The orientals had artistally decorated armour, shields and textiles for both their horses and themselves. This warrier is using a baboo spear which was considerably stronger then woodern spears.
This Museum is run by Rob and Moira and between us we have been involved in most equestrian activities inc. showing, driving, hunting, dressage, showjumping, cross country and endurance riding, not to mention pleasure riding and galloping on the beach!!
In addition I served my apprentiship in saddlery with HM Queen's saddler, Keith Luxford, and for many years ran my own business specialising in making fine quality riding and driving harness.
The collection of exhibits in our museum is therefor a culmination of a lifetime of collecting...and still growing.
Week by week new posts will take you on a tour of this Museum and will give readers a comprehensive insight into the ancient craft of the saddler and harness maker. This part work of approx. 50 postings will cover such items as Medieval saddlery, farm harness, various saddles inc. side-saddles, in addition to the leather, fittings and tools that a saddler would need to carry out his craft.
Our Museum has recently been featured on Nationwide which is shown on Irish T.V. The film featured both Rob and Moira in addition to members of a local school, our horses and even the stable cat, Fluffy. It is available to view on line by using the link;
Yes, I know this sounds a mouthful, but you will be taken directly there by clicking on the above link.
SADDLERY BOOKS by Robert H Steinke
The curator of this museum has written and illustrated 6 books on this ancient craft; The Care & Repair of Saddlery The Care & Repair of Harness The Care & Repair of Rugs Repair Your Own Saddlery & Harness Driving Harness Bridlework (out of print) All books published by J.A.Allen, London.
The museum has stocks of the first 5 of the above books for sale. They can also be found on Ebay by clicking on the links below. Payment can be made in Euro /£Sterling cheque or via PayPal.
Saddlery books by Robert H Steinke. Click on the pictures below to purchase books from Ebay
Sun. 9th November 2008, Museum of Country Life, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Lecture and demonstration by Rob Steinke on work harness and the ornimental metalwork used by the harness maker.
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