Our SMS Qualified Saddlers and Saddle Fitters

David Dyer – Managing Director and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter

David has been working in the equine industry for 40 years, owning and running retail shops and working 6 days a week as a saddle fitter. David has seen every shape and type of horse and rider combination, using this experience he buys in the best stock for our saddle fitting business and online shop.

 

Most people in the area know David, but if you don’t, here is a little bit more about him.  David is a qualified Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) Saddle Fitter and now works to teach the next generation of saddle fitters and is a regular examiner for the SMS saddle fitting exam.   David has held some of the most prestigious positions within the industry, including President of the Society of Master Saddles, and enjoys helping to judge the National Saddlery Competition whenever he can.

David has a wealth of experience, but it is his openness to innovation and engagement with new technology that keeps his business booming.  The saddlery industry is changing and we are changing with it; changeable gullet plates, shoulder-free panels, pressure-tested girths and bridles are a few examples of the advancement in equine industry and all can be found at David Dyer Saddles.

Gudrun Thuesen – SMS Qualified Saddler and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter 

Gudrun has been working alongside David the past 3 years and worked in the workshop carrying out most bridle & saddle repairs, heat adjustment and flock adjustments. She studied at Capel Manor College and The Saddlery Training Centre and now a Qualified Saddler . She loves attending the yearly National Saddlery Competition.

Gudrun loves to gain knowledge and open to innovation and new designs. Working at David Dyer Saddles she has gained a wide experience fitting both modern and traditional saddles. She loves making a difference and helping both horse and rider no matter what level they are on. Book an appointment with Gudrun here

Freya Gemmill – SMS Qualified Saddler and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter

Freya runs FG Saddlery and is an independant fitter working in partnership with David Dyer Saddles. Freya is an SMS Qualified Saddler and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter.

She studied at Capel Manor College, the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, and was apprentice to David Dyer. Now qualified with the Society of Master Saddlers, she is an experienced saddle fitter working in Essex and the surrounding areas.

Freya has extensive experience working with a wide range of brands and saddlery techniques. Her time at David Dyer Saddles inspired her enthusiasm for innovative saddle fitting techniques.  She believes in engaging with new technology and has experience fitting both new and tradition saddles, including those with changeable gullet plates, shoulder-free panels, and heat adjustable trees. 

Rachel Lok – SMS Master Saddler and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter

Rachel runs Lok Saddlery & Leatherwork Ltd and is an independant fitter working in partnership with David Dyer Saddles. Rachel is both a Master Saddler, Qualified Saddle Fitter, and more recently a qualified Harness Maker working with a wide range of bespoke pieces.  

Rachel studied at Capel Manor College for two years before training in saddle fitting at a saddlery in Devon and started working with David Dyer Saddles in May 2019.  She has completed her training at the Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury and competes in the National Saddlery Competition every year!  Her work is of the highest standard and you can book a saddle fitting appointment with Rachel here.

Rachel will be going on maternity leave from the end of March 2024

Chloe Webb – SMS Qualified Saddler and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter

  

Chloe runs Chloe Webb Saddlery & Saddle Fitting and is an independant fitter working in partnership with David Dyer Saddles.  

Chloe has been working with David Dyer Saddles for the last few years and is based in the Canterbury area. She has studied at Capel Manor College, the Saddlery Training Centre, and is a fully qualified Saddler with the Society of Master Saddlers. Having spent time working in the DDS office and in our workshop, many of you will know her already! 

Chloe has set up her own saddlery business and is available for saddle fitting appointments across the majority of South East Kent.  Chloe has experience with both traditional and adjustable trees, is proficient in a wide range of saddlery repairs including onsite adjustments and re-flocks. You can book a saddle fitting appointment with Chloe by clicking here

Katie Fell – SMS Qualified Saddler and SMS Qualified Saddle Fitter 

Katie runs The Sussex Saddler and is an independant fitter working in partnership with David Dyer Saddles, which she established in 2018.

Katie is a fully Qualified SMS Saddler and has been working with David Dyer Saddles since 2015. Katie completed her apprenticeship at the saddlery training centre in Salisbury 2015.

She currently covers most Sussex and the surrounding area. She believes in engaging with new technology and has experience fitting both new and traditional saddles, including those with changeable gullet plates, shoulder-free panels, and heat adjustable trees.

To book an appointment with Katie click here 

Natalie Hills – SMS Qualified Saddler

 

Natalie runs Natalie Hills Saddlery and is an independent fitter working in partnership with David Dyer Saddles

She has grown up and worked with horses all of her life, Natalie is a fully qualified SMS saddler who completed her training at Capel Manor College. Natalie has been working with David Dyer saddles since 2021 offering saddle fitting and bespoke bridle work, repairs and adjustments in the Essex area.

To book an appointment with Natalie click here 

 

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