Paul Belton, founder of Albion Saddlemakers, dies aged 82 after career that reshaped saddle design

Paul Belton, a classically trained horseman and engineer who significantly influenced modern saddle design, died suddenly on 28 August at the age of 82. His death came less than 40 days after the loss of his wife, Sherry. Belton combined riding experience with technical skill to rethink how saddles affect the horse.

International relationships and influences

Throughout his career Belton worked with leading equestrians and trainers. Named collaborators and friends include Klaus Balkenhol, Wilfried Bechtolsheimer and Ernst Bachinger. He maintained a long-standing interest in the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and travelled there repeatedly to study classical riding and to refine his understanding of horse and rider balance.

Albion Saddlemakers and professional leadership

Belton founded Albion Saddlemakers in 1985 with his wife Sherry. Together they grew the company into an internationally respected brand that served elite competitors and national teams across Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States and Canada. Albion became known as a technical partner to Olympic-level dressage and event riders.

In 2000 Belton served as president of the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS). He played a direct role in creating the SMS saddle-fitting qualification, a formal standard that professionalised saddle fitting and trained fitters to consider horse biomechanics.

Colleagues and the obituary note Belton had an inventive mind, a dry sense of humour and a generous approach to sharing knowledge. He is described as thoughtful and kind. The obituary says his work will continue to influence the saddle industry and that he will be sorely missed for his inspiration, wisdom and humour.

Why this matters to riders and saddle fitters

Belton's approach reframed saddle fitting as a welfare and biomechanical task rather than a purely rider comfort issue. His tree designs and the SMS qualification have influenced how modern saddles are specified and fitted, affecting decisions made by riders, trainers and professional fitters worldwide.

Paul Belton combined practical riding experience and engineering to change how saddles are designed and fitted. Through Albion Saddlemakers and his work with the SMS, he left practical standards and products that continue to shape the modern saddle industry.