This submission is forwarded to explain the contribution of hunting to the saddle making industry in Walsall, West Midlands. In order to quantify the effects a ban would have, Albion Saddlemakers have looked at their production figures and the sales projections, and estimate that out of a workforce of 50 people the losses would be most severe.

The Company was formed 15 years ago and is headed by Paul and Sherry Belton. The turnover is around £1.75m per annum.

Walsall also has four other saddle makers of comparable size. These are Barnsby, Jefferies and Sons, Ideal Saddle Company and Walsall Riding and Saddle Company.

Last year (1999), Albion Saddlemakers produced 659 jumping saddles, 402 of which were General Purpose or specialist eventing type saddles. The vast majority of these saddles are used by hunters, eventers and team chasers, as well as those who do hunter trails and riding club activities. It is a known fact that the vast majority of those people who event at the affiliated level, give their horses experience in the hunting field. In addition a few exercise racing saddles are produced for National Hunt Trainers, some of whom freshen up their horses in the hunting field. Very few cross-country saddles produced by Albion find their way to foreign hunting fields. The reason is that the majority of eventers are UK based and even overseas competitors have yards in this country. It would be safe to assume therefore that around 300 saddles see service in the hunting field, nearly half of the annual output of this manufacturer.

Most of the employees are skilled tradespeople, many of who have worked in the industry for all of their working lives. Today a youngster would start out on around £4.00 an hour and when fully qualified could earn around £400 - £450 per week. An apprenticeship takes four years to complete. After 18 months or so in training, a trainee could make a saddle under close supervision.

One skilled saddlemaker makes 5 - 6 saddles each week, but that person is supported by a collection of highly skilled people such as cutters, preparers, machinists, dyers and dressers. There are 12 fully qualified and experienced saddlemakers at this company alone.

The best estimates of the management are that the loss in output caused by a hunting ban is likely to cause a reduction in the workforce of around 50% - 60%, which when equated to the employees themselves amounts to some 28 people containing 6 at least who would be long-serving, fully qualified saddlemakers.

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Date uploaded to site 12 May 2000