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Kent Saddlery History
Kent Saddlery was established in 1988, when we (Lyle and Helen) decided to make a big change from vegetable farming to saddlery. Lyle had developed a keen interest in leather work during the 1960's when as a ringer on Humbert River Station, he regularly repaired saddles and other leather gear. During the 17 years in which we farmed, Lyle always maintained an interest in leather work, and in our first little house he had a leather work bench set up in the living room. In 1988 we built the granite rock saddlery workshop, Lyle believing it was going to be just him making leather products and saddles. Helen returned to teaching for four years, and Lyle began full time saddlery training.
Original Saddlery Workshop
In 1991 we began
travelling to the North and West of Australia, setting out with our
Landcruiser, trailer, our four boys, Ben, Daniel, Jamie and Paul, and
family pet dog "Jock". Our eldest daughter, Leah, was working in
Toowoomba and stayed behind. Helen was pregnant with our youngest
daughter Jessica, born in Derby, WA in August of that year.
Durham Downs, SW Qld 1994
We'd been told that horse work in the North was a thing of the past and that helicopters and motorbikes had taken over; so it was with some uncertainty we ventured into the Kimberley region of WA to look for work repairing saddles. We soon discovered that horse work was very much alive in the Kimberley, and we spent six months moving between several stations doing lots of saddle repairs.
As he dismantled and repaired the saddles, Lyle learned a lot about the different styles of saddles, and as a result, began to develop a style of fender stock saddle which he believed would be rugged, low maintenance, and comfortable for the rider, as well as good on the horses' backs.
Lyle operating a Pearson Pedal Sewing Machine
Since then, the travelling component of our business has changed dramatically from repair work to promotion and sales of our saddles and gear. The mail order and online shop facilities continue to expand and are attracting a significant percentage of Kent Saddlery's overall sales.
Over the years, the original rock workshop became far too
small, as the family returned from other employment to work in the
saddlery. Kent Saddlery has expanded as a family business, with
most of our adult children and three spouses are involved.
It's been a privilege to be a
part of the fender saddle revolution in the Outback of Australia, and
to experience the satisfaction of producing quality handcrafted
products. However, more than anything it's about friendships with people
we've met since we established Kent Saddlery. These valued friendships
have blessed and enriched our lives.
The Caldervale stockcamp shopping at our Supa Float during our 2009 trip.
During 2010, Lyle and Helen again visited over 100 cattle stations in an area covering the NT, Kimberleys, Qld Gulf and Channel Country. 2010 was the third year of station travel with the Supa-Float; most diehard fans of our gooseneck trailer have made the adjustments, and hopefully appreciate the Supa-Float set up as much as we do. Our trips around the cattle stations of the north and west of Australia are always interesting and stimulating, and we invariably come home with fresh ideas following feedback received from our customers. With station ringers coming from all over Australia, we’ve found more and more that our saddles and gear are being spread far and wide. A saddle bought on a station could end up anywhere, as satisfied customers show them to their neighbours and friends. Consequently, we have sold into every Australian state and territory, and have also
exported saddles overseas.
Kent Saddlery continues to expand, and it’s been good to have Tom Garland return, and Jess Hodges and Sally Cameron join the work force. The next generation of Kents and Furnesses has also grown in size and number. Ethan David Kent, second son for Daniel and Sonia, and brother for Jacob, was born in April 2010, and Dustin Lyle Kent, second son for Ben and Janelle, and brother for Chad, arrived in August 2010. Along with Josh and Leah’s two daughters, Naima and Ena, there’s a fair measure of noise and activity when they’re all together, and we love and treasure all six! Since establishing Kent Saddlery in 1988, it’s been a privilege to be a part of the fender saddle revolution in the Outback of Australia, and beyond. It’s also satisfying to produce quality hand crafted leather products which have proved their usefulness and reliability in tough working conditions. However, it’s been even more satisfying to meet with people and establish friendships along the way. These valued friendships have blessed and enriched our lives. Thanks to all of you for being a part of the Kent Saddlery journey.
Back: Naima,Ena,Jacob,Dustin
Front: Chad and Ethan
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