
Buying Trip To Germany 2025
Share
Back from Europe with the BEST Equestrian Gear You've EVER Seen!
Hello fellow equestrians! I've just returned from an incredible week in Cologne, Germany, where I had the privilege of working with Europe's top manufacturers and designers to curate the hottest new collection for you, our valued Olson's Tack Shop customers! Get ready to be blown away!
My adventure began in Marienheide at the Otto Schumacher factory. Witnessing the creation of a bridle from start to finish was truly eye-opening. It's astounding to see the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Every single component is handmade and sourced in Germany (with the exception of the Swarovski crystals, which hail from Austria). Otto Schumacher employs 46 artisans, the majority of whom meticulously hand-stitch every item. I'm incredibly proud to partner with a company that values its employees and the environment. Their innovative 4-day work week reduces commuting and energy consumption – talk about responsible business practices!
Next stop: Spoga at Koelnmessa! I connected with Deniro Boots to finalize designs for the stunning new Panterina & Dedalo collections. Prepare to drool over the new tops: Serpenti (think Bulgari!), Collier, and the breathtaking Ultra Fine Rocks. These beauties will be arriving in-store at the end of March. And that's not all! Deniro has revolutionized riding boots with a new YKK zipper. For the first time ever, it's made of steel and designed to never slide down until you intentionally pull it. Game changer!
Samshield also has some exciting things in store! We collaborated on new helmet customizations that will be released throughout the spring, starting in March. Keep an eye out for three separate drops (one each month!) along with Samshield's new sportswear and show clothing collection.
Lemieux continues to reign supreme in the "matchy matchy" department. Their spring collection is a pastel dream, designed for riders of all ages and sizes, from Shetland ponies to draft horses. And the fall collection? Even bigger! The first drop arrives in September, followed by a capsule collection in early November (hint: herringbone heaven!).
KEP Helmets are pushing the boundaries of design, offering every conceivable customization imaginable. They're now focusing on highlighting the superior safety features of their helmets and expanding into the hunter jumper market.
I had a special opportunity to meet Karlheinz, brother-in-law of Rudi, the owner of Fleck Whips. Karlheinz, a retired police officer, forages in the woods near the factory, discovering unique woods like bamboo, acacia, and various hardwoods to create one-of-a-kind riding whips and crops. I snagged as many as I could, and they'll be shipping to the shop in March.
Kask Equestrian has unveiled two new "shine" colors: espresso brown and Atlantic blue. These are going to be huge! The espresso is a lighter shade than their current offering, making it easier to match your brown tack. The Atlantic blue, a few shades lighter than their current blue, will look absolutely stunning with any show outfit.
Finally, Pikeur and Eskadron have released coordinating spring collections! Pikeur sportswear perfectly complements the Eskadron Platinum horse collection. These premium pieces are always gorgeous and always sell out fast, so don't wait if you see something you love! The same goes for their fall collections – some of the best I've ever seen.
Feeling inspired? We're just as excited as you are! If anything catches your eye, don't hesitate to text us at 425-454-9453 or email info@olsonstack.com with any questions or requests. I'll personally get back to you.
Thanks so much for reading!
-Mike
Olson's Tack Shop