Museum of the Master  Saddler

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NEW WEB SITE

 Check out our new site

www.HorseBrass-Martingales.com

  This site specializes in draft horse harness, decoration & Welsh Cob stallion tack.     All items are specially designed & made by Robert H Steinke by hand here in our Museum workshop. 

Available to post worldwide

Special designs for National Horse Brass Society yearly brasses. 

PLEASE NOTE

At present the Museum is closed for the winter to allow for redecoration & updating the items on display.  It will reopen for the spring.

In the meantime the workshop remains open for business.

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  

Follow our Facebook page;  Museum of the Master Saddler                 

Last updated 23 January 2015      

 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. 

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  

Carriage Association of America                                 

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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.

  

 PROVISIONAL DATES FOR 2015

Coming soon

May Intro to driving,Ballinrobe Racecourse, Co. Mayo

July Cowboys  & Heroes, Drumcoura City, Co. Leitrim

July Hay Making Day, Longford

 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

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