Saddlery

There is still time to apply and enrol for an immediate start

Find a course

Apply online and visit your nearest campus to enrol.

Enrolment is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 5pm until the 11th October 2023.

Saddlery at London's environmental college

The British leather industries are growing at an exponential rate, with an estimated annual growth of £195 million and an estimated turnover of £1.14 billion. The success of these industries relies on superior quality, innovation and highly-skilled individuals.

Our leatherwork courses are taught through practical demonstrations and workshops in our dedicated studio, helping to provide students with the hand skills needed to pursue a career with a variety of employers such as luxury leather goods makers, equestrian suppliers, the British Army and fashion designers.

Find a course you love

Full-time

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers’ Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making

Why come to Capel Manor College​

Over the last 50 years, we have helped thousands of school leavers and adults achieve their dream of working with animals, plants and the environment.

  • London's only environmental college​
  • Alternative to sixth form
  • Valued by land-based employers
  • Learn in hands-on workshops
  • Boost your career​
  • Taught by industry experts​

Charlie landed skills that matter

I really enjoyed the making aspects of my course. I now make bespoke leather goods for private clients and other companies, and I have also launched my own business selling made-to-order collections using leather sourced from British tanneries. Charlie studied saddlery during his time at Capel Manor College.

Career prospects

Master saddler

Master saddlers are trained, skilled and qualified to make and repair saddlery, ensuring a high quality of workmanship.

Harnessmaker

Harnessmakers craft harnesses and similar equipment for horses. They cut, assemble and join leather and other parts of the harness, following customer specifications regarding colour, thickness and size.

Loriner

A loriner makes and sells bits, bridles, spurs, stirrups and the minor metal items of a horse’s harness, together with the saddle tree.

Find us

Select a campus

  • By bus: 157, 358, 410, 249, 432, 322, 417, 3, 363, 202 and 931

    By rail: Served by Crystal Palace Station (from Victoria, London Bridge and Dalston Junction)

  • By car: The Campus is situated just off junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 Southbound

    By rail: Served by Turkey Street Station (from Liverpool Street Station), the College is approximately 20 mins walk from Turkey Street

    By bus: Buses 217 and 317

  • By bus: Jevington Way, Alnwick Road, and Mottingham Way stops are within five minutes' walk of the Campus

    By rail: Mottingham station is a 23 minute walk from the Campus, with regular services to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, Cannon Street and Dartford

    By car: Mottingham Campus is located on Mottingham Lane, just two minutes’ drive from the A20 Sidcup Road/South Circular Road roundabout

  • By tube: The Campus is very well served by tube stations on various lines including Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines), Baker Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines) and Camden Town (Northern line)

Register for our Open Day

Find a course

Upcoming event

Saturday 7 October

Open Day

Explore your local campus from 10am to 3pm:

  • Meet our tutors and discuss courses
  • Apply and enrol for this term
  • Find out more ahead of 2024