Saddlers design, manufacture, rebuild, and repair a wide variety of saddles, saddle trees, harnesses, riding boots, and associated tack for all equestrian disciplines.
Job Related Skills, Interests and Values
- Reading and interpreting job specifications, sketches, and technical drawings
- Acquiring a strong working knowledge of human and horse anatomy
- Cutting and stitching leather using needle and thread or with a stitching machine
- Assembling and constructing materials; positioning covering and cushioning material—such as cotton batting, foam rubber, or mohair—over the saddle tree
- Diagnosing and fixing or replacing broken parts
- Tricking, slicking, rubbing, creasing, and punching holes; beveling, dyeing, or burnishing edges
- Cutting and stamping decorative designs into the surface of leather
- Applying paint and liquid dressing with brush or sponge to produce glossy finish
- Applying basic welding procedures; safely using industrial sewing machines, leather clickers, and presses
- Communicating effectively with customers, co-workers, and supervisors
- Working independently or as a team member to get the job done
What Preparation and Training Do You Need?
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent; credits in math, science, and English an asset
- While not mandatory, completion of 5,440-hour apprenticeship program, including on-the-job and in-school training, is recommended
What's Your Future as a Saddlery (219C)?
- Generally 40-hour week, sometimes in industrial plants
- Opportunity to be self-employed and run successful equestrian business
- Employers include harness-making companies, saddler companies, racetracks, and large horse barns
Wage Rate
Apprentice wage increases with skill and experience. Fully qualified saddlers earn an average of $15.00 per hour.
Self-Rating
Saddler (219C)
| Ask Yourself: | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Do you have good manual dexterity, an eye for detail, and enjoy working with your hands in creative ways? | ||
| Do you enjoy working with your hands using a variety of hand and power tools? | ||
| Are you able to follow Health & Safety guidelines? | ||
| Can you lift 50lbs comfortably? | ||
| Do you enjoy learning about and working with new technology and materials? | ||
| Can you work well independently and as a team? | ||
| Do you have excellent time-management skills? Are you an organized person? Do you consider yourself creative? Do you have artistic skills? |
If you checked YES to the majority of these questions, a career as a Saddler (219C) may be for you!
You might want to look at these similar trades as well;
- Horse Harness Maker
- Horse Groomer
- Native Clothing and Crafts Artisan
- Welder
- Goldsmith/Gemsetter
Pressure systems welders use shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and flux cored arc welding processes to weld metal plates, tubes, and other structures in boilers and other pressure systems. They cut pipes and tanks and assemble these pieces, and may have to repair defective welds in boilers and pressure systems.
Horse Groomers are responsible for the maintenance, health, nutrition, feeding, and grooming of horses.
Horse Harness Makers manufacture, rebuild, and repair a wide variety of harnesses, saddles, saddle trees, and other associated tack for equestrian disciplines.