“I WAS SO SURPRISED TO WIN”

Saddler takes top honours in national awards

The 2021 Society of Master Saddlers’ (SMS) National Saddlery Competition at Saddlers’ Hall, London, on 20 September saw high standards and tough competition. 

The awards and evening reception - supported by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, The Worshipful Company of Coach & Coach Harness Makers, Abbey England and Cribbs Carriage Masters - attracted leading names from the saddlery world.  

Speaking at the start of the event which this year switched from its usual February date, SMS president Bea Blakeman thanked everyone for their hard work over the last year during the pandemic.

Added SMS chief executive, Hazel Morley: “We were delighted that so many entries came forward and, as ever, gave our judges much to think about when choosing the winners.”

The awards were presented by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, Prime Warden, The Hon Mark Maffrey, who was also a judge.

Catrien Coppens won the Bruce Emtage Memorial Plate for Best in Show for her entry in the Open Harness class for making a Private Show Driving Bridle.  

“I really was so surprised to win,” she said. “It’s a great honour to receive the Best in Show Award.  I first won it in 2001 and without doubt it’s much harder to win these days.”

2021 National Saddlery Competition Results 

Class 1 Master and Apprentice  A matching set of Reins for a Double Bridle.  The Bradoon rein was made by the Apprentice and the Curb Rein by the Master

1^st: Godfrey Morris and Christie Farren, King’s Troop RHA

Class 2a A Snaffle Bridle conforming to Level 2 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification

The prize winners win vouchers sponsored by Abbey England 

1^st: Christie Farren, King’s Troop RHA

2^nd: Charlotte Cheesman, Sarah Stevens Saddlery

3^rd: Regina Mitchell, Capel Manor College

Class 2b In hand Stallion Show Bridle conforming to Level 3 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification

1^st: Jenna McCall, King’s Troop RHA

2^nd: Tahia Hunt, King’s Troop RHA

3^rd: Gudrun-Kirstine Thuesen, David Dyer Saddles and Saddlery Training Centre

Class 2c Trainee Harness Class.  Driving Bridle Noseband conforming to Level 3 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification

1^st: Charlotte Cheesman, SES Saddlery

2^nd: Lily Spackman, SES Saddlery

3^rd: Claire Davenport, Capel Manor College

Class 3a Trainee Saddle (Rural)

Any type or size of Leather Saddle (must be suitable to meet the criteria of C&G Level 2 or 3 Saddle specification)

1^st: Signe Dreyer, Saddlery Training Centre

2^nd: Jenna McCall, King’s Troop RHA and Saddlery Training Centre

3^rd: Hannah O’Neill, Cirencester Saddlers and Saddlery Training Centre

Class 4 Intermediate Bridle 

A Headcollar or Halter

1^st: Lucy Ellis

2^nd: Kelly Jones

3^rd: Claire Davenport 

Class 5 Special Open Class

A Pair of Laced Reins

1^st: Sam Belasco, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

2^nd: Kate Hardt, training at Saddlery Training Centre

3^rd: Chloe Webb, training at Saddlery Training Centre

Class 6 Small Business Saddle Makers

Any design of English Astride leather saddle 

1^st: Emma Hamilton

2^nd: Penny Dickson

Class 8 Trade / Company Accessory

Any Leather Girth or Stud Guard

1^st: DLF Saddlery Ltd

Class 9 Open Harness

A Private Show Driving Bridle

Prizes Sponsored by Cribbs Carriage Masters

1^st: Catrien Coppens

2^nd: Lily Spackman

3^rd: Louise Palmer

Class 10 Open Bridle 

A Bridle suitable for Cross Country

1^st: Lisa Hoskins

2^nd: Kirsty Thomson

3^rd: Sam Belasco

4^th: Rachel Lok

Class 12 A Side Saddle 

1^st: Coralie Chung

2^nd: Carolyn Truss

3^rd: Hilary Lambe

Class 13 Open Class 

Any leather accoutrement used in connection with Birds of Prey

1^st: Frances Roche

2^nd: Jeff Barry

3^rd: Corrie King

Class 14 Miniature Open Class - voted for by BETA Fair attendees and judged by SMS judges

A Miniature Piece of Leather Riding, Driving or Schooling Equipment

1^st: Isobel Hodges

2^nd: Corrie King

3^rd: Frances Roche

4^th: Catrien Coppens

Class 15 The President’s Choice – voted for at BETA International and judged by SMS judges

“For the Love of Dogs”

1^st: Line Hansen for the Gift box for the Lady Dog Lover

2^nd: Helen Leedham for the Rocking Dog

3^rd: Christie Farren from the King’s Troop for her Dog equipment stand and accessories

COMPETITION TROPHIES:

The Tony Byrne Memorial Trophy for the best Harness entry by an Apprentice or Trainee was awarded to Lily Spackman for her entry in the Open Harness class.

The Tony Russell Memorial Trophy for the best harness entry was awarded to Catrien Coppens for her entry in the open harness class.   

The Alf Batchelor Memorial Trophy for the best bridlework entry was awarded to Isobel Hodges for her bridle entered in the Miniature class, presented by John Batchelor.

The Ken Lyndon Dykes Perpetual Trophy for best entry in the President’s Choice class was awarded to Line Hansen for the Ladies Gift Box.

The Side Saddle Association Trophy for the best Side-Saddle Entry was won by Coralie Chung.

The Les Coker Millennium Trophy for best entry by an Apprentice was awarded to Rachel Lok for her bridle entered in the Open Bridle Class.      

The Bruce Emtage Memorial Plate for Best in Show was awarded to Catrien Coppens for her entry in Open Harness Class