Johannes StĂĽbben
On March 15th, 1894, Johannes StĂĽbben 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 StĂĽbben saddlery products were further increased due to the fact that the former German emperor Wilhelm II garrisoned his 11th Hussar Regiment in this area.
StĂĽbben products soon became well known and enjoyed an increasing demand far beyond the region, due to its impeccable craftsmanship and enduring and lasting quality.
Carl StĂĽbben
In 1914 the economic situation changed dramatically due to the breakout of the First World War.
The hyperinflation in the early twenties further led to a rapid decrease in demand for saddlery products. During that time, Carl StĂĽbben, son of Johannes, joined the family business. He had learned the business from scratch. To make a living for himself and his family, Carl started to also manufacture leather goods and things for daily needs.
This new challenge involved him traveling frequently to Offenbach, the former centre of the German leather goods industry.
Over the years Carl made many new business contacts in Germany as well as abroad. This network would prove very helpful for the future development of the company in decades to come.
Werner StĂĽbben
Werner StĂĽbben, the only son of Carl, grew up in the family business and knew its challenges from an early age. His parents allowed him to spend a year in Florence, Italy, where he worked in a renowned leather manufactory, learned Italian, and embraced Mediterranean culture. After excelling in school, he planned an academic career, but the Second World War destroyed those dreams.
On June 22, 1943, an air raid wiped out the family’s workshop and home. After the war, Werner and his family rebuilt everything from the ruins.
By 1948, their hard work, creativity, and determination sparked a remarkable revival — soon, “Stübben saddles are valued and desired all over the world” became a reality.
Store Ostwall
The picture shows the office building on the Ostwall 185 in Krefeld after its reconstruction in 1948.
Store Ostwall
This photograph shows 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.
Workshop
Natural materials ensure both tolerability and individuality. Each animal hide carries its own imprint, shaped by species, breed, and life story. During tanning, these natural characteristics are preserved in the leather.
Aniline-dyed leather highlights the hide’s natural elegance, with visible pores, lines, and scars giving it warmth and authenticity. All saddle leathers are produced exclusively for Stübben.
Despite their firmness, the leathers are smooth, supple, and pleasant to the touch. They resist deformation, sweat, and temperature changes, making them durable, skin-friendly for horse and rider, and highly sustainable.
Production of our saddles
It takes more than a hundred steps to handcraft a StĂĽbben saddle. StĂĽbben products stand for exceptional quality, durability, and individuality. Our worldwide success is built on precise, high-quality craftsmanship.
All saddle parts exposed to constant wear, such as the seat, panels, and billets are made by hand. The same applies to our bridles and accessories.
Only the finest, carefully selected leathers are cut, shaped, embossed, polished, and stitched before being assembled into a unique masterpiece.
Jumping Saddle Siegfried
Before the Second World War, saddles were rarely given names. They usually carried only the manufacturer’s name and a serial number.
In the early 1950s, Stübben entered the rapidly growing markets of the U.S. and Canada. American wholesalers suggested adding model names for better product identification and recommended choosing names that reflected the saddle’s German origin, known for quality and craftsmanship.
Stübben followed this advice and introduced the first named model, the “Siegfried,” inspired by the legendary Nibelung saga. Over time, the Siegfried and its later versions became bestsellers worldwide, winning numerous Olympic gold medals and world championships.
Family Picture
In 1954 this photograph was taken on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the StĂĽbben Company. The picture shows four generations of StĂĽbben.
Pillion
In the early sixties, once and again StĂĽbben produced a side-saddle after a very long period of time.
StĂĽbben Stans Switzerland
In the early 50s, the late Werner StĂĽbben had already established a global distribution network.
Due to the rapidly increasing demand, two further production sites were founded in Ireland and Switzerland besides the one in Germany.
StĂĽbben Spain
In the early 70’s, Stübben incorporated a manufacturing plant for accessories in the north-west of Spain. Until this very day, bridles and leather accessories are manufactured there.
From the very beginning a strong partner of Stübben was established at this factory under the name “Don Rodrigo”.
Frank and Ralph StĂĽbben
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
New Store
The picture shows the former store and office building in Krefeld after its renovation in 1986.
Stubben North America
North America has always been one of the most important distribution markets for StĂĽbben products in the world.
In 1994 it was decided to reorganize the distribution system by establishing a StĂĽbben warehouse overseas as well as to set up its own sales force.
Richmond, Virginia was the first location until 2003 when StĂĽbben 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.
StĂĽbben Kempen
At the turn of the millennium, the head office moved from Krefeld to nearby Kempen. For the first time in over 100 years, all business units, including production, warehouse, and administration, were brought together in one location.
In 2011, further renovations and expansions followed. Exhibition and sales areas were added, giving the public a first look inside Stübben’s workshops.
The “Gläserne Manufaktur” (transparent workshop) was created, offering customers expert advice and the unique opportunity to watch their chosen products being made.
Johannes & Jan StĂĽbben
In 2013 Johannes StĂĽbben 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.