In the heart of Walsall, a town steeped in leatherworking heritage, you’ll find the beating heart of Frank Baines Saddlery. For over four decades, our workshop has been a place where craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation come together — creating saddles that are as functional as they are beautiful.
At Frank Baines, every saddle tells a story. It’s the story of a team of skilled artisans, a town that’s shaped the global saddlery trade, and a commitment to horses and riders around the world.
A Legacy Built in Walsall
Walsall has been the epicentre of English saddle-making since the Middle Ages, known worldwide for its master leatherworkers and proud manufacturing traditions. It’s here that Frank Baines Saddlery began, and it’s here that we continue to handcraft each saddle using time-honoured techniques.
“Our roots are deep in Walsall’s rich heritage, but our eyes are always on the future.”
– Garry Baines
Craftsmanship in Every Cut, Stitch & Shape
Inside our workshop, the smell of fine English leather fills the air as our talented craftspeople bring each saddle to life. Many of our artisans have been with us for decades — their skills passed down through generations.
From cutting and shaping panels, to hand-stitching knee rolls and finishing the flaps, each stage of saddle-making is done by hand, with care. It’s this attention to detail that ensures every Frank Baines saddle is a piece of art and a tool of performance.
Innovation: The New Tree Shop
While we remain true to our heritage, we’re also constantly evolving. Recently, we opened a new dedicated tree shop — an exciting addition that allows us to produce our own saddle trees in-house, with even greater precision and control.
This move brings multiple benefits:
- Custom tree shapes tailored for today’s horses
- Improved quality assurance
- Faster lead times for bespoke saddles
- More sustainable and premium materials
“Our new tree shop gives us the ability to innovate without compromising on fit or tradition — it’s a major step forward for us and our customers.”
– Frank Baines Team
Where Tradition Meets Technology
Every saddle begins with the horse. That’s why we blend classic techniques with modern design thinking, creating saddles that suit the changing shapes of today’s sport horses and the preferences of today’s riders.
We work closely with our global network of fitters to ensure that every saddle:
- Supports the horse’s movement and comfort
- Enhances rider position and feel
- Stands the test of time — in materials and craftsmanship
From the Florence for flatter-backed horses to the Operetta for classical dressage performance, every model is crafted with care, tested in the real world, and built to endure.
Visit Us in Walsall — Or From Anywhere
Want to see where the magic happens? We regularly welcome fitters, riders, and trade professionals for behind-the-scenes tours of our factory.
If you can’t visit in person, follow us on Instagram or Facebook for a glimpse into our workshop — from tree shaping and leather tooling to finishing touches.
The Future of Saddle Making Starts Here
From handmade tradition to in-house innovation, the Frank Baines workshop is where the past and future of saddle-making come together.
If you’re ready to ride in a saddle that’s crafted with heart, history, and modern precision — you’re in the right place.