David is a master saddler, with in excess of 45 years experience in the saddle making industry. He started his career as an apprentice, signing his deed of apprenticeship in 1967 and worked for 5 years before becoming a fully qualified saddle maker. He then went on to work for a local saddle maker for a number of years to hone his craft.
In the 1970's he moved to Lincolnshire to work in a retail saddlery shop making bespoke saddles. This was the equivalent of another apprenticeship, learning to make saddles which were unique to each horse and rider. During this time, In 1983 Dave won the coveted Worshipful Company of Saddlers competition.
In 1986 David became the production & design director for a large equestrian manufacturing company, and was involved in the creation of the first generation of synthetic saddles in the UK. He developed the cub saddle and designed their injection moulded trees.
In 1999, David designed his own polymer saddle tree, based on his experience wanting to maximise comfort and performance for horse and rider. Treetec Ltd was set up to produce these trees.
The Treetec saddle trees are used in all saddle company saddles, but are also sold independently to other saddle makers all over the world.
Dave was involved in setting the British standard for injection moulded saddle trees, then in the mid 2000’s helped set the British standard for wooden saddle trees.
Although David has created the foundations for The Saddle Company and continues to work on product development and innovation, he is supported by a talented team who produce all of the Saddle Company's products by hand to the highest standards.
The products are constantly being developed and changed in style and form with demand. One of The Saddle Company's strengths is that Managing Director and lead product developer David Johnson still fits saddles regularly and is in touch with his client base and the various equestrian sports.
Our experienced and dedicated team are committed to making the best quality of products possible.
All of our products undergo rigorous quality checks before leaving our premises.
Our saddles are supplied with a guarantee of quality for the customer to fill in and return to us. The Treetec trees in all of our saddles are guaranteed for ten years.
In our office, Louise heads up our customer service team and is available to help customers with any queries or assistance. Whether it be help choosing a product, helping locate Saddle Company approved fitters, or product aftercare, she will be happy to help.
It's always a pleasure to hear from our customers as this helps us to make our saddles even better. The Saddle Company "Commited to you and your horse".
My horses are all really happy with them and I have absolutely no problems at all. Ruth who came to do my fittings was really helpful and I wouldn't hesitate to buy my next saddle from you.
So thank you all for developing what Saphire and I consider to be the best saddle ever and making both our lives more enjoyable.
You recently made a saddle for Aussie (6yrs) purchased via Stockley Trading in Littlehampton. I would just like to say how fantastic this has been for my horse. My horse had damaged his lumber region in a fall and was having physio and she recommended the Saddle Company Saddle due to the kindness of materials on the horses back and that the tree was custom built for him, which was good as he was more developed on one side than the other.
Thanks for making our life's more comfortable and easier at a cost that was affordable.
The Saddle Company is at the forefront of saddle design and manufacture in the UK. We offer a comprehensive range of saddles for both horse and rider, giving you unrivalled choice and flexibility. Formed by Master Saddler David Johnson in 2000. We are now located in Walsall – the historical home of saddle making in the UK.
The Saddle Company are committed to horse and rider. Our saddles have three key characteristics that stand them apart from many other Saddles.
Our founder, David, has a long career in the saddle making industry, and when forming The Saddle Company, all of his experience was channelled into developing innovative which benefited the comfort and performance of both horse and rider.
Continuing Innovation – in both product and style
It is quite unique that David actually rides himself and still fits regularly. This is a crucial part of the growth of the company.
The Saddle Company is also an independent trainer, training independent saddle fitters to fit Saddle Company saddles.
