The Australian Stock Saddle
and the Saddlers that made them
SMITH Frederick (Fred) Henry 1873 - 1942
In February 1899 we already have Fred Smith established in Market Street, Muswellbrook. Obviously a word by mouth saddler, as very few actual advertisements appeared in the local rags during his lifetime. However we do find one article dated September 1899 stating that the chair of the gathering was occupied by Mr. Mankey, who announced that Rev. Wilson's parishioners had decided to present him with a new saddle and bridle as a mark of esteem, and from a desire to aid him in his work amongst them. The saddle and bridle were obtained from the establishment of Mr. Fred. Smith, saddler, of Market Street, Muswellbrook. [Muswellbrook Chronicle]
One thing that was constant was the yearly results of the local or (occassionally Taree) Show each year.
SADDLERY MUSWELLBROOK SHOW
Plain buckjumping saddle, Fred Smith;
Light town saddle, Fred Smith
Collection of saddlery, Fred Smith;
Stock saddle, Fred Smith;
Kemp saddle, Fred Smith.
Exact results repeated 1917 until approximately 1940 (with very few exceptions - sometimes Frank Thrift pipped him at the post, if he had attended the show.)
The Muswellbrook Chronicle in October 1923, ran a small article:
Mr. Fred Smith, saddler, is having his premises extended. Mr. Smith has a nice business and only last week he sent one of his well known saddles to a customer in Queensland, and another to Kyogle.
1927 saw two write ups in the Chronicle early in the year.
FRED SMITH.
The well-known saddler, Fred Smith, was again to the fore with a very fine display of saddlery, including the Kemp saddle, in which he drives a big trade.
TRADE COMES FROM SYDNEY.
Mr. Fred Smith, saddler, is doing a big business in saddles just now. Last week he received an order from Sydney for a Kemp saddle.
1923 & 1924 Adverts for Fred Smith
A testimonial on one of Fred's saddles was so signficant that the [Muswellbrook Chronicle] in August, 1930 was compelled to relate the story to the locals.
FRED SMITH'S SADDLES.
Striking Testimonial.
Mr. Fred Smith saddler, of Market street, Muswellbrook, has a bulging file of letters, testifying to the excellence of the Kemp saddles which he manufactures and which are in great demand throughout the northern districts and Queensland.
The following testimonial received from Harry McPhee, the well-known buckjump rider, is typical of many letters received by Mr. Smith, expressing appreciation of his work.
"Colonel's Swamp', "Belltrees", Scone.
Mr. F; Smith, Dear Sir
"I have ridden in nearly all the makes of saddles in Australia, and I consider the saddle you made for Tom Handley the best I have ever put on a buckjumper. I want you to make one to the same design. This saddle will be an advertisement for your work all through the Commonwealth.''
The saddle ordered by Harry McPhee is the Kemp buckjump, which is one of the many types of saddles manufactured by Mr. Smith.
One year later Tom Handley, the well-known buckjump rider, was awarded second prize at the Sydney Show. Handley used a saddle manufactured by Fred Smith and Sons, Muswellbrook. Fred's name for making the buckjumping and Kemp saddles resulted in the following report five years later: "The fame of the Muswellbrook Kemp saddle has spread far afield. Of late Mr. Fred Smith, maker, has received orders from centres hundreds of miles from Muswellbrook, including one from a buckjump rider at Winton (Q.)"
His polo saddles also were making their name in the right circles. 1936 saw this report of "a Mr. A. A. Henderson (Scone) and Mr. F. L. Bragg ('Rossgole') will be leaving shortly for the Philipine Islands, where they will take part in polo contests with an Australian team. The saddles to be used by the two players referred to have been made at Fred Smith's saddlery in Market street, Muswellbrook."
Muswellbrook Chronicle gave Fred the nod with a small article around the 1936 show time: "Fred Smith, Muswellbrook's progressive saddler, is always represented in the pavilion exhibits, and his display of Kemp and 'bulldog' saddles this year was better than ever. The collection, valued at over £100, served to further enhance the popularity of his products, which are in use on stations in all parts of Australia."
Even though Fred was a well known and respected saddler, he also enjoyed the ponies. The family were obviously involved in the racing scene.
M. ("TIGER") SMITH.
This young sportsman occupies chief place in the honour roll for the week, as a result of the splendid victory of College Lass on Saturday night. The name of Fred Smith and Sons has been prominent in the life of the district for very many years; indeed, their names as manufacturers of the famous saddle are known throughout the Commonwealth. In the sporting sphere they, too, have played their part, and it is pleasing to know they still continue to interest themselves in local sporting movements. M. Smith has been a keen supporter of the Coursing Club since its inception, and has secured many successes on the local track. Saturday night was a "big" night for him, and on College Lass he placed his hopes. How the gallant, little runner proved the goods is now history. Starting two to one on in the match race, College Lass passed the post an easy winner. The success was popular and the plaudits of the crowd were not only a tribute to College Lass, but also a mark of esteem towards her owner. Congratulations to both, and may they have many more successes in the years to come.
An order from the US prompted the [Muswellbrook Chronicle] to let the locals know of the overseas correspondence in 1938.
Famous Smith Saddle.
The Fred Smith saddle, so well known and extensively used by leading horsemen throughout New South Wales and Queensland, is now receiving an international reputation, and in the near future will be used in the United States of America. Writing from Chicago, Mr. F. Perry Schneider, the world-renowned horse rider, has asked Mr. Smith for particulars regarding his regular stock saddle. In the course of his letter Mr Schneider writes: "I have been referred to you by a gentleman named Ron McPhee, who informs me that you make the regular stock Australian saddle for ranch work, and I would appreciate your letting me know at your convenience what you would charge for such a saddle, made out of the best pigskin leather and best trim material."
"Please let me know what measurements you require for your type of saddle. I could give you the measurements we use here in America, but I do not know if they would suit your purpose. Also let me know what the cost would be of your regular stockwhip, made from kangaroo hide."
The foregoing speaks for itself, and not only is an advertisement for Mr Smith, but indicates that the Australian article is beginning to find appreciation in other parts of the world. Messrs Fred Smith and Sons are to be complimented on their good work receiving recognition, stated the Chronicle.
The [Scone Advocate] had the arduous task of informing the locals of the demise of Frederick Smith on 10 November, 1942. "The death took place at Muswellbrook, following a seizure on Friday last (6 Nov) of Mr. Frederick Smith, well known saddler of that town for some forty years. The late Mr. Smith, who had spent a lifetime in Muswellbrook, where he was universally known and respected, will be remembered by many former members of the Scone-Muswellbrook Light Horse Squadron, in which he held non-commissioned rank for many years, and as a camp mate, was one of the best. He was a saddler of the first order, and won many prizes at northern shows with his exhibits. A widow, three sons and three daughters survive."
Research could not find as to when the saddlery business was closed down by the sons, after the death of their father, however all of the family can take pride that these saddles talked about above, are still in use today and they exemplify nothing short of absolute quality - all fully hand stitched and neat as a pin.