Working with leather to craft quality saddlery for the discerning Equestrian Rider.

Sparrow Saddlers' owners, Don and Dianne Sparrow, bring a lifetime of experience to the crafting of fine quality leather saddlery and tack. Don explains:

“I took up a saddlery apprenticeship straight from school with R.J. Pryor Saddler at Takanini, South Auckland, New Zealand. Back then I was mostly involved in making trotting harness, hopples and protective boots - all of leather as plastic webbing had not been invented.

“In 1972 when Dianne and I married and started Sparrow Saddlers, the trotting industry was switching to plastic harness and hopples. So we specialised in making bridles and tack for the English riding market, supplying retailers throughout New Zealand. We made our last set of leather harness for a couple of South Island customers in the late 1970's.

“During the 1980's the saddlery business changed with the onset of free market government policies, resulting in cheap imports from India. Our future lay in the direct marketing of high quality saddlery to the discerning rider.

“In 1990 we printed our first catalogue and advertised Sparrow Saddlers to the riding public.

“Our aim was - and still is - to give unequalled service and make the best quality tack on the market.

“We sourced the best pit-tanned leather made for the saddlery industry from England - a first at that time. We did the same with hardware, as hardware for quality English in-hand bridles, for example, was not available in New Zealand.

“We continued to build a niche market among riders who recognised and appreciated the quality saddlery we offered. Through our tannery supplier we found the "Equestrian" saddle. Bench made by a traditional craftsman in England, this saddle has proved to be a fitting addition to our Sparrow Catalogue.

“Today we continue to offer hand-crafted Sparrow Saddlery with our hallmark attention to detail, from the careful selection of leather and hand polishing, through to the fine dove-tailed hand stitching, making your choice of Sparrow Saddlery one sure to give you pleasure for years to come.

“This website replaces our catalogues of old, allowing us to bring new items to you as soon as they are developed. We trust you find our site informative, and that we can continue to serve you in the way we enjoy and find most satisfying.

“We assure you of our best attention at all times. Thank you for visiting Sparrow Saddlers.”

Don & Dianne Sparrow