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Saddle makers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the Northern Territory converged on Rockhampton for the innaugural Australian Saddle Makers Convention held in conjuction with Horse Australia 2005.
It was pleasing to see almost forty saddle makers attending, ranging in age from their twenties to their eighties. This was the first time the majority of these craftsmen and women had the chance to get together to discuss their trade in an open and friendly environment. There was a wide range of saddles on display, from side-saddles to cutting saddles and everything in between, including saddle trees.
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Those attending enjoyed the opportunity to meet craftsmen they had only ever heard of or read about. It also gave them the chance to share ideas, techniques and philosophies as well as information and ideas to improve their business through the seminars presented. The enthusiasm and friendship between those attending really did put an end to the age old adage saddle makers secrets.
The display of saddles and trees which was presented to the public on the following day was a saddle buyers dream come true. The opportunity to view and talk to numerous saddle makers was judged a resounding success by the public. An open discussion was held in regard to the future direction of the convention and there was unanimous support for further events. In the future there would be live demonstration techniques and more visual presentations to help those who want to improve their craft.
Organisers of the convention, Michael Bethel and Dan Baker pass on their congratulations to the Horse Australia organising committee for an excellent event and on behalf of the saddle makers thank them and also guest presenters Dave Handley, Col Hood and John Davis for their support. They are also grateful for the support of Toowoomba Saddlery who covered the costs of the convention.
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