Master saddler Issi Russell wins award
Master saddler and bridlemaker Issi Russell has received an award from The Princess Royal for her contribution to the saddlery industry.
Issi was awarded a highly commended certificate at the City and Guilds of London Institute Awards at Buckingham Palace last month.
The certificate is presented to one of the nominees for the Prince Philip Medal, which recognises people who have “travelled the City & Guilds path” and excelled in their field.
“It was great to receive the certificate and wonderful to be able to go to Buckingham Palace for the ceremony,” said Cirencester-based Issi.
“I feel fortunate to be recognised for my work, which is a true passion and something that I enjoy everyday.”
Issi, 30, began her career as an apprentice in 2003 and her bridles are used by top riders including Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester and Zara Phillips.
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A graduate from Durham University, Madeleine joined H&H in 2011 and became Features Editor — producing content across the magazine and website, including the popular inside back cover article ‘The horse that made me’ and the weekly ‘The best of my fun…’ interview. She has written on topics as diverse as hay making and headcams, to hot totty in the horse world and circus horses. Madeleine now works as a freelance feature writer for Country Life, The Telegraph, Horse & Hound, cntraveller.com, The Spectator and The Field, as well as writing obituaries for The Times.