.png)
The Saddler
The Saddler who makes more than saddles.....
After a lifetime of working with horses (and being accompanied by dogs) in 2016 Lucy travelled to Enfield, London, to study for two years at Capel Manor College, one of the last places to study saddlery full time.
Since returning to Co Down, Lucy has continued to develop her skills in saddlery and leatherwork, regularly traveling to Britain to undertake further qualifications and training from Masters. Their mentorship, alongside support from a number of societies and trusts, has meant that she is able to continue to supply her customers with bespoke, luxury items of leatherwork and saddlery. For well loved or damaged items, Lucy provides a repair/refurbishment service to give items a renewed lease of life.
It is these traditional skills, and high quality materials which let your bespoke commissions come to life. From bridles, bags, collars to home furnishings, working on new, exciting designs, we are always excited to bring your ideas to life.
During this time Lucy has been awarded a number of qualifications, scholarships, bursaries and awards from:
-The Worshipful Company of Loriners Certificate in Lorinery 2017
-The Worshipful Company of Saddlers of the City of London: Undergraduate award in Saddlery 2017
The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers: 3rd Prize, Harness Bride Making Competition 2018
-Worshipful Company of Cordwainers' Diploma in Bridle, Saddle and Harness Making 2018
-City and Guilds Lv 1, Lvl 2, Lv3 Bridle Making
-City and Guilds Lvl2, Lvl 3 Harness Making
-City and Guilds Lvl2, Lvl 3 Saddle Making
-Society of Master Saddlers: Saddle Flocking and Adjustment 2018
-Abbey England Scholarship 2019
-Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust 2019 : Scholarship for Horse collar making and fitting
-Member of QEST
-Design and Crafts Council of Ireland "Future Maker" 2019
-RDS Craft Award 2020
-Member of the Heritage Crafts Association
-Master Saddler, Qualified Bridle, Saddle & Harness Maker of the Society of Master Saddlers
Abbey England Podcraft
​In today’s episode we speak with The Irish Saddler, Lucy Cushley. Winner of the RDS craft Award and crowned “Future Maker” by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland. We discuss how she got to where she is today, how she funded her saddlery training, mental health an what it meas to be your own boss- the good and the bad!
Makkin Ulster
The Saddler
Lucy Cushley is a saddler based in Killinchy, County Down. After a lifetime working with horses, Lucy took up saddlery in 2016 and travelled to the prestigious Capel Manor College in London to study her craft before returning home to learn from local master saddlers and set-up her own workshop. In this episode we find out about Lucy's passion for the craft and get a hands-on look as she repairs a cart saddle for her client's donkey.
The Saddler's
Post
Saddlers & leather workers from around the world join host Christian Lowe to share stories and secrets on the leather trade and the art and life of making, repairing, and selling saddles and other equipment for horses.