Kanpur Saddlery: Expert Leather Craftsmanship & Global Export Excellence
Kanpur Saddlery, widely recognized as the Leather City of India, is one of the world’s most important hubs for saddlery and equestrian leather goods. With a heritage dating back to the 19th century, the Kanpur–Unnao saddlery cluster has evolved into a modern, export-driven industry known for craftsmanship, quality, and international standards.
Basic Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Traditional Visual | Rich brown & black leather finish, polished buckles, stitched edges, embossed logos |
| Alternative Names | Kanpur Leather Saddlery, Kanpur Equestrian Goods, UP Leather Craft |
| Craft Type | Handcrafted Leather Saddles & Harness Equipment |
| Area | Kanpur–Unnao Industrial Belt |
| State | Uttar Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| GI Registration | Yes – Kanpur–Unnao Saddlery GI Tagged (2014) |
| Raw Material | Vegetable-tanned leather, chrome leather, steel & brass fittings, nylon threads |
| Registered Logo | GI Tag Mark / Export Quality Labels |
Manufacture & Export
| Category | Details | Verified Source (URL) |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Establishment | Saddlery manufacturing began in the 19th century during British rule when the Harness Factory & Ordnance Equipment Factory were set up in Kanpur. | https://leatherindia.org/saddlery-harness-ride-in-style/ |
| Primary Raw Materials | Vegetable-tanned buffalo leather, chrome-tanned leather, steel/brass fittings, strong stitching threads. | https://leatherindia.org/saddlery-harness-ride-in-style/ |
| No. of Manufacturing Units | Around 270 manufacturing units in Kanpur–Unnao cluster (mostly export-oriented). | https://upepc.org/Uploads/News/News-1647346100629.pdf |
| Annual Production Capacity | Approx. 12.5 million pieces of saddlery & harness goods per year. | https://leatherindia.org/saddlery-harness-ride-in-style/ |
| Product Range | Saddles (English & Western), bridles, reins, harness sets, martingales, halters, breastplates, girths, stirrup leathers, pet accessories. | https://leatherindia.org/saddlery-harness-ride-in-style/ |
| Export Contribution | Kanpur contributes about 17% of the city’s total export value through saddlery goods. | https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/kanpurs-contribution-in-export-of-saddlery-is-17/articleshow/98646451.cms |
| Global Ranking | India ranks among the top global exporters of saddlery goods—major share from Kanpur. | https://leatherindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Spoga-Horse-Cologne.pdf |
| Major Export Destinations | Germany, USA, UK, Canada, France, Netherlands, Italy, Australia, Poland, New Zealand. | https://leatherindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Spoga-Horse-Cologne.pdf |
| GI Tag | Kanpur–Unnao Saddlery Cluster received GI Tag No. 159 on 31 March 2014. | https://www.exporthubs.gov.in/resources/docs/DEPC-fbb424d0-f92f-45cc-bb8b-8ee82538e1e2-UNNAO-DEPC-DRAFT-PROFILE.pdf |
| Training Institute | IISTEM (1999), later merged with FDDI for saddlery skill development. | https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/company/corporate-trends/kanpur-emerging-as-worlds-saddlery-hub/articleshow/2735940.cms |
Production Scale & Product Range
With around 270 manufacturing units, most of which are export-oriented, the Kanpur–Unnao cluster produces approximately 12.5 million saddlery & harness pieces annually. Product categories include:
English & Western saddles
Bridles, reins, martingales, halters
Harness sets
Breastplates, girths, stirrup leathers
Pet accessories and leather utilities
Manufacturers serve both premium and mass equestrian markets worldwide.
Price Range of Kanpur Saddlery Products (2025 Approx.)
| Product / Type | Estimated Price (₹ / piece) |
|---|---|
| Basic / entry-level leather saddle (plain English-style) | ~ 3,500 |
| Basic Polo / plain horse saddle | ~ 3,500 – 4,000 |
| Mid-range dressage / English saddle | ~ 5,500 – 6,000 |
| Mid-quality Western / horse-riding saddle | ~ 6,000 – 9,000 |
| Better-quality / handcrafted leather saddle / export-grade Western saddle | ~ 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Premium / high-quality saddles or specialized harness goods | ~ 15,000 – 22,000+ |
Approx. 12.5 million saddlery & harness
- English & Western saddles
-
Bridles, reins, martingales, halters
-
Harness sets
-
Breastplates, girths, stirrup leathers
-
Pet accessories and leather utilities
- Manufacturers serve both premium and mass equestrian markets worldwide.
Export Powerhouse
Kanpur contributes about 17% of the city’s export value through saddlery goods alone.
India is ranked among the world’s top exporters of saddlery and harness products, and Kanpur leads this contribution.
Key Export Destinations
Germany
USA
UK
France
Netherlands
Canada
Italy
Australia
Poland
New Zealand
Kanpur’s competitive pricing, superior leather quality, and craftsmanship make it a preferred sourcing destination for international equestrian brands.
Training & Institutional Support
To strengthen skills and global competitiveness, institutes like:
IISTEM (est. 1999) – International Institute of Saddlery Technology & Export Management
Later merged with FDDI for upgraded facilities
provide structured training, testing, and design development.
Top Kanpur Saddlery Brands & Manufacturer
| Cluster / Brand | Founded | Promoter | Business Type | Market Reach | Ownership | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jassar Saddles | 1990s | Jassar Family | Saddlery & Equestrian Gear Manufacturing | Global Export | Pvt. | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Naaz Exports Pvt. Ltd. | 1980s | Private Promoters | Leather Saddlery & Goods Export | International | Pvt. Ltd. | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Rajendra Enterprises | 1970s | Rajendra Group | Saddles, Harness & Riding Equipment | Global | Family Owned | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Haven Saddlery | 2000s | Local Entrepreneurs | Horse Saddles & Tack Manufacturing | Export | Pvt. | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Kings International Ltd. | 1990s | Corporate Promoters | Leather Saddlery & Accessories | International | Pvt. Ltd. | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Guts And Glory Leathers | 2000s | Local Owners | Saddlery & Leather Accessories | Domestic & Export | Pvt. | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Brothers Exports | 1990s | Family Promoters | Leather Saddlery Manufacturing | Global | Family Owned | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
| Chaahat International | 2000s | Private Promoters | Saddlery & Leather Equipment Export | International | Pvt. | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh |
Conclusion
Kanpur Saddlery is a shining example of India’s manufacturing excellence—rooted in tradition, strengthened by skill, and expanded through global trade. With its century-old heritage, large-scale production, GI certification, and strong export presence, Kanpur remains the undisputed saddlery capital of India and a respected name in the global equestrian industry.
