Chris Taylor has been appointed as the new President of the Society of Master Saddlers.

Well-known throughout the industry and with a successful career running Saddlers’ Den in Southport, Merseyside, Chris is a Master Saddler and has run the business for 22 years.

Chris will work closely with the Chief Executive, Hazel Morley, and the Executive Committee, along with the sub-committees over the coming year and was appointed to this new position at the Society of Master Saddlers’ AGM held at The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.

Chris takes over from Sue Norton, with Ted Boggis moving into the Vice President’s role. 

A former computer analyst, Chris has owned horses and ridden for many years and before moving into the industry full time enjoyed leather work as a hobby.

Said Chris: “I am very much looking forward to my year as Society of Master Saddlers’ President, it is a great honour and no doubt will be very busy but I am sure it will be an exciting 12 months.

“As a bench saddler I hit, stitch or cut it and am passionate about the work carried out.

“Our industry is a very hands’ on, traditional style trade yet we are living in a fast moving, highly technical world.

“More and more people are coming to understand and acknowledge the skill of our craftspeople and qualified saddle fitters.

“It is important not to stagnate and we need to move with the times and buy into new technology and new advances.

“Most of us do not like change, but change for the right reasons is a good thing and we change because our understanding and knowledge improves and it is right to look on this as a big positive for the industry.

“The important people in the society are the members and we need to encourage new ideas to be put forward at all times.

“As a bench saddler I am very proud to be a member of the Society of Master Saddlers and when displaying the logo it is important to remember we are representing the society as a whole and to always maintain a professional outlook.

“I hope that by the end of the 12 months the society will continue to grow and move with the times, being the ‘go to’ society for all matters relating to the saddlery industry.”

For more information on the Society of Master Saddlers visit www.mastersaddlers.co.uk