- The Kent Saddlery Team

Meet the Kent Saddlery Team

(Left to Right) Ena, Josh with Aida, Leah, Naima, Jerry, Sally, Daniel with Jacob, Sonia with Ethan, Jamie, Jess, John, Kim, Tom Janelle with Dustin, Ben with Chad, Helen, Lyle

Lyle - saddle maker and station traveller. See Lyle Kent's Story. Helen - station traveller and business support.
Ben Kent: Saddle Maker BEN understands the need to custom-make a saddle that will suit both the horse and the rider, and with saddle making skills learned and perfected during ten years of experience, Ben is committed to meet that need. Ben is always prepared to communicate with customers, and enjoys the challenge of coming up with ways to make genuine, well fitting saddles. Ben is Janelle’s husband, and Dad to their two amazing sons CHAD, 3 in 2012, and DUSTIN, 2 in 2012.
Daniel Kent – Saddle Maker In 2010, DANIEL designed and crafted the first Kent Campdrafter Saddle, and there are now numbers of these out and about the country. With an eye for, and attention to detail, each of Daniel’s custom-made saddles are the result of meticulous workmanship. Daniel is keen to “Go The Extra Mile,” and ready to do all that’s possible to supply saddles that suit the horse and rider. Daniel is Sonia’s Husband, and Dad to their two awesome sons, JACOB now 4, and ETHAN, 2 in 2012.
Sonia Kent: Office Support At Kent Saddlery, the team members who have computer and office skills are appreciated and valued. SONIA is Daniel’s wife; she works part time at the saddlery, keeps the saddle data base updated, and coordinates with Kent Saddlery’s tree maker, Bob Wattus re saddle tree orders. She also assists with publicity, and other important projects. Sonia’s main role is that of mothering the awesome JACOB and ETHAN.
Leah Furness - Office Manager LEAH is multi skilled and has been involved with the saddlery for over fifteen years. She began with leather work, but with previous study and experience in office administration, she transferred to the office area, where her expertise is invaluable. Leah is Josh’s wife and they and daughters, NAIMA, six in 2012, and ENA, now 4, welcomed another beautiful daughter and sister, AIDA to the family, in September 2011. Leah is currently devoting most of her time to their girls.
Josh Furness - Work Shop Supervisor JOSH continues to fulfil an indispensable and multi functional role in the saddlery. As well as the designing, cutting out, and stitching of multiple leather products, Josh supervises and trains other workers in that area of the workshop. He is diligent in sourcing new products, and ways in which to refine and improve efficiencies and quality in the production of Kent Saddlery products. Josh is Leah’s husband , and very happy to be the Dad of their three gorgeous daughters, NAIMA, ENA and AIDA.
JESSICA has returned to the Saddlery, for the Summer vacation and it’s great to have her home for a while. She’s is the process of toughening up her fingers, and regaining her stitching speed and dexterity. She has completed two year of a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) course, and like most Uni students, needs funds to support living away from home expenses. Jess is Lyle and Helen’s daughter, Leah, Ben, Daniel, Jamie and Paul’s sister, and much loved and popular ‘Aunty’ to her nieces and nephews!
John Furness - Kent Saddlery Book Keeper JOHN’S expertise with keeping the books up to date and absolutely balanced, was learned when he was a young bank teller. John’s efficiency extends to the processing, packaging, and dispatch of orders, and he is greatly appreciated for the contribution he makes in these areas of the saddlery. John is Josh’s Dad. John and his wife Shirl are NAIMA, ENA and AIDA’S Nanny and Poppy.
Kim Giddings - ‘Girl Friday’ - Support Worker KIM’S cheerfulness and adaptability continues to be appreciated. She’s available for all sorts of tasks; packaging, stocktaking, cleaning, childminding, office support and postage person. Mark and Kim’s wedding in March 2011 was a very happy occasion. Kim is Sonia’s sister, and aunty of JACOB and ETHAN.
Sally Cameron - Customer Service & Catalogue Design In December 2009, SALLY joined Kent Saddlery as “a trainee leatherworker.” However, her interest in horse riding, and knowledge about horses and horse gear has meant that the leather work lies idle on her work bench, and she fulfils an important role in Customer Service; taking and processing orders, and speaking with customers on the phone. Sally has also become more involved with the production of the Kent Saddlery catalogue, and her contributions, which include skill in graphic design, are valued and appreciated.
Tom Garland: Kent Saddlery’s Youngest Saddler TOM has continued to acquire saddle making skills, and along with his natural ability with leather work, has become a valuable and well equipped saddle maker. The wool sheds still hold an attraction for Tom, and on occasions he downs leather tools, loads up his shearers gear, and heads off to assist with the shearing at various sheep properties in the area. As well as refining his saddle-making skills, Tom is gaining experience and confidence in speaking with customers about their saddle needs.
The Grandchildren Jacob with Ethan, Naima with Aida, Chad, Dustin & Ena