Museum of the Master  Saddler

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NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

 Check out & Like our new Facebook page

Horse Brass Martingales

  All specially designed & made by hand here in our Museum workshop. 

Special designs for National Horse Brass Society yearly brasses. Posted world wide.

WELCOME to this web site featuring our unique museum.  Here you will find details of our exhibits, events, books and the Museum's Workshop. It is regularly updated and it is hoped to make it an informative and enjoyable site. 

If you would like to comment please email us.

Thank you for logging onto this site.

Rob & Moira

Rather then publish a Newsletter detailing the activities of the Museum, all projects & events will now be covered on the Museum's Facebook page.  This will allow a more upto date focus on the Museum 

Facebook Look the Museum up on Facebook and become a fan!!   Also look up Rob Steinke & Drumcoura Riding Club         

Last updated 9 May 2013        

NEW FOR 2013.............A new range of showing bridles & slips for Miniature & Shetland ponies.   Watch this space!! 

 Spares Cases & Number Holders

Our new range of Spares Cases & matching Number Holders is now out. Email us for full details of these quality items.  Available in a choice of coloured leathers & fittings.  More info & pictures to follow soon.

Side Saddle Repairs

 Have your Side Saddle renovated in time for the show season.  Relinning, new girth straps, balance girth, stirrup leathers, phone or email for details.  Follow on Facebook the recent work carried out by myself on a neglected side saddle, below the before & after pics.  Look up the NEW Side Saddle page on this site.

Our Museum

This Museum is unique, being the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the Saddler and Harness Maker.

Its curator, Robert H. Steinke, served his apprenticeship with Keith Luxford, saddlers to H.M The Queen and at Cordwainers Leather College, London.  He is also the author and illustrator of six books on Saddlery and Harness Making.  The museum now has a publishing division through which it will publish its Heritage Series of books.

Both Rob and Moira are horse owners and competitors for many years covering showing, jumping, dressage, hunting, endurance and carriage driving.  This experience enables them to bring the museum's exhibits to life when conducting a tour.

Rob driving Mr. Tibbs to the Museum's 1896 Beaufort Cart,  Mohill Show 2011

The Museum documents the various demands placed upon the saddler over the years from farming, sports, military and transport and shows how the saddler has had to adapt to the horses changing role in society.

Tours of the museum are tailored to suit those visiting be they individuals and families or groups.  Group tours are especially suited to schools, pony and riding clubs, heritage societies and active age groups.  Special needs groups are particularly welcome with touch tours for the visually impaired.

Members of;

Crafts Council of Ireland                                    Irish Museums Association                         British Driving Association    

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To avoid disappointment, please pre book your tour by phone or email.

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"Farm Harness Decoration" 

 by Robert H Steinke, curator of Museum of The Master Saddler.

In an ever-mechanised society, this book seeks to tell the story of the decorations used on the harnesses of the workhorses, once so plentiful in the countryside. 

Through numerous photographs and illustrations this book tells the story of how the saddler and harness maker used specially cast metal fittings, coloured leather and intricate designs to decorate a set of harness.

A book for the enthusiasts of the traditional way of farming and of the heavy horses that are still prevalent today. It also gives an insight into the ancient rural craft of the master saddler and harness maker. 

Buy it now on eBay item number 220472128409

Welsh Cob D     Stallion Tack

Go to the Welsh Cob page to view our handmade stallion tack for Welsh Sec. D Cobs.  Available worldwide through this web site.

  

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS

New range of show bridles & slips for Miniature & Shetland Ponies 

PROVISIONAL DATES FOR 2013

 Feb  Mullahead Ploughing Champs, Downpatrick, N.I. Trade stand & demo

17 March   St. Patrick's Day Parade. Tibbsy in his Heavy Horse Harness.

April   Longford Ploughing Champs. Demo & ponies as mini plough horses!!!

 Aug Moynalty Threshing Day.      Demo with ponies and harness making. 

 Oct  Mohill Horse Fair. Harness making demo.

Other dates to be announced 

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Tibbsy winning class at Mohill Show 2011

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NEW LINE

Handmade in-hand show bridle for Clydesdales & Shires. 

Available in a choice of colour trim

LATEST EXHIBIT IN THE MUSEUM

Original pit pony bridle as used down the mines.

NEWS - NEWS - NEWS 

Rocky & Rambo go pairs!!

We have been appointed the official chip fitter for the Northwest of Ireland.Phone for full details and our attractive price rates.BACK IN PRINT 

RECONDITIONED SADDLES

We have a good selection of quality second hand saddles.  Any repairs that needed doing have been carried out and each comes with a 6 month guarantee.  Click on the "Workshop" page of this site to view an up to date list of saddles in stock.

 REPAIR SERVICE FROM THE   MUSEUM'S WORKSHOP

 For a quality repair on your saddlery and harness, contact the museum on 086 3946467.