Hogbens Saddle and Harness Makers

21/03/2026

Q. What have we got that I’d like to keep?

A. Well, I always get in a bit of trouble for starting relationships with the handsome ones and like to keep them in hiding where I can admire them in private. However my assistant doesn’t understand my business model at all and can be a bit strict at times, so here goes…

This is a fabulous saddle , made by Farrington, it is designed for comfort and security. Farrington is a great english brand sadly becoming less available to us since they chose to sell most of it to America, not sure about that in these strange days though.

This Event model features buffalo flaps and skirts which make for a very soft and spongy feel, front and back blocks and this one a full set of new straps.

Farrington 'Event', 17 inch, medium. €625.

20/10/2025

14/06/2025

Some saddles work harder than others!

05/04/2025

Thank you to all at Friary Riding Club for inviting us today to give a talk and demo on saddle fitting.

We had a lovely morning meeting you and your wonderful horses. Wishing all members a successful and fun season of riding.

A special thanks to Claire O Brian for organising, Terri Cairns for a fabulous venue and to Zoe, Buddy and Dino for their patience and good behaviour today.

16/02/2025

Shocked to see this today, thoughts anyone?

24/12/2024

Big thank you to all our customers this year. It's been wonderful to meet you and all your wonderful horses.

The Santa order was collected by the elves this morning and is ready for dispatch via sleigh!

Enjoy all your surprises and remember next year try and get your letters in before Christmas Eve! 🎅🏻

Big reminder; We are planning to be closed tomorrow!

29/11/2024

Friday FAQ!

Q. Do you have that in brown? (black, blue, pink etc)

A. When you think about it this is a slightly odd question but one which comes up again and again.
For the most part I sell used saddles. That means I have to buy used saddles and the criteria I have for choosing them involves style, age, condition, possibility of fitting a horse (believe me, some of them are never going to be good for that), price etc. Almost never colour unless it’s a particularly bad shade of tan which is not going to appeal to anyone.
Consequently every saddle is an individual and unlike the local shoe shop I am unlikely to carry the same thing in more than one colour. I usually have a fairly even mix of black and brown but it comes down to luck, just now for example, a lot of black ones have come in for no particular reason.
It can be quite hard to find a suitable saddle that fits you, your horse and your pocket so if you are going second hand my advice is to be as open minded as you can and get the saddle BEFORE the bridle has you set on a colour way.

26/11/2024

Kings have always been a forward looking company and saddles have passed through all the styles since they began in the late 80s. Set up by two brothers the factory is in Walsall and when I last visited, probably 20 years ago, it was a labyrinth of workshops and passages, all dim with the haze of smoke.
These are a good quality saddle, and while Grainne hates this one for its slightly dated look, I don’t. We see many riders that benefit from and prefer the deeper seat, it would also accommodate a longer leg.

King's Saddlery, GP. 18 inch, N. €350.

08/11/2024

Friday FAQ!

Q. What do I do if my saddle falls in a bog hole?

A.If you fall in with it first climb out and decide if you need A&E, or if a hot bath will sort you out. Check out your horse, a hose is good but if you make habit of it a Waterboy is a sound investment.

Now to your tack. Before you get in the bath, strip off all the bits that come off (NO - I’m talking about your saddle here so stirrups, girth etc). Use plenty of plain lukewarm water to sponge off all the debris, mud, grit etc. A toothbrush will help with the fiddly bits. Please don’t be tempted to use the pressure hose, I’ve seen it a few times and it takes the surface off the leather. Of course if you are going for the stripped suede look go ahead.

Next hang to dry in an airy place but not near direct heat. You can now retire to the bath but it might be easier on your Mum if you strip off on the door step, don’t worry she has seen it all before.
In a day or two you can start to nourish your saddle, water dries out the oils and it will need a few small applications of leather oil to bring it back, finish with saddle soap and it will be as good as new.

Or will it? Best bring it up for a quick health check, it’s free and most broken trees don’t show from the outside.

05/11/2024

What a good tempered little saddle this has proved to be. A good medium and always seems to fit beautifully level this Elan by Frank Baines has an excellent pedigree and a flocked panel. 👏
Practically new and peachy soft.

Frank Baines 'Elan' jump. 17 inch, M. €950.

23/10/2024

I think they speak mostly Spanish in Argentina, definitely not English. However, Collegiate is based there and do produce a reasonable English style saddle. Across the range they are fair quality for a reasonable price and even if not quite as robust as some they do offer a useful, affordable alternative.

Colligiate 'dignitary' GP. 17.5 inch, M. €370.

18/10/2024

Q. If I buy a saddle from you what does the price include?

A. The saddle of your choice, it will have been fully serviced and repaired as necessary.
Fitting, either at my place or yours.
Any additional flocking or alterations needed.
14 day trial which includes full refund or exchange if it’s not working out for you (if your horse loses a shoe, you get Covid and your car breaks down just keep in touch, you can take a little longer).

Ongoing support and retrade should you change your horse within a reasonable time.

What isn’t included?

If you live within a reasonable distance and you purchase a saddle I won’t charge for call out.
There will be a call out charge if you are more than 30mins drive away, this depends on drive time and starts at €40. Happy to quote at time of booking. Shared visits welcome.
As time goes by I am happy to check fit, repair or part exchange, just ask for a quote.
I’m probably not going to buy it back 10 years later.

I realise I do things differently to some, that is because I find the best success is to get to the horses, especially the ones on a tight budget.