The Story of the Jump Stirrup
The Story of the Jump Stirrup: From a small workshop in Hanmer Springs to the World
People often ask me where the designs come from. I think they imagine a pristine, white studio with perfect lighting and a view of a manicured garden.
The truth is, the Jump Stirrup Collection—now the signature of our brand—was born in my small workshop (my garage) in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.
I used to sit there with the roller door wide open, looking out at the alpine mountains. It was freezing in winter and boiling in summer, but it was quiet. No noise, no distractions—just that big, open view.
Blissful.
I remember sitting at my workbench one afternoon, turning a modern safety stirrup over in my hands. I wasn't looking at it as "tack." I was looking at the balance of it. The way the weight sat in the bottom, the clean lines of the safety arm.
It was mechanical, but it was beautiful. It was the anatomy of Grit and Grace.
I wanted to capture that feeling—that perfect balance—in something you could wear against your skin. I didn't want a "charm" or a flat cutout. I wanted a piece of solid engineering.
So, right there in my garage, I started sketching.
The "You Know If You Know" Piece
My goal was simple. I wanted to create a piece that riders would recognize immediately, but to the rest of the world, would just look like a stunning piece of modern sculpture.
I wanted it to be a subtle nod between riders. A way of saying "I’m one of you" without saying a word.
When I finished the first prototype in solid sterling silver, I knew it was special. It had weight. It hung perfectly centered (just like us... on a good day!).
From the Garage to the Global Stage
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine where this specific piece would end up.
What started as a sketch in a garage is now worn in the show rings of Ocala, on training tracks in the UK, and at dinner tables across Australia. The Jump Stirrup has officially become our "Signature Piece."
It reminds me that good design doesn't age, and that the best things are often built in quiet places.
Whether you wear it in Solid Gold or Sterling Silver, know that it was built to handle the pace of your life. From the stable to the street.