NOT too often would you find a 19-year-old girl happy to spend her days tinkering away in a shed her dad built her, but for Renee Matthews, from Luddenham, it’s a dream come true.
Renee is a talented Western saddle maker whose carved creations could rival the most veteran of craftsman.
A passion for the horse industry led Renee to learn the craft from renowned saddler, Allan Hartley, when she was only 16 and still studying at Penrith Anglican College.
By the time she finished her Higher School Certificate last year, there was only one occupation on Renee’s mind, despite gaining an impressive University Admissions Index.
“All my friends went to university, but I have been around horses since I was born and I just wanted to work in the horse industry,” she said.
“I don’t need any piece of paper for what I am doing – practical skills and the ribbons show my qualifications.”
With the backing of her father, Reuben, Renee established Matthews Saddlery at the beginning of the year and by the end of the year will have eight saddles ready to market at shows and expos.
Renee said crafting a saddle required a lot of strength, but she was able to pick up the craft relatively quickly - her first saddle took a month to complete.
The true value of custom-made saddles was they were made to fit each rider, Renee said.
The carved designs are also unique with Renee designing patterns for each saddle.
She now works full time in her workshop and loves the fact her day job is her passion.
“I love horses and I like that I can talk to people everyday from the horse industry,” she said.
Renee has displayed her saddles at the Camden Show and Farming Small Areas Expo at Clarendon, however, it is her success on the show scene that has delivered the greatest accolades.
In 2010 her carved Western saddle entry took out second place at the Sydney Royal, while she went one better and placed first this year at the Royal for her entry.
On the local scene she placed first at the Luddenham Show and won best overall exhibit.
But her talents don’t just stop at saddles, Renee also makes halters, bridles, breastplates pouches and belts.
As for the future, Renee hopes to become well known for producing quality custom saddle and leather products.
She is yet to meet anybody her age or female in the saddlery business – so she is keen to carry on the craft of Western saddle making.
Visit www.matthewssaddlery.com.au