Home in the Home Counties

After more than two decades in uniform, serving first with the Band of the Irish Guards and later with the Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Kieran Forsyth has settled into a very different kind of service — though one that still demands precision, craftsmanship, and care for the horse.

From his workshop near Reading, Kieran runs Clansman Saddlery, bringing a lifetime of experience, military discipline, and traditional skills to riders across the Home Counties and beyond. His work as a Society of Master Saddlers Registered Master Saddler and Qualified Saddle Fitter reflects the same attention to detail that defined his Army career.

From Parade Ground to Paddock

During his time with the Household Cavalry, Kieran’s days were spent among some of the finest horses in Britain — animals that not only served ceremonial duties but were expected to perform under pressure. It was there that his passion for saddlery began, learning the craft from seasoned professionals within the regiment. The combination of horsemanship, engineering, and artistry sparked something that would stay with him long after leaving the military.

In 2013, Kieran transitioned from the Regular Army into the Reserves, continuing to serve as Master Saddler for the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry. At the same time, he began building his civilian career as a saddler — first in Scotland, and later back in England, where he has now found his home in the Home Counties.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

At Clansman Saddlery, every piece of leather tells a story. Whether crafting a bespoke bridle, fitting a new saddle, or restoring a treasured heirloom, Kieran brings an old-world approach to a modern equestrian world. His work combines traditional hand-stitching and classic English leather with contemporary fitting standards — ensuring both elegance and performance.

He is one of only a handful of UK craftsmen to receive a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) Award to study collar-making and harness work — an honour that reflects his commitment to preserving Britain’s saddlery heritage.

Serving Horses and Riders Locally

Now based near Reading, Kieran provides saddle and bridle fitting services across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Buckinghamshire, bringing not only a meticulous eye for detail but also the insight of a highly accomplished rider. His first-hand experience in the saddle allows him to truly understand how a horse and rider move and work together, ensuring every fitting is practical as well as precise. Each appointment begins with understanding the partnership — their work, build, and goals — before tailoring the equipment to suit both perfectly.

Whether it’s a bespoke bridle, a traditional deer saddle, or simply a check and adjustment of an existing setup, Kieran’s approach is grounded in honesty, craftsmanship, and genuine respect for the horse.

Looking Ahead

Settling in the Home Counties has given Kieran a chance to bring together the best of both worlds — military precision and rural craftsmanship — in service of the horses and riders who rely on him. For many of his clients, he’s more than just a saddler; he’s a trusted advisor, problem-solver, and guardian of the old traditions that still matter deeply in the equestrian world.

As Kieran himself says, “It doesn’t matter if it’s a parade horse or a pony in a village yard — every one deserves a saddle that fits and a rider who feels confident.”

Clansman Saddlery continues to grow quietly but proudly — rooted in craftsmanship, guided by experience, and always at home in the Home Counties.