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Marsh Carney left home at sixteen after his mother encouraged him to find a more constructive path, moving on from work in shearing sheds and a prune factory. After an unsuccessful attempt to secure a butcher’s apprenticeship in Sydney, he noticed saddles in the John Charlton Saddlery window while driving through St Leonards and began an apprenticeship that taught him traditional saddle, bridle and leatherwork skills that have changed little over time. From his teens, Marsh rode in rodeos, campdrafting and cutting, experiences that shaped his understanding of saddle design and fit. He later married Trish, a champion water-skier, and in 1980 they founded Marsh Carney Saddlery in Scone, which has since grown to include stores in Dubbo and Tamworth as well as an online business. While Trish managed the business, Marsh focused on saddle making, riding, cattle work and breeding cutting horses, including a National Cutting Futurity winner in 1979. Today, he continues to build saddles the same way he always has, works horses on the family property at Parkville, supports the industry through major events and sponsorships, and takes pride in a family business that has operated for decades and built lasting relationships along the way.