In 1979, David Gumbrell started his career at the age of sixteen as a saddler in a small manufacturing factory in Mentone, Victoria. In 1983 David started out on his own, continuing to make and repair saddlery for the racing and show industry, and manufacturing heavy duty saddlery for local horsemen and riding schools. He later moved to Queensland, to make saddles for saddle manufacturers Syd Hill and Sons in 1986.
David later returned to Melbourne, and in 1989, was contracted to Horseland Ringwood, where he was introduced to Master Saddler, Bob Wilson. Bob then taught him the fine art of Turnout Saddlery, leading David to make saddlery for some of Australia’s top show riders. From here, David saw his wares win not only in the show ring but also as a craft exhibit.
In 1996, David decided to manufacture primarily for the racing industry and started David Gumbrell Saddles. This evolved from the half-tree exercise saddle (the Classic) and then developed to a range of styles to suit different needs. Whilst spending time on training tracks all over Australia, David was able to see the needs of trainers and riders which enabled him to alter and re design his saddles to last longer and outperform competitors.
Materials have progressed over the years, and David Gumbrell Saddles now design and manufacture a high density polyethelene saddle tree with a steel pressed gullet and stirrup bars. David Gumbrell Saddles now uses a new improved steel tree in The Classic and Classic 2/Suede saddles.
All saddles come with a unique Aeropanel panel which allows the saddle to sit over the wither and not pinch. Trees carry a 10 year warranty covering breakage under normal use.
David Gumbrell Saddles have a reputation for high quality repairs. They are neat and durable and will look like part of the saddle.
Today, David Gumbrell Saddles manufactures several styles of exercise saddles in a custom built workshop in the the country town of Cobden in western Victoria.
