At Dogwood, we know what you want from your leather horse tack.  You are after something both practical and aesthetically-pleasing so that you can be comfy whilst looking your best whether you are hacking out or riding at a horse show. 

The craftsmen at Stubben are also familiar with this combination because creating exceptional horse riding equipment has been the life's work of several generations of the Stubben family.  The culmination of this work has resulted in the superb horse saddles in the Stubben range that offer practical features such as comfort and durability, whilst still maintaining the ultimate in beauty and meticulous leatherworking. 

The details of just how the masters at Stubben achieve this unbeatable combination is kept firmly under wraps but they have told us a little of their remarkable tanning process and workmanship.

Tanning at Stubben
Stubben's approach to the crafting of leather horse saddles is something quite remarkable.  The tanners combine the tried-and-tested knowledge of age-old traditions and the acceptance of new technological advancements in order to form revolutionary leather products.

Every single saddle in the Stubben range is made from uncompromisingly fine hide.  It is with the raw hide that the process of making amazing horse saddles begins. 

The hide is vegetably tanned, which involves the use of natural ingredients such as oak bark, fir bark and acacia chipping.  The vegetable acids in these materials transform the protein in the hide, making it extraordinarily supple and soft to the touch yet surprisingly hard-wearing at the same time.

The hide is then dressed with a special product that will provide a remarkable no-slip finish to the finished horse saddle, giving you extra grip for a really comfortable, secure ride. 

This tanning process takes a number of weeks, during which time the hide slowly matures and becomes the fine, glossy leather that will be shaped and stitched into a Stubben saddle.  Once the leather is ready, it will undergo a stringent process of readying for use in which the saddler will cut, bevel, sew, inlay, seam, quilt and pummel until it is ready to be fitted to a saddle.

There are over one hundred separate steps to creating Stubben saddles, which is one of the aspects that make them so special.  Some parts, such as the seat, the panel and the billets, are even sewn by hand so as to ensure the outstanding appearance and durability that all equestrians want in their horse tack. 

This delicate process of handcrafting and leatherwork means that you get one of the very best saddles available today.  It also means that every single Stubben saddle is different, uniquely shaped by the hands of the crafter who made it.

Stylish country clothing and fine quality horse tack at Dogwood
At Dogwood, we have an exceptional selection of horse saddles from Stubben.  Whether you need a jumping, dressage or GP Saddle, you will be able to find one in our collection that perfectly complements your riding style.

As well as saddles, we have an extensive range of bridles, martingales, girths and stirrups that look and feel fantastic and will make an excellent addition to any equestrian's tack room.  The Dogwood collection only features horse riding equipment made by the finest craftsmen, such as those at Stubben.

We also have a selection of comfortable yet elegant country clothing to ensure that you stay warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as having a pleasingly traditional yet stylish look all year round.

If you wish to find out more about Stubben or any other product in the Dogwood range, please telephone us on 0845 30 10 365.