Waldhausen 190 years
It started with an ad in the newspaper. It continues with you.
On May 17, 1836, a 26-year-old placed an ad in the Kölnische Zeitung. The text was simple and roughly translated as follows:
“I hereby address a respected audience with the announcement that I have opened a saddle shop in this city.”
Anton Waldhausen had no global brand. No large organization. No range of thousands of items. Just a craft, a conviction of quality – and a city where the horse was still an integral part of everyday life.
190 years later, Waldhausen is one of the world's leading wholesalers in equestrian sports. But the foundation is the same as it always has been.
Three generations
laid the entire foundation
From a saddle shop in Cologne to over 70 countries – Waldhausen turns 190 years
Anton was just at the beginning of his career when he opened the store, but he set a standard early on that his family would carry forward. His son Henri joined and expanded the range – saddles and harnesses were complemented with other leatherwork.
When the grandchildren Toni and Hans took over at the end of the 1800s, the company had grown into one of western Germany's largest saddleries and leather goods stores, with its own manufacturing in Cologne.
Waldhausen
A rare history
That a family business not only survives generational shifts, but is actually strengthened by them.
Supplier to kings and Olympians
Waldhausen early became synonymous with premium quality. Saddles and harnesses were delivered to noble families across Europe – a reputation that opened doors and created relationships that lasted for decades.
But perhaps the clearest proof of the brand's status came in 1972. Waldhausen was appointed as the official equipment supplier to the German Olympic Committee for Equestrian Sports, DOKR.
Since then, the German national teams in jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, and para-sport have been equipped with Waldhausen products at the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships – without interruption for over 50 years.
It is not a partnership you get. It is a partnership you earn, year after year.
Supplier to kings and Olympians
since May 17, 1836
Waldhausen quickly became synonymous with premium quality. Saddles and harnesses were delivered to noble families across Europe.
190 years
Congratulations Waldhausen
From a saddle shop in Cologne to stables, arenas, and horse life in over 70 countries.
From saddle to a whole life with horses
The world of equestrian sports is changing, and Waldhausen has changed with it. The range that once consisted of leatherwork now includes almost everything a rider and a horse might need – from blankets, protection, and saddle accessories to riding clothes, helmets, and stable accessories.
Under its own brands such as E·L·T, SWING, and Waldhausen, the company today covers the entire everyday life of the rider. Thousands of products are distributed to more than 70 countries.
Anton Waldhausen wanted to make high-quality products accessible to more people – not just those who could afford the most expensive. That promise lives on today.
190 years – and we celebrate together with you.
It is not a given that a company reaches 190 years. It requires quality that lasts, relationships built on trust, and an ability to keep up with the times without losing oneself. Waldhausen has managed all that.
15 - 17 May