Wickett & Craig Burgundy English Bridle

The burgundy variant shares the same vegetable tanning and hot stuffing techniques used across Wickett & Craig's English Bridle range. The leather undergoes approximately six weeks of production time, during which it receives drum dyeing to achieve the burgundy color, followed by hot stuffing with natural waxes and tallows. Both the grain side and back side receive the burgundy finish, with the back side treated with gum paste for a smooth texture.

Wickett & Craig produces burgundy English Bridle using vegetable tanning with organic plant-based tannins, including oak, spruce, and chestnut bark. The leather undergoes drum dyeing to develop the burgundy color throughout the hide. Following the dyeing process, the leather receives hot stuffing, a traditional technique dating back hundreds of years that uses heat to impregnate the leather with a blend of natural waxes and tallows.

The hot stuffing process applies predetermined amounts of spew on both the grain and flesh sides of the leather. These waxes and tallows penetrate to the core of the leather, creating a supple and weather-resistant finish. The back side receives an additional refinishing step with gum paste, which contributes to the waxy and smooth texture on the flesh side.

The burgundy English Bridle features a uniform color throughout the hide with a rich burgundy tone on the grain side. The leather has a more matte appearance compared to traditional harness leather, with a flawless and even surface. The manufacturing process creates a smooth and flexible texture with a characteristic waxy feel from the hot stuffing.

The leather arrives firm from the tannery but becomes soft and supple with break-in time. The grain pattern of the hide remains visible through the finish. The hot stuffing process can cause bloom, a cloudy or hazy appearance as oils rise to the surface, which can be buffed away or wears away naturally with use.

Wickett & Craig offers burgundy English Bridle in multiple weight options ranging from 2.5-3 oz to 10-12 oz. Specific weight ranges include 2.5-3 oz (1.0-1.2mm), 3.5-4 oz (1.4-1.6mm), 4.5-5 oz (1.8-2.0mm), 5.5-6 oz (2.2-2.4mm), 8-10 oz (3.2-4.0mm), and 10-12 oz (4.0-4.8mm).

The leather is sold in side cuts with an average size of 24 to 27 square feet per side. Back cuts average 18 to 20 square feet. The tannery grades the leather as #1 and #2 selections, which represent the least imperfections. The burgundy finish is one of multiple standard colors available in the English Bridle product line, alongside tan, medium brown, dark brown, chestnut, black, walnut, cobalt, buck brown, and natural.

Wickett & Craig burgundy English Bridle leather is used for equestrian gear including bridles, saddles, and straps. The leather also serves in high-end leather goods manufacturing, with applications in belts, bags, wallets, purses, and general accessories. The combination of flexibility, durability, and weather resistance from the hot stuffing process makes the leather suitable for products requiring both aesthetic appeal and functional performance.