Jo Hillwood. North Gorley, Fordingbridge,
Hants. SP6 2PL
Tel: 07721 000 456 Email: carlhillwood@tiscali.co.uk
| Bespoke items of hand-prepared and stitched
leather for the equestrian or countryside enthusiast and tack
repairs/alterations |
• Dog collars and leads
• The Country Belt. See description and more photo's at bottom
of page.
• Show leads
• Couplings
• Belts
• Plain brow bands
• Child’s balancing strap
• Buckles
• Fixed and running keepers
• Tack repair and alterations
Professional, reliable and friendly service.
Competitive prices.
Collection/delivery available in the Fordingbridge and Ringwood
areas. |
I am based at home in the New
Forest close to Fordingbridge. My passion for horses (and absolutely
anything to do with them!!) spans over 30 years and with my youngest
son starting school I have finally embarked on my leatherwork and
tack repair career.
| I have trained under Master Saddler,
David May, at the Cumbria School of Saddlery and will continue
to further my skills and knowledge through his guidance and expertise.
I use the traditional method of double hand stitching using age-old
tools of the trade and techniques. |
All items are:
• Hand cut using bridle leather only
• Edged, creased and dyed by hand
• Double hand stitched
• Finished with quality fittings in solid brass, nickel plate
or stainless steel
• Made from premium English and Italian bridle butt leather
The real benefit of using the
age-old method of sewing by means of two needles is, that should one
of the stitches ever break, it doesn’t run, unlike machine stitched
items.
It is recommended that you
use a quality glycerine saddle soap to clean the leather, and leather
hide food to replenish the moisture. These recommendations will help
prolong the life and looks of your items.
| Description of Some Items: |
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Lead
All dog leads can be made to any width
and length. The one pictured is an adjustable dog lead which
is made from the whole length of the bridle butt, (usually approx.
60” at it’s longest setting once made), and can
be used in two length positions. All solid brass or nickel plated
fittings. Matching collars can also be made to measure. The
dee ring on all the leads and collars is an actual ‘dog
dee’ so is nice and deep which makes attaching the clip
more easy (especially in the winter with gloves on!). |
Belts
Ladies, mens and even children’s
belts. Plain, robust country belts that look really stylish
and will last decades. Choice of buckles in Solid brass and
Nickle plate. Made to your specified width and length. |
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The Country Belt
Like all the other items, is made from English bridle
butt leather usually in Havana (but other colours of leather
may be available such as Australian Nut which is slightly more
of a ‘conker’ colour). Can be made in ¾”
and 1” widths ( ¾” meant for ladies, but
I like it in 1”). This makes a really lovely unique gift
for anyone who does a lot of hunting, shooting, riding or dog
walking. It would even look great hanging on a hook in the utility/boot
room!! Comes with a copy of its original flyer. Looks best with
solid brass fittings, but can be made using nickel plated fittings
if preferred.
This belt has atleast 5 different uses
being a spare stirrup leather, a neck strap, a dog lead, a spare
rein, a dog lead with collar, and just looks great worn loose
around your waist or hips whilst out walking etc. |
Dog Collars
This is my black lab sporting the first
dog collar that I ever made with nickel plated fittings. |
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Contact Details
Jo Hillwood.
North Gorley,
Fordingbridge,
Hants.
SP6 2PL
Tel: 07721 000 456
Email: carlhillwood@tiscali.co.uk
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