What The Worshipful Company Of Saddlers does

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers is a not-for-profit City of London Livery Company with origins circa 1160 AD, incorporated by Royal Charter of Richard II in 1395 and now operating under a sixth Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995. It is headquartered at Saddlers' Hall, 40 Gutter Lane, London EC2V 6BR, and is governed by a Court of Assistants under the perpetual Mastership of HRH The Princess Royal, with Mr Mark Romain MBE serving as Prime Warden for 2026-27. The organisation exists to support the saddlery and leather trades, the British equestrian community, education and youth, those in need, and the military mounted services, operating with a small staff of nine employees.

The Company's revenue is assembled from member subscriptions (quarterage), investment income on endowments, four charitable trusts (Kitchin's, Kaye's and Labourne's, Apprenticing Charity, and the R M Sturdy Trust), and commercial venue hire at Saddlers' Hall managed by Searcys. Core programmes include saddlery training and City & Guilds qualifications at Levels 1-3 delivered with the Society of Master Saddlers, apprenticeships, the Walsall Leather Skills Centre (established 2020 with Walsall Council), the Equine Fitters Directory (launched February 2025), the Saddlers' Award with Cockpit Studios (September 2025), and the Business for Creatives Programme co-developed with Bayes Business School (May 2024). Grants are distributed across a long tail of beneficiaries spanning homelessness, equine welfare, military veterans, and education.

Operationally the Company is a governance and grant-administrating institution rather than a technology or product business. Its competitive position rests on Royal Charter status, ceremonial precedence, a multi-party credentialing ecosystem spanning BETA, City & Guilds, Loriners' Company, and City University London, and a historic asset base. There is no published financial statement, no equity instrument, and no commercial product revenue stream; strategic intent is the preservation and renewal of saddlery trade skills, equestrian access, and aligned charitable causes.

Name

The Worshipful Company Of Saddlers

Legal name

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers

Website

https://thesaddlers.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers is a not-for-profit City of London Livery Company, founded circa 1160 AD and chartered since 1395, supporting the saddlery and leather trades, equestrianism, education, and charitable causes from Saddlers' Hall in the City of London under HRH The Princess Royal's perpetual Mastership.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Livery Company & Trade Guild Services

NAICS

Horses and Other Equine Production (112920), Support Activities for Animal Production (115210)

SIC

Leather & Leather Products (3100)

akta.pro primary industry

Sport/Show Horse Training & Performance Programs (AFAEAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE), Equestrian Teams & Stables (Racing/Show Jumping/Eventing) (MPAKABAG)

Keywords

• Livery company services
• Saddlery trade support
• Equestrian charitable grants
• Leather craft training
• Event venue hire

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Others, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Charitable Activities and Trade Support: As a not-for-profit Livery Company, the organization generates revenue through membership subscriptions (quarterage), manages charitable trusts and funds, and uses investment income to support its objectives of promoting saddlery, equestrianism, and education.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers is a not-for-profit City of London Livery Company that supports the saddlery craft trade through training, qualifications and apprenticeships; administers charitable grants for equestrianism, education, and hardship relief; manages the Equine Fitters Directory for professional equine fitters; runs the Saddlers' Award maker development programme; and operates Saddlers' Hall as a central London venue for hire.

Product overview

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers operates as a Not for Profit City of London Livery Company offering venue hire, saddlery training and qualifications, charitable grant-making, and membership services. The organization does not offer a commercial product in the traditional sense but provides services including Saddlers' Hall venue hire, saddlery training programmes (SEG Level 1, apprenticeships, City & Guilds qualifications), the Equine Fitters Directory for professional fitters, the Saddlers' Award programme for leathercraft entrepreneurs, and the Business for Creatives Programme in partnership with Bayes Business School. Charitable activities are delivered through multiple trusts supporting education, equestrianism, and relief of hardship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Saddlers' Hall Venue Hire Event venue hire service at Saddlers' Hall, 40 Gutter Lane, London EC2V 6BR, available for corporate events, weddings, meetings and private functions.
• Saddlery Training and Qualifications Training programmes and qualifications in saddlery including City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas, SEG Level 1 Fashion & Textiles Award, Leather Craftsperson (Level 2) and Bespoke Saddler (Level 3) Trailblazer Apprenticeships, and the Millennium Apprenticeship Scheme, administered through Society of Master Saddlers, City & Guilds, Walsall Leather Skills Centre and other partners.
• Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund Charitable grant-making through multiple endowed trusts (Kitchin's Charity, Kaye's & Labourne's Charity, Apprenticing Charity, R M Sturdy Trust) supporting education, saddlery training, equestrianism, and relief of hardship for members and communities.
• Equine Fitters Directory Online searchable directory listing professional equine fitters who meet eligibility criteria, operated by the Equine Fitters Council for the equestrian sector and accessible to riders and horse owners.
• Saddlers' Award Three-year maker development programme developed with Cockpit Studios providing subsidised studio space, business development, and networking opportunities for skilled makers in saddlery or leathercraft.
• Business for Creatives Programme Three-day business course jointly developed with Bayes Business School (City, University of London) for creative professionals including saddlers and leatherworkers, covering creativity, innovation and business strategy.

