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.