About Frank Baines Saddlery
Frank Baines Saddlery is a family run business, members of which have connections with the saddle trade going back almost 150 years.
Frank started his apprenticeship in the Walsall Saddlery trade in 1964 at 15 years old and has gained an enviable reputation as one of worlds finest Saddles Makers that can only be achieved with years of experience. The Frank Baines Saddlery family business continues the traditions and is known world-wide for its products and high quality.
Frank Baines and the company have regularly won prestigious competitions such as The Best Made Saddle, held by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, on seven occasions as well as The Best New Product Award at The British Equestrian Trade Association Trade Show and Spoga Horse in Germany.
By continually receiving awards for excellent manufacture, Frank Baines Saddlery continues to remain at the forefront of contemporary saddle design on the international stage.
Passing on such skills is an art and to recognize this, Frank Baines Saddlery was awarded a National Training Award. Frank also became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Saddle Makers, following his appointment as a Freeman of the City of London, and is also proud to be a Past President of the Society of Master Saddlers. Frank is also honoured to have been listed in the 2009 Whos Who publication.
Having earned such a reputation and winning many awards, Frank is now honoured to be regularly asked to Judge competitions that he was so used to entering.
Frank Baines Saddlery export to more than 20 different countries throughout the world, achieving praise for the UK, his town of Walsall, and his company by winning European Export Awards.
During the companys history we are pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the world’s top riders such as Gary Parsonage, Stephen Clarke, Ian Stark, Mary Hanna, Ruth Friend, Polly Stockton, Clive Halsall, Andrew Davies, Lee Williams and Beezie Madden.
Technology moves on, however, and at the Walsall factory it is not only tradition that keeps the individually made saddles at the top. There is no production line - each saddler is personally responsible for the quality of his product. The choice of saddle is critical to the harmony of the partnership of horse and rider and so, it follows, is the selection of the saddler.
Frank Baines Saddlery has a major input in developing new ideas and works closely with innovative designers and up to date technology, using the best of todays resources.