The History of Prestige Italia

From a small Appaloosa workshop to two brands: Prestige and Renaissance

Behind every Prestige saddle is a story that began over half a century ago with the passion of one family and a small workshop in northern Italy. Today, Prestige Italia is a benchmark in global equestrianism, operating under two brands - Prestige and Renaissance. Let's trace how this transformation occurred and what stands behind the philosophy of both brands.

Table of Contents

• 1974 - The birth of passion in the heart of the Vicenza region
• 1992 - Appaloosa becomes Prestige Italia
• Expansion: from Trissino to Wellington
• Innovations that changed saddlery
• Renaissance - French soul in Italian craftsmanship
• Two philosophies, one manufacturer
• 50 years and a look to the future
• Key dates in a nutshell
• Summary - what's worth remembering

The brand, which today is synonymous with premium Italian saddlery, did not start under its current name or as a large manufacturer. Its journey is a story of consistently combining craftsmanship with innovation - and this combination best explains why Prestige saddles are chosen by riders at the highest level of the sport today.

1974 - The birth of passion in the heart of the Vicenza region

The company's history began in 1974 in Quargnenta, in the heart of the Upper Vicenza region of northern Italy. It was there that the Rasia-Stocchetti family, driven by a great passion for equestrianism, founded a small company with a visionary approach - and named it Appaloosa.

The Vicenza region was not a random choice. It is an area known worldwide for its tanning art, where the tradition of leather processing dates back generations. From this artisanal background grew a company that, from the beginning, focused on material quality and thoughtful design. After several years, the creation of the first saddle proved to be a turning point - a moment that set the direction for development for decades to come.

1992 - Appaloosa becomes Prestige Italia

In 1992, the company changed its name from Appaloosa to Prestige Italia. This was not just a branding change - the new name reflected high positioning and emphasized aspirations to be a market leader. During the same period, the brand distinguished itself in the equestrian market with the first saddle tree made of synthetic fiber - a solution that broke with previous standards based on wooden trees.

This willingness to question established production methods became a hallmark of the brand. From the outset, Prestige combined the age-old know-how of master saddlers with an industrial approach to manufacturing - respecting all individuals involved in the production chain.

Expansion: from Trissino to Wellington

The brand's growth, driven by its positioning, required organizational changes and new space. In 1996, Prestige Italia opened an office in the United States, beginning its international expansion. Over time, the company's headquarters moved from Quargnenta to Trissino, where a modern industrial facility grew from a small workshop - today it is an 8,500 square meter complex, with 7,500 occupied by production and 1,000 by offices.

Its presence in America was strengthened by the opening of a headquarters in Wellington, Florida, in 2020 - a place known as the equestrian capital of the world. Today, Prestige products are exported to 56 countries, and the brand also operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Prestige Italia USA Inc.

Innovations that changed saddlery

An innovative approach is not a marketing slogan, but a consistently implemented strategy. After the first synthetic saddle tree, further solutions aimed at comfort and stability, and the well-being of horse and rider, followed.

One of the breakthroughs was the introduction of CPS technology (Coccyx Protection System) - the use of three membranes in the saddle tree, which expanded the idea of well-being in the saddle, protecting the tailbone, ischial tuberosities, and back. On its 50th anniversary, the brand presented AS-X technology, which adapts to the movements of the horse's back, maximizing its athletic capabilities while maintaining stability for the rider. You can find it in models such as Rubino AS-X or Brillante AS-X - available in the Prestige saddle collection with the AS-X system.

Prestige also invests in the future of the discipline. Projects such as the Prestige Youth Cup, aimed at new generations of riders, and the Prestige Academy - a training program for qualified saddle fitters - have been created.

Renaissance - French soul in Italian craftsmanship

In 2017, Prestige Italia launched a second brand - Renaissance - aimed at markets with a French riding philosophy. This is a contemporary interpretation that combines Prestige Italia's many years of experience with the oldest saddlery tradition. Renaissance is a top-tier product, addressed to the most demanding riders.

The philosophy of Renaissance is defined by three words: simplicity, close contact, and perfect balance. The brand combines French philosophy with Italian craftsmanship, emphasizing both performance and aesthetics that reflect the elegance of the French approach. Although the inspiration is French, all products are entirely made in Italy.

The name itself is not accidental. The Renaissance was a period in which a return to classics gave new life to cultural development - and this duality reflects the brand's character: classical in method, rooted in the tradition and craftsmanship of French saddles, and at the same time innovative in production, drawing from Prestige Italia's technological approach.

Two philosophies, one manufacturer

Today, Prestige Italia addresses market needs through two brands that correspond to the two most popular riding schools in the world:

• Prestige - represents the Anglo-German philosophy.
• Renaissance - represents the French approach.

Both brands guarantee the highest quality and focus on the well-being of both horse and rider, distinguished by refined production techniques and distinct market positioning. This combination allows one manufacturer to reach riders with very different preferences - from those who value a deep, stable seat to those who prefer maximum close contact with the horse.

50 years and a look to the future

In 2024, Prestige Italia celebrated 50 years of activity - half a century of achievements gained with passion, knowledge, and a touch of courage. The continuous search for innovative solutions, the selection of the highest quality materials, and the emphasis on the well-being of horse and rider have made the company a benchmark in the equestrian industry.

The brand also looks to the future responsibly - it has begun calculating the carbon footprint of its saddles, treating sustainable development and environmental responsibility as part of its mission. This mission remains to ensure the well-being of horses and riders through high-quality innovative products.

Key dates in a nutshell

Summary - what's worth remembering

The history of Prestige Italia is a story of how one family's passion and a small workshop transformed into one of the leaders in global saddlery. The most important points of this journey are:

• Roots in craftsmanship - the company was founded in 1974 in the Vicenza region, known for the art of tanning, initially as Appaloosa.
• Courage in innovation - from the first synthetic saddle tree to CPS and AS-X technologies, the brand consistently questioned established methods.
• Two brands, two philosophies - Prestige (Anglo-German) and Renaissance (French, since 2017) allow reaching riders with different preferences.
• Constant mission - the well-being of horse and rider remains at the heart of the business, now supplemented by environmental responsibility.

If you want to see how this philosophy translates into specific models, check out the Prestige jumping saddle collection and Prestige dressage saddles. And if you're wondering which model and size will be right for your horse, take advantage of a consultation at the Equis Fitting Centerhop - we travel to every stable in Poland.