Museum of the Master  Saddler

Spring is just around the corner (I type this with it snowing outside!!!!)

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 regularlyupdated 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

*SPRING NEWSLETTER OUT SOON* 

To get your copy, email the Museum requesting "Newsletter Please"

New Heavy Horse & Cob Harness Price List out soon

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

Last updated 31 January 2012         

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.

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

Welsh Cob D     Stallion Tack

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

COMING SOON Specialist price list for Miniature & Shetland ponies  

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS!

DATES FOR 2012

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

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

1 April  Heritage Day, Drumcoura.

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

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

Sept  Ballymaclad Hunting Festival. 

 Oct  Mohill Horse Fair. Harness making demo.

Other dates to be announced 

NEWS - NEWS - NEWS 

For the 2012 show season it is planned to show Mr. Tibbs in "Farm Horse" classes in a full set of heavy horse harness.  The collar, breeching,straddle & bridle are original with martingales, side flashes & reins etc being made by Rob in the Museum's workshop.  The first outing is expected to be at a St. Patrick's Day Parade.Watch this space...

Tibbsy winning class at Mohill Show 2011

NEWS - NEWS - NEWS

HEAVY HORSE & COB HARNESS

Our new Price List is about to be launched.  This will be especially for the heavy draft horse and will include Plough Pads, Housens, Mowing Pads, Reins, Face Drops etc.

NEW LINE

Handmade in-hand show bridle for Clydesdales & Shires 

NEWS - NEWS - NEWS

LATEST EXHIBIT IN THE MUSEUM

Original pit pony bridle as used down the mines.

NEWS - NEWS - NEWS 

Rocky & Rambo go pairs!!

Yes at last, our pair of miniature Shetlands get to drive as a pair in their new webbing harness and a scurry vehicle from Reading carriage sales.

For full details of this harness look up the "Driving Harness" page of this web site.

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.