09/10/2026
Thank you The Happy Horse Hub ❤️ x
MEET VERIFIED MEMBER
This week we’re introducing Rachel from RSO Leather & Saddlery in North Yorkshire.
Rachel is a Society of Master Saddlers qualified saddler and registered bridle fitter, and what she does is a lovely mix of knowledge, horse comfort and proper traditional craftsmanship.
Bridle fit is one of those things that can be really easy to overlook because, from the outside, everything can look perfectly fine. But the shape of a horse’s head, where straps sit, the way the bit works with the rest of the bridle and where pressure is being placed can all make a huge difference to how comfortable that horse actually feels.
Rachel looks at the whole picture.
She offers bridle and bit consultations where she assesses the individual horse, their facial and mouth conformation, the tack they are already wearing and anything that could be contributing to discomfort.
Sometimes the answer is a small adjustment to what you already have. Sometimes a different set-up works better. And sometimes a completely bespoke bridle is the right option.
What we really like is that it isn’t about trying to squeeze every horse into the same solution. It is about working out what actually suits the horse standing in front of her.
Rachel also makes beautiful leatherwork herself from her North Yorkshire workshop, using traditional saddlery skills and hand-stitching techniques.
Bespoke bridles, headcollars, neck straps, leather accessories and other pieces are all made with that same attention to detail, and they have that lovely feel of something that has actually been made properly rather than mass produced.
Rachel was also named Bit & Bridle Fitter of the Year at the 2025 Equestrian Business Awards, which is a pretty lovely recognition of the skill and knowledge behind what she does.
So if you have ever wondered whether your horse’s bridle could fit better, you are struggling with a bitting issue, you would love something made specifically for your horse, or you are just a sucker for beautiful traditional leatherwork, RSO Leather & Saddlery is definitely one to have a look at.
We’re really pleased to have Rachel as part of our Premium Verified community and to be able to introduce more horse owners to her work.
A HHH HQ favourite?
“The leather horse passport holder. Such a simple idea but SO handy, and because it’s absolutely beautiful you’ve got a much better chance of actually remembering where you put the passport for once.”
