I had been employed in the clothing design industry since qualifying in 1977 from Barnfield College Luton as a member of the Society of Industrial Artists and Designers.
After starting a family I decided to work from home in order to make some 'pin money'. I soon discovered a ready market in equine clothing accessories and this led very rapidly to repairing the odd horse rug for local people. It became apparent that a business could be developed from repairing horse rugs,etc. I invested in a heavy industrial sewing machine and started work in earnest, the only problem was that every time a leather strap needed mending, I had to pass it onto the nearest saddler who lived over twenty miles away which added cost, time and reduced margins. I decided to enroll on a bridle course to improve my business efficiency and the service to my customers.
After enrolling at Cordwainers College, London in 1996, I soon got involved and although the work was hard, I enjoyed it. I very soon decided to expand my skills and enrolled full time. Harness making is now a priority for me and with the increase in driving for pleasure I have expectations of a significant increase in demand for good quality harness. My hobby is carriage driving, I drive my own ponies for pleasure and competition.
I started my rug laundry business in 1996, running it from an extension at home, then in 2002 I moved to Great Brickhill in Milton Keynes working alongside RB Equestrian “Large Retailer of the Year 2009”.
In 2005 I became a member of the Society of Master Saddlers after successfully gaining qualifications in level three bridle, saddle and harness making.