Company of Saddlers.
During my time at Capel Manor College I completed two weeks work experience with Laurence Pearman of Stroud Saddlery and on completion of my college course I was lucky enough to get an apprenticeship with Laurence. This involved a two year modern apprenticeship and a three year Millennium Apprenticeship scheme run side by side. As part of the apprenticeship I was able to complete my final City and Guilds Level 3 exams by going to the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury for one week every other month. There were lots of different aspects and challenges involved including making a double bridle, a stallion inhand bridle and an Atherstone girth to pass the Level 3 bridle exam. We also had to make a saddle for the Level 3 Saddle exam and a full set single show harness for the Level 3 Harness exam. As part of my training I was able to compete in the Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition held in London. This year, with Master Saddler Isobel Russell, we won the Master and Apprentice section with our dog collar and lead. This year I was awarded my certificates for completing the Apprenticeship and I am now a qualified saddler.
Do you get to see many horses?
As I am based mostly in the workshop unfortunately I don't get to see that many horses.
Highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career would be at the 2014 National Saddlery Competition where I was awarded the City and Guilds Medal for Excellence. This is awarded to people who have shown excellent workmanship throughout their training, something I am very proud of.
What do you like the most about your job?
The best part of my job is the large variety of work that I get to do, for example I could be making a bespoke bridle one day and the next I could be repairing a girth.
Do you ride?
Since I started training to be a saddler I have been so busy that I have not had much time to ride.
What does the future hold and where will you go from here?
My grand plan is to set up my own business making bespoke handmade leatherwork using the skills I have gained through my training. I have started this process already by designing and launching my own website.