Quantifiable outcome

• £34,000 raised for Shelter from the Storm (nearly double previous annual charity totals)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Cockpit StudioscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Developed the Saddlers' Award in partnership with Cockpit Studios, a three-year opportunity for skilled makers in saddlery or leathercraft. Includes subsidised studio space at Cockpit Deptford, business development, and networking opportunities including access to Open Studios events attracting 7,000+ visitors annually.
• William Fox-Pitt MBEmajorOthers · 1 February 2025Most successful three-day Event rider supported the launch of Equine Fitters Directory, lending his name and endorsement to the initiative for professionalising saddle fitting.
• Natasha Baker OBEmajorOthers · 1 February 2025Six-time Gold Paralympic Dressage winner supported launch of Equine Fitters Directory, advocating for qualified fitters and saddle safety.
• Bayes Business School (City, University of London)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Jointly developed 'Business for Creatives' course for saddlers and leatherworkers. Saddlers' Company pays 100% of course fees for members. Three-day programme covering creativity, business knowledge, and craft strategy.
• Society of Master SaddlerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe company underwrites the work of the Society of Master Saddlers, supports its competition at BETA fair, and jointly administers the Saddlery Skills Assessment and Qualification Scheme (1984) and Millennium Apprenticeship Scheme (1999). Jointly developed Level 2 and Level 3 Apprenticeship Standards in 2019.
• British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate funds subsidise trade activities including BETA competition, and the company provides prizes in the form of saddles and bridles for equestrian competitions.
• Loriners CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint leadership of the Equine Fitters Council and Directory. Led by both the Saddlers' Company and Loriners Company, governing body offering voluntary regulation for the equine fitting profession.
• Shelter from the StormmajorOthersRecipients of £34,000 charitable donation raised by members. A completely free emergency night shelter providing bed, dinner and breakfast for 36 people experiencing homelessness every night of the year.
• City St George's, University of LondoncoreOthersEstablished in 1894 as the Northampton Institute alongside City of London Corporation. The Saddlers have provided annual support for students for over 130 years. The company set up the institution for the industrial skill, general knowledge, health and well being of young men and women.
• Walsall Leather Skills CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished by the Saddlers' Company Charitable Fund in 2020 to address a shortfall in saddlery and leather skills. Delivers courses from beginner to advanced practitioner, supports Leather Craftsperson (Level 2) and Bespoke Saddler (Level 3) Trailblazer Apprenticeships.
• PittardsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeather manufacturer visited by the Trade Liaison Committee. Represents the traditional heritage craft of saddlery in the UK.
• Goldsmiths CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade Liaison Committee visited to learn from their craft training and workspace model to inform Saddlery Trade Training Review for Level 2 and 3 training framework.
• Capel Manor CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeatherwork Department receives company support and awards. College is a key partner in trade training with plans to expand leather, saddlery and shoe making provision. Saddlers present prizes at graduation.
• Saddlery Training CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining provider for saddlery skills, part of the company's trade liaison network for training and qualification programmes.
• City and GuildscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for administering saddlery qualifications including Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Saddlery and SEG Level 1 Fashion & Textiles Award.
• British Equestrian FederationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany provides training grants to most equestrian disciplines and supports equestrian competitions with saddles, bridles, and vouchers. Key partner in equestrian strategy.
• British Horse SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany subsidises training for young riders, supports Safety Committee, Changing Lives Through Horses project, and Riding Schools. Partner in Everyone Welcome Programme for accessibility.
• Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term charity partner supported since its inception. Company provides grants for RDA Park Lane and other centres, supporting equestrian access for disabled individuals.
• British Racing SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany funds the Saddlers Flexible Learning Programme at the British Racing School for 7 years, supporting 14-16 year old pupils in day release learning to become racing jockeys.
• King's Troop Royal Horse ArtillerycoreOthersArmed Forces Covenant signed with this unit. Company maintains close liaison with Master Saddler and workshops. Long historical connection to mounted ceremonial units.
• Household Cavalry Mounted RegimentcoreOthersOne of the two mounted units of the Regular Army based in London affiliated with the company. Close liaison maintained with workshops and personnel.
• HMS Duncan (Type 45 Destroyer)minorOthersRoyal Navy affiliation with the sixth and last of the powerful Type 45 Destroyers, launched 2010 and commissioned 2013.
• XLPminorOthersCharity partner focused on futures for young people, considered in the 'sweet spot' where charitable goals align with disadvantaged youth support.
• Ebony Horse ClubminorOthersCharity partner providing equestrian access for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in South London.
• Blenheim Palace Heritage FoundationminorOthersCompany maintains relationship for Saddlers' Copse and exploring opportunities aligning charitable objectives with estate's sustainable environment initiatives.
• Royal Veterinary CollegeminorOthersResearch partner receiving company funding for equine research alongside the Animal Health Trust.
• Animal Health TrustminorOthersResearch partner for equine research funded by the company alongside Royal Veterinary College.
• Summerfield Community StablesminorOthersVisited during Saddlers Ride charity fundraising, representing equestrian sector partners.
• The Horse TrustminorOthersEquine charity visited during charity bike ride, part of the equestrian network supported by the company.
• Curriers CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeather sector Livery Company. Simon Yarwood spoke at Saddlery Showcase 2026 about sustainability of modern leather. Masters from multiple leather companies present prizes at Capel Manor graduation.
• Leather UKminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry body for leather sector. Partner in leather sustainability discussions and sector collaboration.
• UK Fashion and TextilesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry body partner in trade liaison network supporting the leather and saddlery sector.
• Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScholarship trust for craftspeople. Listed as partner in trade network supporting excellence in traditional craft.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• British Equestrian Federation: The governing body for equestrian sports in the UK. The Saddlers provides training grants across equestrian disciplines and supports competitions, making the BEF a broader incumbent peer that operates at greater scale across the sector.
• City & Guilds: A leading vocational qualification body in the UK. The Saddlers partners with City & Guilds to administer saddlery diplomas and awards, making City & Guilds a broad incumbent peer in the vocational education space that the Saddlers accesses through partnership.

