“He was generous with his knowledge.”
Paul Belton, who with his wife Sherry founded Albion Saddlemakers, died suddenly on 28 August. He was 82.
Paul’s passing followed the loss of Sherry less than 40 days previously on 20 July.
Paul was an engineer and classically-trained horseman which gave him a unique understanding of the profound impact of the saddle on the ridden horse.
He designed his own saddle trees, placing equine welfare, comfort and biomechanics at the heart of his work; always remaining true to his belief that the foundation of a well-fitted saddle was a well-fitted tree.
Paul worked alongside equestrian masters, developing lifelong friendships with Klaus Balkenhol, Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer and Ernst Bachinger, among many others. He was a regular visitor to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, constantly seeking knowledge and greater understanding in pursuit of the perfect unity between horse and rider.
Olympic riders
Paul and Sherry founded Albion Saddlemakers in 1985.
Based in Walsall, they built it into an internationally respected brand which became technical partner to many Olympic dressage and event riders across Britain, Europe and North America.
Albion was sold to the Lim Group in 2022.
Paul served as president of the Society of Master Saddlers in 2000 and was instrumental, through his committee work, in developing the society’s saddle fitting qualification.
Paul had a brilliant mind, and a wonderfully dry sense of humour. Above all, he was creative, kind, thoughtful and generous with his knowledge. He was a true gentleman and leaves a remarkable legacy that will influence the industry for many years to come.
Paul is survived by his beloved horse Fabrento (aka Eric), and was Dad to Richard, Sarah and Anna, and Stepdad to Alex. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
A change for the better
For many decades, saddle-makers at all levels of manufacturing produced saddles to patterns, designs and processes which had been in place for generations, says Mike Williams, former sales director at E Jeffries Saddlery.
This they did without very much, if any, detailed reference to what riders really needed. The standpoint was one of “that is how we make saddles - so go ride on them.”
Paul tirelessly led a small but determined group who took it upon themselves to alter and improve the situation to offer products that worked better. This they did, and it helped to change and improve the way saddles were designed, made and offered to the riding public.
Paul found in Sherry a very able and knowledgeable match for his efforts and together they were a formidable team.
- A celebration of the lives of Paul and Sherry Belton will be held on 23 October at Walsall Town Hall as part of the Society of Master Saddlers’ Walsall Expo.
