‘Outstanding’ saddler succeeds against all odds
Hattie Crabtree – who runs a thriving saddlery business while living with multiple sclerosis - has been named ETN Bench Saddler of the Month for January.
The award, presented in conjunction with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), recognises those who uphold the highest standard of leathercraft skills.

Hattie is based in the Lake District where she runs Hattie Crabtree Leatherwork & Saddlery.
She grew up around horses and was on a pony before she could walk.
“I loved going into my local tack shop when I was younger, there was just something about it,” says Hattie. “When I was 16, I was desperate to have a career in saddlery, but there were no apprenticeships available locally and the course at Capel Manor College was full.”
Her saddlery ambitions on the back burner, Hattie instead became a teacher focussing on children with special educational needs. Then, in 2016, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and stopped teaching.
“It was while I was having chemotherapy to reboot my immune system that I decided I was going to become a saddler after all,” she says.
Rollercoaster ride
Hattie moved to London and completed her first year at Capel Manor College. But her second year did not go smoothly. As she says: “It’s been quite a rollercoaster ride.”
First, Hattie faced more health complications. Then the Covid pandemic arrived and the country went into lockdown.
“In September 2020, I returned to London to start my second year at Capel Manor,” she recalls. “I managed six weeks before there was another lockdown. Also, the chemotherapy had upset my thyroid, so I went home.”
Hattie finished her college course online at home. “I wasn’t my mum’s favourite person because I was working in the kitchen as I couldn't get the internet in the workshop,” she says.
Studies continue
On completing her second-year studies, Hattie was awarded the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making with an overall mark of outstanding. She also won a trophy for excellence.
Her studies continued at the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury with Mark Romain. Here, she has completed bridle and saddle City and Guilds Level 3 qualifications making her an SMS Qualified Saddler and Bridle Maker.
Hattie is currently completing her Harness Level 3 qualification to become a Qualified Harness Maker.
Funding and community

“I was very lucky to get funding via a bursary from the Saddlers’ Company,” she says. “Without that, I wouldn't have been able to get where I am now, because everything's been self-funded.”
Hattie is now training to be an SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter too.
Last year, she attended the Saddle Fitters Introductory Course and the Saddle Fitting Qualification Course, and is now stacking up experience in saddle fitting before taking the final exam.
“Kieran Forsyth and Jocelyn Danby from Danby Equestrian have been hugely supportive, checking in with me regularly,” she says. “The SMS is a real community and one that I’m proud to belong to.”
Bridles and gun slips
Hattie runs her business from a workshop at her parents’ house, where she lives.
Most of her time is spent making bespoke bridles and on repair work. The shooting season sees her busy with gun slip repairs.
“There’s something really special about making a leather item for someone from scratch,” she says. “When you hand that product over, it could be a belt or a handbag, and you see the person’s eyes light up, it makes you really proud.”
Working through adversity
Hattie has three autoimmune diseases - multiple sclerosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Graves’ disease - and is undergoing further tests.
“Autoimmune disease as a bit like bingo; once you get one, you keep getting more,” she explains.
Even when she’s not feeling well, Hattie is more likely than not to go into her workshop. She says it takes her mind off health worries.
Knowing her illnesses are only going to deteriorate, Hattie hopes to take a teaching qualification so that she can pass on her skills to saddlers of the future.

Horse time
Hattie has two horses. Rory, who is retired; and new addition, a former Royal Artillery horse called Jack.
Having not ridden for five years, Hattie hoped she wasn’t over-horsing herself by taking on the 16.1hh gelding. But any concerns melted away the moment she sat in his saddle.
“I just knew he was meant to be mine,” says Hattie, who now enjoys hacking out on Jack.
He’s an absolute superstar,” she says. “Interestingly, the only saddle he likes is the one I made for my Level 3 [exam], which I think is quite funny.”
Supportive parents
Hattie is quick to thank her parents for their support in all she has achieved, often against all odds.
“I wouldn't be where I am today without them, she says. “They're so supportive and embrace everything to do with Hattie Crabtree Saddlery and Leatherwork.”
How to nominate a bench saddler
Everyone is invited to nominate bench saddlers they feel deserve to be named ETN Bench Saddler of the Month. Candidates for the award must be a member of the SMS and based in the UK or overseas.
To nominate a bench saddler (or more than one), email editor@equestriantradenews.com and tell us why this person deserves to be put in the spotlight. Please include the bench saddler’s name and business name too.