Horse Australia 2008 -saddle makers convention

Image by Marc Coombe

Planning continues for the second Australian Saddle Maker’s Convention.

The response to the first Saddle Makers Convention at Horse Australia 2005 was excellent with over 40 saddle makers from around Austraia participating.

For 2008 Dan Baker and Michael Bethel will organise the convention along similar lines to the last one but, with some exciting changes.

Michael is currently in negotiations with a legendary US saddle maker and hopes to confirm his attendance as the feature speaker very soon.

There will also be a presentation by David Handley, a leading business consultant from Brisbane who was very popular at the last Convention. David will cover some of the business issues faced by saddlers.

Thursday, 1st May will be closed to the public allowing the saddle makers an opportunity to display a saddle that best depicts their work.  Here they will have the unique opportunity in an informal and non-commercial situation to network, discuss, compare and share ideas and techniques with one another. The only requirement  being that each participant must bring a saddle that they have made.

On Friday, 2nd May the exhibition is open to the public.  This will give saddle makers a chance to showcase their work to the large crowds expected, and also an opportunity for the public to access and admire the products of possibly the largest gathering of saddle makers ever in Australia.

For more information on the Saddlers Makers Convention call Dan Baker 07 4934 7202 or Michael Bethel on 07 4787 8126.