What is a saddler in medieval times?

Answer 1

Major medieval towns had craftsmen called saddlers who made the very expensive saddles and other leather trappings for horses.

An example is Wilfwin the saddler, who in 1200 was living in St Peter's Street, Canterbury, just across the Eastbridge from the King's Mill. This was an area of many wealthy merchants, craftsmen and burgesses and the size of the plot of land held by Wilfwin indicates that he had a large house and workshop.

Wilfwin would have made typical late 12th-early 13th century saddles with two girth straps and a breast band, fitted with tall, wide, carved wooden pommel and cantle (arcons) to keep the rider in his seat. Large, decorated overblankets were made to fit over the saddle and had dagged or crenelated lower edges. The stirrup straps were made much longer than today, since men rode almost straight-legged as if standing.

Breast straps were at that time often fitted with bronze harness pendants, sometimes gilded and enamelled in bright colours - many of these survive today.

Answer 2

In the middle ages, as today, a saddler is a person who makes saddles.