About Us

Danby Equestrian is based on the Black Isle in the Scottish Highlands covering the whole of the Highlands and Islands along with Grampian, in some cases going even further afield with customers as far away as Poland and Oman.

Our ethos is that the horse always comes first and we are constantly looking to improve equine welfare and comfort in the most efficient manner within the client’s budget. All our staff are registered members of the Society of Master Saddlers.

Jocelyn Danby

SMS regd. Master Saddler, Master Saddle Fitter, Qualified Bridle Fitter BHSAI ISM

Jocelyn has worked with horses all her life and first started learning saddlery in 1999. Before becoming a fulltime saddler she worked as a groom, riding instructor, veterinary nurse and yard manager. On her own horses she has competed in various disciplines including eventing, and enjoyed dressage, showjumping, side saddle, drill and skill at arms. In 2009 she turned to saddlery and saddle fitting fulltime. In 2013 Jocelyn was honoured to be awarded a craft scholarship from the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust; a charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, this enabled her to study side saddle restoration and manufacture under Master Saddler Richard Godden. Jocelyn is involved with all aspects of craft work including bridle making, side saddle making and restoration, deer saddles and accessories, saddle fitting including remedial fitting and side saddles, bridle fitting, and teaching these skills to others as a lecturer for the Society of Master Saddlers. Work now gets too much in the way of competing, but she still enjoys riding whenever possible. She is also involved with running courses in saddle fitting and saddlery in Poland so as to promote the art and science of correct saddle fitting using up to date methods in Central and Eastern Europe.

Kieran Forsyth

M.A. SMS regd. Master Saddler, Qualified Saddle Fitter

After serving 25 years in the regular army, first with the Band of the Irish Guards and then as a mounted musician with the Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment where he began learning his saddlery skills. Kieran transferred to the Reserves in 2013 and now serves in a part time role as the Master Saddler for the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry, as well as in other roles within the regiment.

At Danby Equestrian Kieran is involved with saddle fitting, deer saddles, country sport equipment, harness and collars and military items. He is invaluable for his knowledge of all things military.

Kieran also received a Scholarship from Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to study collar making and harness, making him one of the few collar makers in the U.K.

Sara Shirvani

Is indentured as apprentice to Jocelyn through the Worshipful Company of Saddlers Millennium Apprenticeship Scheme. This has been made possible by a training grant from The Worshipful Company of Leather Sellers. Sara is training towards the Society of Master Saddlers, City and Guilds qualifications in saddlery, saddle fitting and bridle fitting. She assists with admin, fitting and craft work. Prior to her apprenticeship she worked as a groom and stable manager in varied yards in both the U.K. and North America.