Stübben History

On March 15th, 1894, Johannes Stübben founded a saddlery business in Krefeld, Germany, on the Lower Rhine. His workshop, which was located on a boulevard in Krefeld, was both workplace, retail shop and residential home. In those days, horses and carriages were quite common and characterised the typical cityscape. In 1906, the demand for Stübben saddlery products were further increased due to the fact that the former German emperor Wilhelm II garrisoned his 11th Hussar Regiment in this area. Stübben products soon became well known and enjoyed an increasing demand far beyond the region, due to its impeccable craftsmanship and enduring and lasting quality.

The only son of Carl, Werner Stübben, grew up in the family business. From his early childhood on he very well knew the struggles and sorrows which accompanied his parents in the everyday business life. Nonetheless, his parents allowed him to spend one year abroad in Florence (Italy) to work in a famous leather manufactory. It was there that he began to study Italian and to further develop his appreciation for the Mediterranean culture. An outstanding high-school qualification paved his way for an academic career. Unfortunately, the Second World War ended his dreams. On June 22nd, 1943 the family’s workshop and home was completely destroyed by an air-raid. At the end of the war, the family’s future rested upon the ruins of their former company. Reality made Werner change his plans. Together with his family and friends he rebuilt the house. Finally, in 1948 the basis for a new start was set. Hard work, ambition, inventiveness and friends ignited an incredible boom. The slogan “Stübben saddles are valued and desired all over the world” became reality.

In the early seventies Ralph Stübben followed his father’s footsteps, as did his younger brother Frank in the early eighties. “Together they managed the company in the conviction that traditional and productive manufacturing are not a contradiction in terms. Attributes such as these are a guarantee for the brand of Stübben. Frank and Ralph oversaw the international growth of the company through four decades. Working hard through the end of their careers, they saw the opening Stübben North American and the realization of the new Stübben headquarters in Kempen. Today Stübben is a household name with a strong reputation in the equestrian industry.

In 2013 Johannes Stübben youngest son of Ralph joined the management of the family-owned business in his late twenties. Directly after he had graduated from school, Johannes began his apprenticeship in saddle making. Once he had mastered the trade, he decided to study business administration, focusing on “International Marketing”. He completed his degree with a Master of Arts (M.A.). During his studies, Johannes had the opportunity to gain professional experience abroad in Canada and Argentina.

The retail shop in Krefeld in the early 50s. In response to the demand at that time, the main focus was set on the distribution of suitcases and leather goods

Until the Second World War it was rather uncommon to name a saddle. In general it would only bear the name of the company that had manufactured it and perhaps in addition have a serial number. In in the early 50s Stübben was introduced in the U.S.A. and Canada, both rapidly growing markets. The former American wholesalers recommended to add a model name to the saddle so as to further identify the product. It was proposed to choose names which related to the country of the saddle origin. Made in Germany was generally associated with high quality and great craftsmanship. Stübben followed this advice. The first saddle introduced would be the “Siegfried” named after the famous Nibelung saga. Over the years the “Siegfried” and its later editions would not only became the world’s best-selling models but also the ones in which many Olympic gold medals and world championships were won. Photograph: All purpose-saddle Siegfried.

North America has always been one of the most important distribution markets for Stübben products in the world. In 1994 it was decided to reorganize the distribution system by establishing a Stübben warehouse overseas as well as to set up its own sales force. Richmond, Virginia was the first location until 2003 when Stübben had the opportunity to buy a farm in Troy, Virginia which could be transformed into a new use as a warehouse and sales office building.