We are one of the largest Equestrian Retailers in South West England, operated by a keen riding family who understand the needs and demands of both rider and horse.
Headed by Maurice Emtage, a former President of the Society of Master Saddlers (2002-03), our extensive experience allows us to give the best possible advice and products to our customers. We supply saddles, equestrian products as well as a complete saddle fitting service to people ranging from the every day recreational rider to the top level international sports men and women of all different disciplines.
From 1963 to 1971 Maurice's parents Bruce and Beryl Emtage ran The Silver Horse Riding School at Sevenhampton which they had started in Warwickshire. During this time they started selling riding hats and boots to their riding school clients. Their four children all rode from an early age competing in local gymkhanas.
When Maurice left school he went to the Cordwainers Saddlery College in Hackney, on his return to Gloucestershire he and his parents started Colne Saddlery, initially selling from home and at a small retail shop at Gloucester cattle market in 1972, where they traded for 30 years. During this period they also had a small trade stand attending local gymkhanas and horse auctions. Over the years this side of the business expanded to include major county shows such as Badminton Horse Trails. The trade stand also travelled abroad to Germany, Belgium and Italy. Throughout this period Maurice continued to ride, show jumping his home bred horse to just short of Grade A whilst also enjoying a bit of hunting when time permitted, and also hunting with the Farmers Bloodhounds.
After the death of his Mother Beryl in 1979 Maurice and his father continued the business together. In 1996 after the death of his father Maurice continued to develop the business. Following the disastrous foot and mouth outbreak in 2001 the cattle market closed and the shop moved to Norton, where it remained for 10 years, moving to its current position at Manor Farm in 2012 which enabled further expansion.
In 2003 Maurice was elected president of The Society of Master Saddlers. He remains involved with the society as a lecturer and assessor of the saddle fitting course which attracts candidates from abroad including candidates from Australia, America, and Europe. In 2005 Maurice joined the Worshipful Company of Saddlers becoming a Freeman of the City of London and subsequently progressing to become a liveryman.
Maurice's Daughter Gemma joined the business in 2010 having completed a degree in Chiropractic's at Bristol University and working for five years as a racing secretary for national hunt horse trainer Nigel Twiston Davies.
Colne Saddlery is now a thriving business in the heart of the Cotswolds, with a dynamic team of staff on board.
