THE life of Sheldon saddler Wendy Tidbold was celebrated with a recent service at Capalaba attended by more than 300 people.
Wendy died on October 12, just after her 82nd birthday, after working as a local saddler for more than 50 years and living in the Redlands for 68 years.
Her husband Mike said Wendy was known throughout Australia for her passion for riding and teaching women the art of riding side saddle.
“She specialised in making side saddles for customers in Australia and new Zealand and has a boutique side saddle museum at our Sheldon property Hilltop Haven,” Mike said.
Her life was acknowledged in the House of Representatives on November 4 by Federal Member for Bowman Henry Pike, who described her as a global leader and a highly respected member of the community.
“Wendy rode horses nearly all her life and competed in dressage and showjumping,” Henry said.
“She was a gifted craftswoman, and her products were renowned far and wide. Wendy was a steadfast supporter of side-saddle riding in Australia and generously shared her time and knowledge.
“We were reminded at her funeral that she loved to be challenged and that the word ‘can’t’ simply did not exist within her vocabulary.”
To her family, Wendy was a source of love, guidance and strength.
“They remember her not only for her dedication to her craft but for her faith, her kindness and her joy in life’s simple moments.”
Wendy finished school at age 14 and worked in dairy farms in Beaudesert, Samford and Yuleba. Her working life also included apple picking in Tasmania and working with a spot welding machine in an air conditioning factory.
Her first saddlery experience was at Barcaldine at age 18 and she started her saddlery business in the 1960s.
She was a life member of the Redlands and Southern District Equestrian group and exhibited at the Ekka for 15 years.
She made numerous media appearances, and judged side saddle events in Australia and New Zealand.
Mike said she also rode side saddle in period costume at the open Ladies Oakes Day at Eagle Farm for three years.
“She had three favourite sayings. You can do anything you want if you really try. If you haven’t got a dream, how can it come true? And to never give up,” he said.
