The Saddler’s Post – Robert H. Steinke

Saddlers & leather workers from around the world join host Christian Lowe to share stories and secrets on the leather trade and the art and life of making, repairing, and selling saddles and other equipment for horses.

Robert H Steinke, served his apprenticeship with Keith Luxford, saddlers to H.M. The Queen before starting his own business in 1970. Specialising in made to measure driving harness, he has exhibited at numerous shows including Royal Welsh, British Driving Society Show at Windsor, Equitana at Essen in Germany, Irish Driving Champs at Birr Castle, London Design Centre, Royal Dublin Show where he is now on the judging panel of the National Craft Competition and has given lectures & demonstrated his craft at the Irish Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

His work is also in the stables of the Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London, King Hussain of Jordan & King Idris of Libya & is the author of 8 books on saddlery & driving harness and contributed to several equestrian magazines.

Apart from being busy in his workshop, Rob has been busy in his stables over the years. His interests have included showing, from leading rein to cobs and carriage driving and hunting.

For 10 years Rob ran this own private museum, The Museum of the Master Saddler, beside his stables in Co. Cavan, Ireland before closing it to relocate to Co. Wexford were he now lives and works. He still specialises in made to measure saddlery & harness particularly for in-hand showing.

Rob has now branched out into filming videos at his harness Makers Workshop in Co. Wexford, Ireland and is the harness contributor to The Carriage Commentator digital forum web site. He has also launched his own channel on YouTube, “Rob Steinke”.

Visit: rob-harnessmaker.com

Christian Lowe Leather Care

A unique blend of soap, oils, beeswax and the wonderful properties of tea tree prepared in small batches in our studio located in Southern Ontario.

Visit: christianlowe.ca