Teaching saddlery: ‘Do it for the horses - you have to give them the best’

Horses might be big and powerful, but they are sensitive creatures and won’t put up with any old saddle.

Just ask the students at London’s Capel Manor College, which boasts Europe’s first full-time saddlery course.

These leatherwork apprentices are learning the impact a finely-tuned saddle has on a horse’s athletic performance.

And it all starts with quality craftsmanship, according to course leader Line Asser Hansen who was trained by Queen Elizabeth II’s harness and bridle maker Frances Roche.

Goodwood racecourse offers far-reaching views across the Sussex Downs in the south of England.

Racegoers take in the drama of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, commonly known as "Glorious Goodwood."

It's one of the highlights of the flat racing season, with 35 races taking place over five days for a total purse of $6.5 million.

Dating back to 1802, the event is a favorite with punters and boasts spectacular views across the south England countryside.

The atmosphere is one of an English garden party.

It's a chance for racegoers to dress up in finery, especially on Ladies' Day.

Popular Italian jockey Frankie Dettori rode Too Darn Hot (center, pink) to win the showpiece Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Legendary racehorse Frankel made history in 2012 by becoming the first horse to win the Sussex Stakes twice having also triumphed the previous year.

This year, 18-year-old Khadijah Mellah became the first jockey wearing a hijab to race in Britain. She won the Magnolia Cup charity race, having only sat on a racehorse for the first time in April.

The facilities at Goodwood offer good views over the parade ring and winner's enclosure.

Oisin Murphy and Deirdre (left) overhauled Frankie Dettori on Mehdaayih to win the historic Nassau Stakes.

Nearby Trundle Hill offers far-reaching views across Goodwood.

The event is often seen as the end of the British social season, which also includes tennis at Wimbledon, rowing at the Henley Regatta and racing at Royal Ascot.

Goodwood has its own distinctive style known as "The Goodwood Look." The dress code is more relaxed compared to other of Britain's racing events.

Dressing up is not just for the ladies.

The best photos from 'Glorious Goodwood'

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“Horses are very sensitive, they can feel a fly on their skin,” the 50-year-old Hansen told CNN Sport.

“If we put anything on like a strap or anything that rubs against them, they are not going to perform.

“The saddle, the bridle and all of the equipment must be comfortable. If not, they are not going to jump towards it – if there is any pain or discomfort, they will run away and not perform.

“It is so important to spread this knowledge and improve, especially if we ask so much from these beautiful animals.”

READ: Queen Elizabeth II’s undiminished love of horse racing

Students in the workshop at Capel Manor College.

The college welcomes a mixture of students from the UK and overseas, including from Hansen’s native Denmark as well as Finland, Korea, New Zealand and Japan.

Hansen, who first came to the UK as a rider, credits the Japanese culture for having strong creativity skills, which she looks for at the interview stage.

“One of my key questions is, ‘What sort of toys have you played with as a child?’” she said.

“If they have played with ‘Lego’ or ‘Meccano’ they would know how to build things together.

“If they have only played with action figures or barbie dolls, they cannot see how things go together – creative toys is a must.”

Although Hansen’s hands show no signs of wear, she explains the most crucial part of her student’s training is developing the muscle between the thumb and forefinger, and she spends six months strengthening this.

The college welcomes a range of domestic and international students.

The students craft their saddles with British cowhide leather, and Hansen admits to being fascinated with the distinctive smell from a young age.

“I remember buying my first school satchel and that really set me off,” she said.

“I must have been about six years old and we walked in to this shop, I smelt the leather and it had a certain smell - it just stuck.”

Across the world saddlery schools equip students with the skills to craft equestrian accessories. Some move into the fashion world.

READ: Meet the teacher who handicapped the world’s biggest races

READ: From Vogue cover model to jockey for one day

‘Saddles are the soul of Hermès’

Long before the fashion house Hermès was designing lifestyle accessories, leather and saddlery was its foundation – reflected in today’s horse and carriage logo.

“Saddles are the soul of Hermès,” Marion Larochette, director of the brand’s equestrian line, was quoted as saying by The Week.

“For almost a century, equestrian products were the only activity for Hermès, which is why these roots are so deep.”

As long as there are equestrian sports, the future of saddle making remains secure.

For future trainees, Hansen has one message.

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“Do it for the horses – If you want them to perform as athletes, you have got to give them the best,” she said.

“Think about football players, if the shoes do not fit or the pants rub they are not going to do it as well as if everything was fantastic.”