I have no idea where these saddles are made. But, what are the working standards and compensation for workers in a saddle factory in Africa?
When a saddle is made in Walsall, England, I can be pretty sure that the workers have a living wage, decent working conditions, health care, etc. And, that saddle runs $2000-5500 depending on name, options, marketing. I accept that there is a 100% (not 50%) markup on most tack, but if they are making saddles in Africa, for $500, yet selling them as if they are in a $1500 production area, they could be exploiting the workers, but they are definitely profiting a lot more if they don’t pass on the savings to the consumer.
As for the brand, I have not had an opportunity to try one.
On the economic side of things, I kinda like that my custom Stackhouse saddle, went right back into the American economy. Yeah, the trees are made in England, and the leather likely tanned elsewhere and imported, but David Stackhouse lives in NC. If I’m paying that much for a saddle (and aren’t these in the $5000 range?), I’d like to think that it is more than marketing and an extensive sales commission scheme that goes into the higher price.
One of the things I like about horses and riding is that it is supporting my local economy through various services. My vets, trainers, and shows are all local, and all supporting locals (mostly).
