The Museum of the Master Saddler is the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the Saddler and Harness Maker.
The exhibits of the Museum document 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 horse's changing role in society. The exhibits - driving carriages, saddles and harnesses, old photos and other archive material, tools of the leather making trade - have been carefully put together to give a complete and fascinating picture of this craft.
An exciting development for the Museum is the making of a series of historical saddles and other items of saddlery and harness. These include a Medieval saddle with barding, a protective head guard for a pit pony and roman chariot harness.
The museum is run by Rob and Moira who are horse owners and competitors for many years covering showing, jumping, dressage, hunting, endurance and carriage driving. If you're lucky, you might get to see Rob working at the bench at the end of the museum either doing repairs or making new saddles. Rob served his apprenticeship with Keith Luxford, saddlers to H.M. the Queen and at Cordwainers Leather College in London.
We found the museum a real testament to Rob and Moira's enthusiasm and an inspiration - a great example of how to share a passion with others. Don't leave without asking them to show you Rambo and Rocky, the miniature ponies, and Moira's Mr. Tibbs. You don't have to be a keen equestrian to enjoy a visit here but if you take along a horse-mad child, you'll make their day.
