![[IMAGE: Stuart Lilie, Historic Saddler]](/images/banner.gif) |
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Contact Us: Stuart Lilie, Saddler 130 Mansfield Rd. Ashford, CT 06278 info@stuartliliesaddles.com (860) 208 3111 |
ABOUT US | |||||||||||||
Research, Craftsmanship, and Horsemanship |
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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.
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![[IMAGE: Owner, Stuart Lilie, on horseback]](/images/About_us_Page_Picture_big.jpg)
Civil War film work |
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Courier in Von Steuben's Continentals |
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: Stuart Lilie, speaking at the SCAR Cavalry Conference]](/images/SCAR_Cavalry_Conference_big.jpg)
Speaking at SCAR Cavalry Conference |
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