Saddlery wins retail award

A saddlery shop, where bridlework and leathergoods are hand-made on site, has won the south-west regional heat of the Countryside Alliance Best Rural Retailer Competition.

Acorn Saddlery, of South Molton, Devon, now goes forward to
the national final in The Daily Telegraph Best Traditional Business category. Husband and wife Frank and Susan Edwards, who are both Master Saddlers, set up Acorn Saddlery in 1985. The business has been a member of the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) for ten years.

"This traditional business reflects the importance of the equine
industry in the West Country," said Alison Hawes, Countryside
Alliance spokesman for the south-west. Trading from South Molton's High Street, Acorn Saddlery stocks everything for horse and rider, plus shooting Saddlery wins retail award accessories. BETA trained staff advise on riding hat and body protector fitting, while breastplates and bridles, hipflask holders and handbags are created in leather by craftsmen.

The Best Rural Retailer Competition is designed to support and promote countryside communities. The regional winners will attend a House of Lords reception on 6th February to hear the national results.

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