World-renowned saddle manufacturer Schleese Saddlery is celebrating its 25^th anniversary this month. Schleese began operations in 1986 when Certified Master Saddler Jochen Schleese was invited to come to Canada from Germany to be the Official Saddler for the World Dressage Championships, held for the first time outside of Europe north of Toronto, Canada. This was a title held again for the World Cup Finals held in Las Vegas in 2005, 2007 and 2009, and was the start of a saddlery  in North America that has spanned four decades and has provided jobs and careers for more than 100 trained professionals.

In 1990 Schleese registered the trade of saddlery and became the only authorized training facility in Ontario. Together with the Ministry of Skills Development they developed a 6000 hour certification process (3 years), and have graduated many new saddlers – some of whom have lately been awarded the title of “Master”.

Schleese has been featured many times in the media, including twice on Discovery Channel (“How it’s Made” and Harrowsmith Country Life), front page of the Marketplace Section of the Wall Street Journal, and in various equestrian trade magazines. They have won many industry and business awards, including “Best of the Best Manufacturer of the Year 2008” from Tack’n’Togs, an Award of Merit from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and several “Entrepreneur of the Year” Awards. Schleese also has a patent on its innovative “AdapTree”.

Schleese has been the market leader in revolutionizing the way saddles have been brought to the consumer in that they were among the first to establish the necessity for on-site saddle fit evaluations and adjustments. Many of their innovative products and ideas have served as templates for the rest of the equine industry, which is why now Schleese is hoping to expand its reach by working together with other equine professionals to be able to reach even more riders, and has established itself as the “Female Saddle Specialist” to address the specific needs of the majority of its market.

To celebrate its first 25 years, Schleese is offering a complimentary bridle bundle (including bridle, leathers, and girth) to all clients purchasing new saddles for the months of July and August!

www.saddlesforwomen.com, www.schleese.com

mboutros@schleese.com

Miriam Boutros, Manager of Client Services, 800-225-2242 ex. 41