The History of Spirig Saddlery
Spirig Saddlery is located in St. Gallen, Switzerland, and was established in 1876. Spirig Pferdesport is owned and operated by Master Saddlers Hans and Michael Spirig. Hans is 4th generation and his son Michael is 5th generation Master Saddlers. Spirig custom saddles are manufactured to the highest quality standards, and sold, and serviced in Europe and the United States. Spirig Pferdesport manufactures saddles for the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and also: Michael Poulin- US Olympic Rider and FEI Judge; Larry Poulin- FEI World Pair Championship Driver; Victor Silva- of Sons of the Wind; Nancy Fair- USDF Judge; Dinah Babcock- USDF Judge; Ruth Sarkunas, Sharon McCusker, Christian Plage (Switzerland)- 2006 Swiss National Dressage Champion; and most of their students. Many top international riders and trainers are included in Spirig’s client list.
Hans Spirig apprenticed from his father for many years until his father’s illness. Hans and brother Peter August worked together until 1981 when Peter left the family business to start his own. He now operates P.A. Spirig in Gossau, Switzerland.
Hans Spirig is widely respected in the equestrian world for his knowledge and expertise as a master saddler and all around horsemen. He is a progressive developer of an innovative custom made riding saddle and driving harness design.
Michael Spirig apprenticed with Hans Zaugg of, Bern Switzerland for 3 years and with Cliff Barnsby Saddlery of England for 2 years. In 1993 Michael joined his father in the traditional family business.
An important part of the saddle process is the experienced team in the workshop... Part of the team is Hans Peter Rueschlin- Champion 4 in hand driver and well respected International Combined Driving Judge- Roger Heinzer. Additionally, Jessica Wohlwend, Amaryllis Klee and Tatjana Hauplin add their expertise to the Spirig organization.
The retail store is located in downtown St. Gallen, and is managed by accomplished rider Iris Barnetta, with the following sales team of Miriam Guebeli, Sylvia Schellenberg, and apprentice Andrina Ruesch.
Located in the New Jersey, USA is Spirig Saddlery USA LLC, owned and operated by Shari & Roger Koller. Roger is a native of St. Gallen Switzerland and speaks three languages fluently. Roger, also an accomplished horseman, enjoys trail riding and driving. Shari Koller, also an accomplished horsewoman, is an “R” Judge for the USEF in Hunter Breeding. Shari also enjoys trail riding and driving. Shari & Roger Koller enjoy their small breeding farm, having bred two-time Best Young Horse at Devon and USEF Hunter Breeding Horse of the Year, “Steal the Fire”.
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