Waldhausen Products

The company Waldhausen GmbH & Co. KG has now existed for more than 185 years and always remained true to the principles of quality and trust that have prevailed from the very beginning, for the benefit of riders and horses. With regard to a promising future, this is and remains the only true, right way.

2026

190th Anniversary

Since 1836, Waldhausen has stood for quality and passion in equestrian sport. As it celebrates its 190th anniversary, the Cologne-based company is not only looking back on its rich heritage, but also focusing firmly on the future. What began as a traditional saddlery has grown into an internationally active company with strong brands such as Waldhausen, E·L·T and SWING. Going forward, Waldhausen will continue to combine tradition with innovation, developing high-quality products that place the well-being of both horse and rider at the heart of everything it does.

2019

Huge Relaunch of E·L·T

This year sees another milestone with the purchase of the ELT Paris riding wear brand. Today only called E·L·T, the ridersfashion brand is still one of Waldhausen’s permanent own brands. In 2019, the brand had a major relaunch. At the end of the year Klaus Reinken retires as managing director.

2016

180th anniversary

The Cologne-based company celebrates 180 Years of existence and the passion for equestrian sports. In the following years, Klaus Reinken steps back as managing director.

2010

Registration of the private label SWING

Waldhausen’s third private label is officially registered at the turn of the century. To this day, SWING offers back and body protectors as well as durable riding helmets, for a fair price-performance ratio and which are produced according to the current safety standards.

2005

New addition to the management board

The Managing Director Albrecht Assenmacher, who had been in charge until that time, partially retires and, among others, Michael Manefeld steps in as the new Managing Director on July 1, 2005.

2000

Relocation to the newly built company headquarters in Cologne-Ossendorf

In 2000, the basis for further global expansion was formed with the construction of a new company located in the industrial park, Köln-Ossendorf. With its modern logistics center and 8000 pallet storage spaces, the company was successfully launched into the new millennium.

from 1986

150th Anniversary followed by further expansion over the next years

The company Waldhausen GmbH & Co. KG develops into the hub of the equestrian industry and becomes the main point of contact for newly established equestrian stores. Exports are now expanded to more than 60 countries around the world, with a product range that now totals more than 3,000 different articles.

In 1995 Klaus Reinken joins the company as a partner and becomes managing director.

1972

Becoming official outfitter of DOKR

Waldhausen was almost present everywhere: at racetracks, auctions and tournaments. Wide-ranging contacts with top riders and well-known names in the entire equestrian world were established and maintained to this day. In 1972, the company became the official outfitter of the German Olympic Committee for Equestrianism (DOKR).

1961

Massive growth due to the son of Ernst Albrecht Assenmacher joining the company

Due to the takeover of the business by son Ernst Albrecht Assenmacher Jun., the Cologne-based company once again experienced a massive growth. Waldhausen becomes a leading international supplier of equestrian products and achieves worldwide reputation.

1944

Destruction of the production sites and its reconstruction

The Cologne production facility was affected by the devastating consequences of World War II. The company was faced with “nothing”. However, Ernst Albrecht Assenmacher Sen., who had previously been newly named managing director and had married into the family, began again with the provisional production of various leather goods, beginning in a private house and later in rented rooms.

1895

Restructuring and further expansion of the retail business in Cologne

After Henris death, his two sons take over the business and expand the retail store while at the same time enlarging the production facilities by building a new factory in Cologne. Another milestone is set and Waldhausen becomes the largest saddlery and leather goods retail store in western Germany.

1866

Expansion of the production and business takeover by son Henri

Thanks to the specialist shop, established in the 1850s, the “Waldhausen Saddle” became a well-known product of highest quality far beyond the city borders of Cologne. At the same time son Henri takes over the business of the saddlery and expands its range of products to exclusive leather goods and trunks. Hence Waldhausen was appointed a Court supplier of european noble families with high-value saddles and harnesses.

1836

The company Waldhausen is born

“I hereby address this announcenment to a respected audience that I have opened a saddlery shop in the local city of Cologne.” With this opening advertisement in the “Kölnische Zeitung” the 26-year-old Anton Waldhausen laid the foundation stone for Company on May 17, 1836, that is now one of the largest equestrian wholesalers in the world.