Our Team
Christie Farren – Co-Founder & Lead Saddle Fitter
Christie is the co-founder of CF Equine Ltd, where she specializes in bespoke saddlery, leading all saddle fitting and leatherwork services. Horses have been a central part of her life for as long as she can remember, and her experience encompasses both competitive sport and professional equine care.
Before joining the British Army in 2014, Christie worked full-time with horses, producing Irish event horses for sale, grooming on the international show jumping circuit, and competing her own horses in British Eventing and British Showjumping.
During her Army career, Christie served in the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, participating in major state ceremonial parades, including the Queen’s funeral. She also represented the British Army in show jumping at an international level.
In addition to her riding background, Christie holds an NVQ in Horse Care and is a qualified BHS instructor. In 2020, she began a formal apprenticeship with the Society of Master Saddlers (SMS), focusing on traditional saddlery and saddle fitting. Since then, she has earned multiple industry-recognized qualifications, including:
• Qualified Saddler and Harness Maker
• Qualified Saddle Fitter and Bridle Fitter
• LANTRA-accredited Bitting Consultant
• Distinction in Equine Bits and Bitting Science
• Abbey England Saddlery Scholarship Award
Christie continues to participate in SMS competitions, where her work is acknowledged for its quality and attention to detail.
With a practical and empathetic approach, Christie works closely with horses and riders to ensure comfort, balance, and performance—bringing together years of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to horse welfare.
Michael Cardin – Co-Founder & Operations Director
Michael is the co-founder of CF Equine Ltd, where he leads business operations, client liaison, and financial administration, ensuring the smooth operation of bespoke saddlery services. With over 17 years of experience in the British Army, he brings a structured and dependable approach to managing day-to-day functions in the equine care industry.
Enlisting in 2005, Michael served as a Combat Human Resource Specialist in the Adjutant General’s Corps, supporting a variety of operational, administrative, and financial functions. His military career included deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kenya, Gibraltar, Kuwait, Belize, and the Czech Republic, where he collaborated with both UK and multinational forces.
He supported several high-profile units, including 2 SCOTS, the Intelligence Corps, 22 SAS, the Army Air Corps, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Joint Support Administration Unit (London), and the British Military Advisory Training Team.
Throughout his service, Michael handled personnel records, payroll systems, and financial coordination at both unit and headquarters levels. He also completed specialized training in instructional techniques and finance.
At CF Equine, Michael leverages this extensive experience to ensure the business runs efficiently, client communications are handled professionally, and all financial and compliance matters are in order, allowing Christie to concentrate on saddle fitting and craftsmanship.
