When you invest in a Farrington saddle, you’re not just purchasing a piece of equipment, you’re becoming part of a centuries-old tradition of British saddlery.
Handcrafted in Walsall, England, the historic heart of global saddle manufacturing, Farrington has earned its reputation by refusing to compromise on quality in an era dominated by mass production and synthetic materials. Every Farrington saddle reflects generations of skill, precision, and respect for the horse.
Why Walsall Matters
For over 200 years, Walsall has been recognised worldwide as the centre of English saddle making. This legacy isn’t just history, it’s a living craft.
Farrington continues this tradition by building saddles using classical methods, skilled craftsmanship, and materials chosen for performance, longevity, and comfort rather than speed of production.
What Makes a Farrington Saddle Different?
While many modern saddle brands have shifted toward plastic trees, foam panels, and synthetic components, Farrington remains committed to the traditional English saddle build. This dedication is what sets them apart and makes them a preferred choice for discerning riders and professional saddlers worldwide.
The Laminated Spring Tree
At the core of every Farrington saddle is a high-quality laminated spring tree, made from five to seven layers of laminated plywood and reinforced with steel.
This construction provides a subtle “live” feel, allowing the saddle to flex naturally with the horse’s movement rather than acting as a rigid block. The result is improved comfort, balance, and freedom of motion.
The Famous “Walsall Fit”
Farrington is well known for its template-accurate fitting, often referred to as the “Walsall Fit.”
Their saddle patterns, including popular models such as the Henley and Burford, are specifically designed to address common conformational challenges, including:
Flat-backed horses
Low or broad withers
Wide, powerful shoulders seen in modern Warmbloods
British Native breeds
This thoughtful design allows for better balance and contact straight out of the box.
Pure Wool Flocking
Every Farrington saddle is hand-stuffed using 100% pure wool flocking.
Unlike foam or felt panels, wool offers significant advantages:
Can be adjusted on-site by a qualified saddler
Allows for fine-tuning as your horse develops muscle
Adapts to seasonal or workload-related shape changes
This makes Farrington saddles highly practical for horses whose shape changes over time.
Sustainably Sourced English Leather
Farrington uses premium leathers sourced from renowned British tanneries such as J&E Sedgwick & Co.
These leathers are chosen for their:
Durability
Natural grip
Ability to age beautifully with correct care
With proper maintenance, a Farrington saddle is designed to last a lifetime.
A Design Philosophy Centered on the Horse
At the heart of every Farrington saddle is a simple philosophy:
The horse’s comfort comes first.
By prioritising broad panels and generous gullet widths, Farrington saddles are designed to protect the horse’s spine and allow free movement of the scapula (shoulder blade). This thoughtful design encourages relaxation, freedom, and willingness — creating a more expressive partner under saddle.
Is a Farrington Saddle Right for You?
A Farrington saddle is an excellent choice for riders who value longevity, adjustability, and classical craftsmanship.
They are particularly well suited to riders who:
Own horses that are traditionally difficult to fit
Prefer saddles that can be reflocked and maintained long-term
Appreciate the feel, grip, and aesthetics of high-quality English leather
Final Thoughts
Farrington saddles represent the best of traditional British saddlery — where heritage, craftsmanship, and horse-focused design come together. For riders seeking a saddle that can evolve with their horse and stand the test of time, Farrington remains a standout choice.
For professional fitting advice or to ensure your Farrington saddle continues to perform at its best, Auckland Saddle Fit is always happy to help.
Need help fitting or maintaining your Farrington saddle?
A well-made saddle performs best when it’s correctly fitted and regularly checked. Auckland Saddle Fit offers professional saddle fitting and expert advice to help you get the most from your investment.
