Museum of the Master  Saddler

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.

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Rob & Moira

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

Last updated 8 July 2010         

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 creator, 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.

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             

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

Welsh Cob      Stallion Tack

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

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

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 

Yes, Rob has recently signed contracts with Proleptic, a leading USA publisher of equine and saddlery books and they are working away hard to get the book out for September 2010.

New cover but the contents remain the same, a complete guide to the manufacture of all styles of bridles complete with size charts.

RECONDITIONED SADDLES

 REPAIR SERVICE FROM THE   MUSEUM'S WORKSHOP

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

JUST PUBLISHED!!!!

"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

LATEST EXHIBIT IN THE MUSEUM

Original pit pony bridle as used down the mines.

 AND, for a light hearted look at a horses way of life in the North West of Ireland.........as told by the horse!!!   visit Mr. Tibbs at;                          www.HorseCalledMrTibbs.blogspot.com

COMING SOON

NEWSLETTER

We will shortly be sending out a regular Newsletter to keep you up to date with

• New exhibits in the Museum
• New equestrian Links
• Updates regarding exhibitions
• Historical facts and info

Please use our Contact Us page so that you may be added to our mailing list