J&E Sedgwick, Walsall, England
Known the world over for the exceptional quality of it's leather products, J&E Sedgwick & Co. Ltd has always prided itself on the consistently high quality of its finished leather. Partly, this has been achieved by the sourcing of high quality hides, but also in maintaining the skills of expert curriers who finish the leather by hand. Many of these skills utilized at the beginning of the century are still employed today. Hence Sedgwick’s takes the view that these skills, when used correctly, produce the finest leather.
The skills of the curriers are complimented by the addition of modern machines. These machines cannot replace the sheer artistry and experience of the leather dressers, but have enabled Sedgwick's to improve and increase the range, quality and colours of the finished leathers.
The quintessential attributes of Sedgwick’s leather are:
• Visual Appeal
• Endurance
• Resilience
Sedgwick is committed to supplying Traditional English Leather for the Equestrian & Leathergoods Trade. With over 100 years experience in making English Bridle Leather they are a company proud of it’s heritage, professionalism and dedication in providing leather that has good tensile strength, durability and leather that will last. These are very important factors where safety is paramount for the rider and their horse.
Sedgwick’s success in this field has brought imitation. The term ‘English’ is too often used to imitate Bridle Leather. Bridle Leather is not just about applying wax/grease to the surface, it is much more. The right hides, the right tannage, and the labour intensive processes cannot be ignored. All these factors have to be taken into consideration in developing the best English Bridle Leather in the world.
Bridle Leather made by J & E Sedgwick is world reknowned for its aesthetic look, the liveliness of the leather and it's natural beauty.
Traditional English Bridle Leather from J&E Sedgwick is made from a blend of specialised tanning materials, re-tanning oils, a lot of hard work... and many secret ingredients.
To learn about the manufacturing process please visit Sedgwick’s website.
Leather Care
The majority of instances of damaged leather can be linked to misuse or the incorrect care of the leather equipment, with the user allowing leather to become brittle either from drying wet leather near a heat source, or by not cleaning or conditioning it sufficiently. An equal number of users actually over oil the leather. These common mistakes result in a radical change in the fibrous structure of the leather, weakening and distorting its substance.
There are many of products claiming to be leather conditioners but in fact ingredients like petroleum distillates, found in some popular conditioners, often do more harm than good. Many of these products have been re-formulated to suit modern manufacturing processes and consumer tastes. Therefore some of these products on sale today do not represent what was used in the past.
Consequently, Five Star Tack markets it's own brand of leather dressing made for us by Sedgwick's that contains only natural ingredients, including tallow, oils and beeswax. A 500ml jar of Leather Cream comes with every bridle purchase!
Care of Your Five Star Bridle
The proper care of your Five Star Bridle is integral to its performance. A few minutes after every ride is all you need to keep your bridle looking its best.
Please do not over oil your new tack! For an initial application we highly recommend Farman's Leather New as it contains no petroleum distillates or silicones and will not change the stitch color. Using a paint brush apply a light coating of oil to the flesh side ONLY and allow to work in. One or two coats is all you should need. Do not under any circumstances dip or soak the leather in oil or attempt to strip the finish off the leather in an attempt to recolor it. Sedgwick leather is "pre-colored" during the tanning process and will obtain a richer finish but you can't substantially change the color. Doing so will ruin the leather fibres and void the warranty. Australian Nut darkens to a warm medium brown. Dark Havana is chocolate brown and is the deep brown color of a well worn bridle.
After each ride, the tack should be wiped over with a damp sponge or cloth. If there are sweat marks or if the tack is very dirty a damp cloth is better as you can use the nap of the cloth to “rub” off the dirt. Let the leather dry naturally and then apply Five Star Leather Cream or glycerine saddle soap to both the grain and flesh side of the leather. When dry, buff the leather with a soft brush or cloth.
By following these simple steps your Five Star Bridle will last for years!
