APHA welcomes Stübben as an official sponsor of the 2002 World Championship Paint Horse Show

FORT WORTH, Texas-The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) recently welcomed Stübben to its family of sponsors of the 2002 World Championship Paint Horse Show. A maker of fine English saddles, bridles, bits, spurs and other leather goods and accessories, Stübben manufactures the Official English Saddle of the 2002 World Show.

Quality, long life and exceptional craftsmanship are the standards set for any Stübben product. Various parts of a Stübben saddle are still hand-stitched, such as the seat, the panel and the billets. More than 100 individual steps are necessary to create a Stübben saddle. The saddler must cut, bevel, sew, inlay, seam, quilt and pummel his leather. The final product always carries the signature of the maker and therefore is unique.

Based on a family tradition, Stübben reflects the diversity and individuality of Europe and its culture. The company has survived traumatic events, including two world wars, and has grown to worldwide recognition.

Johannes Wilhem Stübben, son of a German farmer, was born in a village on the Lower Rhine. When the time came for Johannes to choose a profession, he decided to learn the craft of saddle making. After completing an apprenticeship with a well-respected saddler, Johannes worked as a journeyman for several years. He was then awarded the title of Master Saddler.

Together with his young wife, Maria, Johannes established his own leather and harness goods company-Stübben-in 1894. Located in Krefeld, Germany, the company remains in its original site.

Through the years, Johannes' son, Carl, and grandson, Werner, carried on his
legacy and craft. In their lifetimes, both men helped develop Stübben into one of the most renowned English saddle makers in the marketplace.

Today, Stübben products are manufactured in three European countries and distributed in nearly 50 countries. The Stübben North America offices are located in Richmond, Virginia.