Life On The Job


Leather Goods Maker [Saddler]: Peter Horobin


Peter Horobin portrait

Introduction

Peter, although Australian-born, commenced his professional life as an apprentice jockey in England, Germany and France. He enjoyed success, winning over 50 races, and at one stage held the crown as Germany’s top amateur rider.

Jockey
Peter on board 'Angkor' in Schwanewede, Germany 1978
(Source: Horobin)


It was in Germany that he also began an apprenticeship with the famous Master Saddler brand, Passier.

Apprenticeship with Passiers in Germany aged 16.

Passier

 

 As the years went by, this “job” became his passion, and one of his first commissions was a presentation bridle for the President of Argentina. By the time Peter completed his saddle making apprenticeship, he had become too tall and heavy to continue his jockey career, and the dye was cast.

On return to Australia in 1985, Peter started his own saddle making business (originally Ozzie Design saddlery, eventually becoming Peter Horobin Saddlery – PHS), and has become one of Australia’s most successful and iconic saddlers.

Today, PHS is a family business, with Peter’s children Rhys and Marlee deeply involved – Rhys following Peter with both saddle manufacture and custom saddle fitting, while Marlee builds the PHS brand world-wide.

Family
The Horobin Family L - R - Peter, Rhys, Julie, Marlee (sitting)
(Source: Horobin)

Peter has a life-long strong interest in the mechanics of both horse and rider, and has done intensive research into the anatomy of both in order to develop and manufacture functional innovative designs, including designs with adjustable gullet and panels. It is the intimate knowledge of horse and rider anatomy that allows a deep understanding of correct saddle fit and, by extension, superior saddle performance.

PHS saddles are now used by many Olympic riders, Grand Prix Dressage and Showjumping riders, top Show riders and instructors in all disciplines, and also top racetrack jockeys. Today, PHS saddles can be purchased all over the world “off the shelf” or ordered as bespoke, custom-fitted saddles.

 

Business

Logo

 

Saddlefit Checklist

Links

Peter Horobin Saddlery [Video]

PHS


Peter Horobin Saddlery: Peter's Story

Peter's Story


Peter Horobin Saddlery

Peter Horobin
Landline: Saddlers Well 12 July 2009
Transcript only

Landline
Equestrian Life Magazine

Equestrian Life
 

YouTube: Story of Saddle Making By Peter Horobin Saddlery

 

 

YouTube: Peter Horobin Saddlery [Advertisement]

 

YouTube: About Peter Horobin Saddlery

 

YouTube: StrideFree Race Saddles - The benefits of a StrideFree Race Tree

 

YouTube: Peter Horobin _ Saddle Fit

 


Activities

The Physics, Mechanics and Biology of Fitting Saddles

High SchoolSecondary

CriticalAustralian Curriculum General Capability: Critical and creative thinking

ICT Capability Australian Curriculum General Capability: ICT Capability

Cooperative LearningCooperative Learning Activity

 

 

1. Form into groups of 3 - 4 students. You are to investigate the following information about Peter Horobin and the information he uses to adapt a saddle to individual horses. Use the Cornell Note-taking Method individually to take notes while watching the video.

2. Discussion

Watch the following video together. At the end, share your notes and discuss with each other what you have learnt and any questions you might have.

YouTube: Peter Horobin discusses Biomechanics & Balanced Riding w/ World Horse Racing
https://youtu.be/CvVwXaikMnE
  Video

3. Together you are to create an Infographic about what you have learnt on the biomechanics and biology of the horse and saddle.

Use the information on the Infographics page to decide which programme your group will use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Material sourced from
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