‘They were the good old days, but changes are for the better' 

Third-generation master saddler John Robinson on seeing the industry evolve, working in a true family business - and his 100-year-old tools

MY grandfather, Tom Robinson, founded our Lincolnshire-based saddlery business in 1905. He was a farmer’s son from Rutland, one of five boys destined to follow his family into agriculture. Sadly, however, the family farm was ruined by floods in the 1880s, which meant that all the sons had to find jobs elsewhere. Tom cycled 50 miles to Billinghay, Lincolnshire, in the hope of an apprenticeship with the village saddler. After the master saddler retired, Grandfather made a sound move by setting up on his own and marrying a local farmer’s daughter, Catherine Mablethorpe, who brought with her many local connections. He remained there for the rest of his life. Our shop was in Blankney country, but we also served the Belvoir, Burton and South Wold hunts and we met some…

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Horse & Hound (Digital) - 1 Issue, 6-Mar-2025

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