Direct peers

• The Worshipful Company of Curriers: A City of London Livery Company focused on the leather sector. The Curriers collaborate with the Saddlers on leather sustainability discussions and present prizes at Capel Manor College graduation, making them a close sector peer in the leather trade guild ecosystem.
• Society of Master Saddlers: The primary professional body for saddlery in the UK, underwritten by the Saddlers Company. The Society administers saddlery qualifications and apprenticeship schemes in partnership with the Saddlers, making it the closest operational trade peer.
• Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST): A charitable trust funding scholarship and training opportunities for craftspeople. QEST is listed as a trade network partner and shares the Saddlers' mission of preserving traditional craft skills, making it a closely aligned peer.
• The Worshipful Company of Farriers: City of London Livery Company serving the farriery trade. Both companies support equine welfare, training standards, and trade qualifications, making them directly comparable peers within the equine trades livery ecosystem.
• British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA): The trade body representing British equestrian manufacturers, retailers, and suppliers. BETA partners with the Saddlers on the National Saddlery Competition and Equine Fitter of the Year Award, making it a core operational peer in the equestrian trade ecosystem.
• The Worshipful Company of Loriners: Another City of London Livery Company with historical ties to the equine trade. The Saddlers and Loriners jointly lead the Equine Fitters Council and Directory, making them direct partners and closest peers in the livery ecosystem serving the equine sector.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/saddlerscompany
• Facebookfacebook.com/SaddlersCompany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-worshipful-company-of-saddlers
• Instagraminstagram.com/saddlerscompany.saddlershall

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The Worshipful Company Of Saddlers