THIS year’s Society of Master Saddlers’ National Saddlery Competition at Saddlers’ Hall, London proved a huge success with the organisers delighted at the number of entries and the very high standards.
At the start of the evening Society of Master Saddlers’ President, Bea Blakeman thanked everyone for their hard work over the last year during the difficult times.
Gratefully supported by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, The Worshipful Company of Coach & Coach Harness Makers, Abbey England and Cribbs Carriage Masters, the competition awards ceremony was followed by an evening reception which attracted many of the leading names from the saddlery world.
Said Society of Master Saddlers’ 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 occasion is always such a highlight on the calendar and everyone involved was so pleased we could hold the event this year having moved it from its usual February date.”
The awards were presented by The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, Prime Warden, The Hon Mark Maffrey who also enjoyed being asked to judge.
Following a host of awards throughout the evening, Catrien Coppens was the delighted winner of the Bruce Emtage Memorial Plate for Best in Show for her entry in the Open Harness class for making a Private Show Driving Bridle.
Said Catrien: “I really was so surprised to win. It is a great honour to receive the Best in Show Award. I first won it in 2001 and without doubt it is 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
1st: 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
1st: Christie Farren, King’s Troop RHA
2nd: Charlotte Cheesman, Sarah Stevens Saddlery
3rd: Regina Mitchell, Capel Manor College
Class 2b In hand Stallion Show Bridle conforming to Level 3 City and Guilds Skills Assessment specification
1st: Jenna McCall, King’s Troop RHA
2nd: Tahia Hunt, King’s Troop RHA
3rd: 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
1st: Charlotte Cheesman, SES Saddlery
2nd: Lily Spackman, SES Saddlery
3rd: 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)
1st: Signe Dreyer, Saddlery Training Centre
2nd: Jenna McCall, King’s Troop RHA and Saddlery Training Centre
3rd: Hannah O’Neill, Cirencester Saddlers and Saddlery Training Centre
Class 4 Intermediate Bridle
A Headcollar or Halter
1st: Lucy Ellis
2nd: Kelly Jones
3rd: Claire Davenport
Class 5 Special Open Class
A Pair of Laced Reins
1st: Sam Belasco, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
2nd: Kate Hardt, training at Saddlery Training Centre
3rd: Chloe Webb, training at Saddlery Training Centre
Class 6 Small Business Saddle Makers
Any design of English Astride leather saddle
1st: Emma Hamilton
2nd: Penny Dickson
Class 8 Trade / Company Accessory
Any Leather Girth or Stud Guard
1st: DLF Saddlery Ltd
Class 9 Open Harness
A Private Show Driving Bridle
Prizes Sponsored by Cribbs Carriage Masters
1st: Catrien Coppens
2nd: Lily Spackman
3rd: Louise Palmer
Class 10 Open Bridle
A Bridle suitable for Cross Country
1st: Lisa Hoskins
2nd: Kirsty Thomson
3rd: Sam Belasco
4th: Rachel Lok
Class 12 A Side Saddle
1st: Coralie Chung
2nd: Carolyn Truss
3rd: Hilary Lambe
Class 13 Open Class
Any leather accoutrement used in connection with Birds of Prey
1st: Frances Roche
2nd: Jeff Barry
3rd: 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
1st: Isobel Hodges
2nd: Corrie King
3rd: Frances Roche
4th: Catrien Coppens
Class 15 The President’s Choice – voted for at BETA and judged by SMS judges
“For the Love of Dogs”
1st: Line Hansen for the Gift box for the Lady Dog Lover
2nd: Helen Leedham for the Rocking Dog
3rd: 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
