Sarah Bowler Master Saddler

Sarah Bowler Master Saddler Master Saddler and Leather Designer. I qualified as a Saddler from Cordwainers Technical College London in 1982.

I was the founder and partner in the leading Saddle making company B and H Saddlery in 1983 - now known as Hastilow Competition Saddles. I have now branched out on my own, registering independently with the Society of Master Saddlers gaining the title of Master Saddler in my own right. I have made saddlery for all purposes and for over 7 years made equipment for the Household Cavalry and the Royal Horse Artillary. This entailed making vast quantities of bridles, reins, girths and many other products. It was a great honour to be able to produce such beautiful items and included many hours of intricate work that had to be very precise and correct in all aspects. The standards that the Military of Defence required enabled me to raise the standard of my work to a much higher level and one of which I am very proud. I love making bespoke bridlework for competition horses but also find it equally important to produce quality for the pleasure horse too using the best materials available to me. I renovate rocking horses and make the Military saddlery for the very famous company STEVENSONS ROCKING HORSES. I have re-upholstered vintage Steam Cars including totally new button seating, door panels, tonneau covers and bonnet straps. I can copy any leather item from cases to belts to handbags in fact I would tackle most things, as I love a challenge.

06/08/2026
Brain ache today, making these spring covers.
24/07/2026

Brain ache today, making these spring covers.

It’s that time again…. Rug washing and repairs galore.
15/05/2026

It’s that time again…. Rug washing and repairs galore.

I haven’t posted in a while but these buckles are too special not to share. The silver and pure Gold buckles are fashio...
23/02/2026

I haven’t posted in a while but these buckles are too special not to share. The silver and pure Gold buckles are fashioned from worthless scrap coins and jewellery found by a metal detectorist. Made to replicate designs from the past. Lots of detail on the buckles that have been cast in a tradition way. He wanted belts made using bridle leather and stitched by hand. Makes my job lots more interesting that the saddlery I make day in day out.

25/11/2025

We run Equine Bowen courses here from my workshop in West Sussex leading to a qualification in this amazing holistic treatment. Here is my horse processing and enjoying her treatment today. If you are interested in taking part get in touch with The college of Equine Bowen Liz Bridger.

20/03/2025

When girthing up a horse, it’s important not to over-tighten the girth. An over-tightened girth may pinch or bruise the muscles, especially those in the chest (pectorals), the neck (trapezius), the side of the ribcage (serratus ventralis), and the lower back (latissimus dorsi), which are shown in red on the diagram bel. Similar to how a tight belt can cause discomfort or bruising in a human, an overly tight girth can cause soreness in these areas. It may also lead to bruising of the ribs and the intercostal muscles (the muscles between the ribs), restricting movement and causing pain. Additionally, the tightness will cause the saddle to put more pressure on the horse’s back muscles, leading to further discomfort.

Think of it like wearing a belt that’s too tight around your waist: it presses into your skin and muscles, causing discomfort, restricting movement, and potentially causing bruising. Just as you wouldn’t wear a belt so tight that it hurts, it’s crucial not to over-tighten the girth to avoid these issues for the horse. Always ensure the girth is snug, but not excessively tight, to keep the horse comfortable and prevent injury.

Come to me for all your rug washing if you’ve got a rug like this tonight😂😂
20/02/2025

Come to me for all your rug washing if you’ve got a rug like this tonight😂😂

Address

Godalming
GU84SY

Telephone

+447790898847

Website

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