40 under 40: Meet Emma Hamilton

Every Monday, we are celebrating one of our 40 under 40 makers.

This week we are talking to Emma Hamilton a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddler. Let's get to know her a bit better through our Q&A.

Tell us a bit about what you do?

I am a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddler, I specialise in bespoke made-to-measure bridles and go out to visit clients to measure their horse and discuss the best bridle option for them. I also make other leather equestrian goods and do a huge variety of leather repairs.

How did you get into making leather goods? / What or maybe who inspired you to start making?

I have always enjoyed making all sorts of things and also had a real passion for horses from a young age. Once I found out about saddlery as a career, I was so excited as it would allow me to combine my passions together into a rewarding career. Once I learned a bit about bridle fitting and how important it is for the welfare of horses, I knew that this was what I wanted to do, as I can use my craft skills to benefit horses.

What is your favourite product to make/favourite commission piece?

My favourite thing to make is a fully bespoke bridle when a client asks for something a bit more unusual, such as colourful leather or a fun browband. On the flip side, I just as much enjoy making a well-fitting bridle for a horse, even if it is a more plain design. It makes me so happy when a horse is clearly much happier and more comfortable in a bridle I have made for them.

What do you love most about working with leather?

I love taking such a beautiful, simple material and turning it into something useful, sturdy and beautiful. When I am making bridles, it is so rewarding being able to make something that will fit the horse really well and make them much more comfortable. I am able to make really specific design changes to fit horses with specific needs and conformation.

What are your next goals/ Have you got any exciting new projects lined up?

I am planning on making my own horse Skye a lovely saddle at some point in the next few years. I really enjoyed making my saddles for my SMS exams so I am looking forward to practising my saddle making skills and to be able to have more freedom in the design to make her something really unique.

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a leatherworker or who has just started out?

I would look for experienced people who will share their skills and knowledge with you. I have found that the best way to learn is to be shown in person by somebody, be able to try it yourself and for them to be able to help you along the way. Trying to work things out yourself from info online and books can be a good way to learn but I much prefer to learn from someone in person. It is also great if you have experienced people you can keep in contact with to ask any questions when you work more on your own.

What does it mean to you to be included on the 40 under 40 list?

I am so honoured to have been chosen to be included on the 40 under 40 list. It feels really special to have been selected to feature alongside so many other talented leather workers and to have my work and my story shared on such a wide-reaching platform.

How important do you think it is to keep traditional techniques alive in the modern world?

Leatherworking is such an ancient craft, with generations of craftspeople passing on their skills, it would be a tragedy if these were lost. The tried-and-true methods of working with leather create such beautiful and long-lasting items that is difficult to replicate using more modern techniques and materials. At the same time, I feel that it is important to keep up with advancements in science and technology, especially in the equestrian industry, to constantly strive to improve horse welfare. I think there is definitely a place for both traditional techniques and modern advancements in the leatherwork industry.

What have you done to keep relevant in a digital age?

On my Instagram account, I regularly make posts about my leatherwork, my life and my horse Skye. I try to educate my followers about the different bridles and things that I have made, and my thought process behind making certain decisions for a particular horse. The internet is such a great place for sharing information and I feel it is important to give horse owners some knowledge about bridle fitting whilst encouraging them to use a qualified professional. I also have a website with all my details and the services I provide, along with how to contact me. A lot of my customers find me online so it is important to have several digital ways for them to contact me, so I can discuss their order with them.

What is the biggest challenge to becoming successful in your discipline?

I think it is difficult starting out as a new person offering a service to horse owners in your area. You can really only become successful once your name is out there and people are recommending you to their friends and family. It is also difficult to charge enough for your work as it is so easy for people to buy low quality, cheap tack nowadays. You really have to get the word out there so that people know why what you make costs what it does, that it is worth the money and how it will benefit them and their horse.
 

 For more information, please visit www.emmahamiltonleatherwork.co.uk
To join this network of great makers, please follow Emma's Instagram page HERE