For Love of Leather For horse lovers, there are few scents sweeter than the smell of new leather by Sarah E. Coleman
Photo by Linda Doane
Kenny Luckett in his shop.
Handmade leather equestrian goods are true works of art, combining craftsmanship, history and creativity into one durable, functional piece of equipment. Leather artisans are particularly skilled at creating functional items, often using age-old techniques. The oldest evidence of leatherworking tools dates back to the Stone Age: 5000 BC. At that time, leather was used for clothing, shoes and shelter. In the 8th century, Greeks and Romans combined style and practicality, making things like sandals, shields and handbags from hide. The Romans also created many new things from leather, including harnesses, saddles and belts. The Middle Ages brought an explosion in leather artistry, including painting, carving, shaping, stamping, dying and molding. Throughout history, leather has been a material of choice for its lightness and strength – one of its key traits is its ability to breathe. Leather is one of the most widely traded commodities in the world. Quality leather craftsmanship is easy to recognize: the pieces fit together tightly and well, whether they are sewed, glued or riveted; the hardware is strong and adheres well to the leather. Kentucky is flush with quality leather craftsmen making beautiful, durable and functional pieces. Here are just a few of them: 34 KENTUCKY EQUESTRIAN DIRECTORY 2022
Clever with Leather Master saddler, Claire Painter, spent nearly a decade learning her trade in England, and apprenticing in Scotland, before bringing her Clever With Leather company stateside in 1992. One of the most unique leather shops in Kentucky, there’s sure to be something for every horse or fashion lover on your list! Located in Versailles, KY, Claire is a whiz at making beautiful, durable full chaps, with needlepoint, trim, piping and yoke color options. No matter what a rider can dream, whether in chap color or style, Claire can make it happen. Regionally beloved for her belts, Claire offers everything from the more traditional classic Nameplate, Hoof pick and Snaffle Bit Belts to her more unique creations, which include the Blue Ribbon Belt, the Event Belt (which resembles a fancy stitched bridle), the Laced Rein Belt, the Figure 8 Belt, the Harness
Release Belt, the Martingale Belt, and many more! Clare is uniquely gifted at reimagining classic fashion, as is evidenced in her Crossbody Saddle Clutch Bag, her Snaffle Bit Bag and Stirrup Bag – each of which is sure to be coveted by riders around the globe! Clever With Leather also specializes in horse and dog wear, including custom colored padding on many of her pieces. The shop offers individualized neck straps, lead shanks, browbands and leads, as well as collars and leashes, to ensure both your horse and hound will be dressed to the nines.
Clever With Leather 248 Lexington St. Versailles, KY 40383 859-879-0075 cleverwithleather.com
