[IMAGE: Stuart Lilie, Historic Saddler]
HOME
ABOUT US
CONTACTS & ORDERING
PRODUCTS
LEATHER & LEATHER CARE
SADDLE FITTING




 Contact Us:
        Stuart Lilie, Saddler
        130 Mansfield Rd.
        Ashford, CT 06278
        info@stuartliliesaddles.com
        (860) 208 3111 		ABOUT US

Research, Craftsmanship, and Horsemanship

          Every product I offer is hand-stitched with hand-twisted cord. All saddle work is done with white, waxed linen cord as with saddle work in the period. All military rigging I make is stitched with black-waxed hemp cord, which is both appropriate and practically indestructible. Whenever possible I order from the original companies that produced leathers, hardware, and notions in the period.
 
          I make saddlery to be ridden, not just for display. Researching period saddlery and figuring out how it works is fascinating to me. I grew up in the saddle, competing on the show circuit in New England from the age of seven. I've trained in every discipline from three-day eventing to western reining--learning that there isn't any right way to do things, only different ways. I apply that attitude to saddlery as well. At the College of William and Mary in Virginia I did my honors research in 18th Century equine material culture. At the same time, I apprenticed in English saddlery, for the first time building saddles right from period sources. In a field that has few surviving examples, nailing down construction details is a constant, but enjoyable challenge. I put the latest research into everything I produce and make high quality craftsmanship my trademark. I don't sell any saddle pattern until I have personally tested it. Years of dressage have taught me that the saddle seat is the most important tool at a rider's disposal. My goal is to create accurate reproduction saddlery that comfortably puts the rider in a period seat. I am constantly testing out my work to ensure that it measures up to this standard.              [IMAGE: peace-loving neighbors]