But then aged 14, he thought learning to saddle was an “unrealistic” dream, given the scarcity of courses in New Zealand and the cost of studying abroad.

Later, encouraged by his parents to do research, he discovered a degree in the trade, overseen by the City and Guilds Institute of London and the grandiosely named Worshipful Company of Cordswainers, dating back to 1272.

Stratford’s classes are at Capel Manor College in London, where he spends hours surrounded by leather, cutting and hand-stitching, and learning how to make bridle parts and other metal fittings needed in the equestrian world.

“It’s really expensive. It’s really hard. “Then I’m so far away from all my friends and family and I had to sell my horse to come here, which was really hard to accept.”

He told RNZ it was pretty special to learn such a traditional craft as part of a centuries-old training plan. Country Life.

“It can be quite surreal sometimes because, you know, it’s so old.

“The Saddlers’ Hall for example, it’s all very flashy and nothing like the horse world we’re used to in New Zealand.”

Stratford explained that horses come in many shapes and sizes, with only two weight-bearing muscles on their backs.

Having the right saddle is important.

“You get these pressure points that get worse with the weight of the rider, and it hurts.

“Yes, this is purely an animal welfare issue.”

With a slew of awards under her belt after her first year, including Best Overall Student from the Worshipful Company of Loriners, Sophia feels “reasonably confident” about calling herself a saddler.

“Not very well, but you know, I can make a saddle.

“I made bridles, I made saddles, I made harnesses.”

He plans to return home for the four years of experience required to become fully qualified.

Well, now how about being able to make that saddle for his beloved horse?

“It’s probably not as beautiful as I’d like it to be, but is it functional? Yes, I think so!”

-RNZ