In 1973 Mike and Sue Norton purchased the last remaining Saddlery business in Oxford,
C. H. BROWN & SON, which was established in 1890.
As the business developed, Mike became very much involved in the design of saddles, their manufacture and repair and it soon became apparent that more room was required for this aspect of the business. In 1997 a new stockroom and workshop was set up away from the city centre providing easy access to the Oxford ring road.
C. H. BROWN & SON was established in 1890 and is a family run business. It is unique in the fact that very few saddlers have managed to remain as a city centre business for as many years. Diversity and quality have been the secret of its survival, with a wide range of leathergoods, as well as riding equipment and accessories being stocked.
At a separate location, a fully equipped workshop is situated along with a saddle showroom with more than 200 saddles and 20 different makes being available for visitors (by appointment only)
In 1973 Mike and Sue Norton purchased the last remaining Saddlery business in Oxford, C. H. BROWN & SON, which was established in 1890.
As the business developed, Mike became very much involved in the design of saddles, their manufacture and repair and it soon became apparent that more room was required for this aspect of the business. In 1997 a new stockroom and workshop was set up away from the city centre providing easy access to the Oxford ring road. Giving customers the facility to view, sit on and discuss saddles is proving very popular, particularly for those who cannot always find time during normal working hours.
The Society of Master Saddlers (SMS) introduced a new qualification in saddle fitting during 1995. This qualification was deemed to be necessary, given the increasing awareness of the riding public and their demand for a much higher standard of knowledge and ability than was previously available.
The SMS were very aware that saddlers might be excellent craftsmen, but this did not automatically mean that they knew how to assess and fit the right saddle to a horse. Therefore a training scheme was developed with the help of Warwickshire College of Agriculture and other specialists who deal with horse and human anatomy. As well as the more technical aspects associated with saddle design and technology, candidates also learn about animal health and fitness and how these areas can affect the correct fitting of a saddle.
Mike and Sue both hold the SMS qualification along side their design and development knowledge and will travel to wherever their skills are required, be it for a new saddle, a used replacement saddle or for a service readjustment on site.
If there are any questions that need answering regarding saddle type, make, fit or design please feel free to ask for their expert advise.
Mike Norton
Mike is a Master saddler member of the Society of Master Saddlers (UK) Ltd Executive Committee. He is now the past President of the society and was one of the first members to be awarded the title of Qualified and registered Saddle Fitter when the qualification was first introduced in 1995. With over 30 years experience in the Saddlery trade, Mike is also very much involved in saddle development and the training courses being run by the SMS
Sue Norton bhsai
Sue has been very much involved in equestrian activities' since she was a child. She served for several years for the BHS as County Road Safety Officer and 18 years on the local Pony Club branch committee. A qualified and registered Saddle Fitter and is a lecturer and examiner for The Society of Master Saddlers.
Verity Smith
Verity joined the firm in 2010 as an apprentice Saddler and Saddle Fitter.
She is part of the societies Modern Apprenticeship 3 Year Scheme. Through this scheme she is learning workship, bridle and saddlemaking skills.
Whilst working along side us she is also learning saddlefitting skills.
Kate Norton
Kate is a Master Saddler
And Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter.
As member of the Pony Club she enjoyed show jumping and has competed at Hickstead. Kate was also a successful competitor in Pony Club Tetrathlon.
Tammie Norton
Tammie joined the family business as retail manageress after being involved in promotional and managerial posts. As a keen Pony Club member, she enjoyed success in all spheres. After a break from riding in order to concentrate on obtaining her university degree,she has gone on to compete Bula Brazil's horse 'Ballymax' in British dressage competitions at elementary and medium levels.
Our shop in The Old Covered Market, Oxford stocks a wide range of leather
goods, as well as riding equipment & accessories. At our separate location, we have over 200 saddles and 20 different to choose from.
Click on the links to view our products and find out about them.
For more information on any of the products you view on this site, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Karin Caple
Karin first joined the company just over 30 years ago; working with us for five years before leaving to have her family.
In 2005, she decided to go back to college and study for an HND in equine management whilst working for us part time.
She passed with distinction and was awarded Equqine Student Of The Year.
In 2007 Karin returned to us full time as Shop Manager.
THE HOLISTIC VIEW TO CORRECT SADDLE FITTING
THE OXFORD SADDLERS
Mike & Sue Norton BHSAI
A Division of
C. H. Brown & Son (Master Saddlers)
52/53 The Old Covered Market
Oxford OX1 3DX
Telephone: 01865 244700 Mobile: 07770 277781 E-mail: mike_saddledoctors.co.uk
Saddles
Albion
Amerigo
Barnsby
Bates
Black Country
Crown International
Exselle
Fairfax
Frank Baines
Farringtons
Leather Goods
Hidesign
Radley Bags
Tula
Clothing
Barbour
Toggi
Horse ware
Musto
Wellington Boots
Hunter
Le Chameau
Accessories
Classic Canes
Dalvey
Ideal Saddle Co.
Jeffries
Kent & Masters
Passier
Ryder
Stubben
Thorowgood
Wintec
The Society of Master Saddlers
www.franceskellybridles.co.uk - Queen bridle maker
Customer links:
Silverdown Stables Livery Yard
www.silverdownstables.co.uk
Tel: 01235 835377
designed and maintained by www.aubergineweb.co.uk 2011
