Suzie Fletcher

Suzie is a master saddler and leather expert (and sister to Steve.) She has been restoring saddles and leather goods for over forty years and is passionate about her work. Her days at the barn are certainly varied, as she breathes life back into everything from cases to roller skates!

BBC Media Centre interview
How did you come to be an expert in your field / tell us about what you do?

I have been nuts about horses ever since I can remember and can vividly recall from a very young age making saddles and bridles for my rocking horse and Cindy horse. With the influence of my mother, who was very skilled in designing and making clothes and my father being a watch maker, it's no surprise I found a way to combine my interests in design and horses to become a saddle maker. I started my training in the saddlery trade in the mid 1970's and now as a Master Saddler, I specialise in designing making saddles for women.

As an awkward horse-mad teenager, a series of events led me to meet our then local saddler Ken Langford. He told me my saddle tree was broken and there was nothing he could do to repair it. I'd had to save up for the saddle (used) so I was devastated to hear this news. Ken suggested I take the saddle apart and see how they're made. I did this and numbered the pieces while doing so I could then remake the saddle.

I took the saddle back to Ken and showed him what I'd done, I also announced I wanted to become a Master Saddler! I was 14 years old at the time and it was a very male dominated trade, we are talking the 1970's, but Ken didn't see any reason why I shouldn't and played a huge part in my training. To this day, now in his 80's, Ken is still my mentor, second father and best friend.

How did you come to be on The Repair Shop?

I lived in America for many years but after the loss of my husband I decided to return home to the UK. While making arrangements to move home my brother Steve would Skype me regularly as he always did and told me he was involved in this new BBC TV show called The Repair Shop.

Every time he called he looked to be having such a good time I jokingly said, "If they need anyone to do leather I'm your gal." I really was joking but after several phone calls and a lot of reassurance from Steve I agreed to give it a go and joined the team at the beginning of season two. I'm so happy I did as this is one of the most enjoyable things I've ever been involved with it's also helped me through some very dark days.

What has been your most memorable or challenging repair to date?

There are so many it's so very hard to choose one. Julie and Paul's rocking horse for very personal reasons, the Louis Vuitton steamer trunk from the historical aspect, the design icon Robert Oliver's leaf chair. Ralph the rhino for giving me and others such a laugh. But really the one that gets me is Chris Adams and his grandfathers’ helmet and spurs. He served in both wars and his helmet had a dent where a piece of shrapnel had been deflected. His story is one of so many that have not been shared, I was very proud to help share this one.

What would be your dream repair?

A saddle from beginning of the 1900's possibly military or a horse drawn coach of some style.

What do you love most about being on the Repair Shop?

Where on earth do I begin? I'm grateful to be a part of such a close family and to be given the opportunity to make a difference to others on so many levels.

The Repair Shop not only shares wonderful stories, it showcases a variety of skills helping to inspire a new generation of skilled people both young and not so young. But the very best part of being on The Repair Shop is making people happy, there is no better feeling.