A former police constable from Staffordshire has won first prize in an eminent saddlery competition.
Master saddler Kate Hardt triumphed in the side saddle class at the National Saddlery Competition which took place at Saddlers’ Hall, the home of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, earlier this month after the saddle she submitted received top marks from the judges.
Kate’s saddle is designed by her, made on a new tree in the style of Champion & Wilton with a Champion & Wilton safety stirrup bar fitting. The panels are surge and wool flocked and lined with linen while the seat is fully flocked and is made from a hand seamed pig skin and doe skin. It has an outside girthing system (two external girth straps) and one hidden girth strap. The saddle is traditionally made and completely hand stitched.
“I am utterly delighted to win this prestigious class and highly prestigious competition which sees overseas competitors taking part too,” said Kate, who is based in Eccleshall.
“Every year I am blown away by the quality of work. Entering the competition is a huge thing for so many saddlers. It really helps you raise the bar on your own skills and keep pushing for better every time. You start to work on a different level entirely. You see how the smaller details really do matter and how it comes together to produce a beautiful polished piece of art within the craft of saddlery.
“The judges are incredible eagle eyed and often placings can come down to things like counting stitches to ensure they are even on both sides. They give very honest feedback and encourage development within the craft to increase your skill level further.”
Where it all began
Kate started her training to become a Master Saddler when she left school and worked for several years as an apprentice saddler in Uttoxeter.
In the early 1990s, Kate underwent a career change and joined the police. She completed 20 years’ service with West Midlands Police and Staffordshire Police, primarily policing the Midlands motorways.
“I loved working on the motorways and was often utilised when equine jobs came in like horse boxes turning over on the carriageway,” explained Kate.
“When I returned to division I revived Horse Watch for Staffordshire Police. While running this I designed a successful new saddlery marking scheme which won several awards and the concept was adopted by several other police forces.”
After being medically retired from the police, Kate decided to return to saddlery and completed her City & Guilds level 3 diploma in saddle and bridle making. She also undertook a six week side saddle building course.
In 2023, Kate was upgraded by the Society of Master Saddlers to Master Saddler. She entered a side saddle in the National Saddlery Competition for the first time in 2024, finishing second.
‘Keep pushing that bar’
“Just entering classes really encourages you to produce better and better work and keep pushing that bar. I have always loved the skill and the trade and am passionate about the UK saddlery trade and supporting it,” said Kate.
Kate’s winning saddle celebrates the intricate craftsmanship and tradition of making side saddles. As well as the prestige of winning competition, Kate also received a silver trophy from the Side Saddle Association.
The National Saddlery Competition is an annual event open to Society of Master Saddlers members which brings together craftspeople from the UK and abroad to celebrate their best work. Classes range from apprentice to master level and include saddle, bridle and harness making.
Images © Kate Hardt Saddlery.
