Irēna Baufale & Pēteris Reiniks

Apkalnmājas

Saddler

©Apkalnmajas

Traditional saddlery

Irēna and Pēteris are the founders of the Apkalmājas workshop
They specialise in handcrafted saddlery
They are the only workshop in Latvia creating saddlery for a working horse

Irēna Baufale and Pēteris Reiniks established their workshop Apkalnmājas in 1998. It is not only a uniquely Latvian place that creates the harnesses for the collar and hames design, used for a working horse, but also an integral part of Latgalian cultural heritage and lifestyle. Apkalnmājas is a family legacy, horses have been popular there since ancient times, and for this reason Irēna and Pēteris wanted to continue the tradition. Putting their vast knowledge about horses to work, they decided to become saddlers. The workshop also creates leather accessories for other animals, as well as people – belts, bags, wallets, etc. – all created by hand. When visiting Apkalnmājas, one can leave with not only leather accessories or saddlery, but also with knowledge and insight into the traditional lifestyle and culture of the region Latgale.

Interview

©Apkalnmajas

Do you remember when you decided to pick up this craft?: In Latvia, there has always been a lack of high quality saddlery. In the 1990s, our country was in a deep crisis and we didn’t have jobs anymore. It was at this time that we had an idea to combine our experience in equestrian sports and education in horse breeding, and try to create our own saddlery.
When did you open your workshop?: To begin with, we worked from our apartment. Then we started renting a bigger space. It was in 2007 when we took part in an EU sponsored project for artisans to build our own artisan house “Apkalnmājas”, which was then opened in 2008.
Could you tell us an unforgettable moment from your career?: A few years ago, I was determined to create a three abreast horse hitch. There was no practical examples to look at. To recreate it, I was following only photos: it turned out really well. The client was satisfied and the harness also worked from a practical perspective.
What advice would you give to young people who want to do the same job?: First of all, you need to be somehow connected to horses: have some knowledge in the field. Not everybody can be great sportsmen, but if you have a great patience, and desire to dress up the horse in a durable, ergonomic and beautiful outfit, then you should search how to learn the craft of the saddler.

Irēna Baufale & Pēteris Reiniks are master artisans: they began their career in 2002 and they started teaching in 2008