Saddler Duties & Responsibilities
The role and function of a Saddler includes the following duties and responsibilities:
- Positions covering and cushioning materials, such as cotton batting, foam rubber, or mohair over saddle tree.
- Joins covering to saddle tree, using cement, nails, needle and thread, or stitching machine.
- Attaches accessories or ornamentation to saddle with rivets or needle and thread.
- Applies paint and liquid dressing to produce glossy finish, using brush or sponge.
- Joins edges of parts to form saddle tree cover, using needle and thread or stitching machine.
- May be designated according to type of saddle made as Western-Saddle Maker.
- May specialize in replacement of damaged saddle parts, such as cushioned seats, canvas girths, cinches, and saddle bags, and be designated Saddler.
- May cut and stamp lettering and decorative designs into surface of leather.
- Cuts, assembles, and joins leather parts and other materials to form saddle, following specifications, such as size of saddle, color and grain of leather, or type of saddle: Cuts out parts, according to specifications.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Saddler duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Saddler roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.