About us

About Hello Quality Equestrian

Founded in 2014, Hello Quality Equestrian (HQE) is a family-owned brand dedicated to the design and manufacture of authentic leather equestrian and lifestyle footwear. What began as a small, determined venture has grown into a respected name across South Africa, the SADC region, and the greater African equestrian community.

From the outset, HQE set out with a clear ambition: to become a leading producer and supplier of properly fitted, beautifully crafted leather footwear across major equestrian disciplines—without compromise on quality, integrity, or accessibility.

A Brand Built Organically

Over the past decade, HQE has grown organically and deliberately. Our evolution from footwear trader to low-intensity manufacturer was not driven by scale, but by necessity—guided by market demand, rider feedback, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

Our clientele spans competitive riders, equestrian enthusiasts, and lifestyle- and fashion-conscious individuals who value authenticity, comfort, and timeless design. Backward integration into our manufacturing process has allowed us to raise our production standards while maintaining an exceptional quality-to-price balance, perfectly aligned with the realities of our market.

Listening as a Principle

Our growth has been shaped by listening.

Word of mouth has been our strongest anchor, and our customers our greatest mentors. Their experiences, challenges, and expectations are embedded in our company culture and inform every decision we make—from design to fit, from service to innovation.

This philosophy remains one of our most important guiding principles.

How It Started

HQE began with just three pairs of imported riding boots in a one-bedroom flat in Green Point, Cape Town.

At the time, the market was dominated by imported boots that rarely accommodated the realities of real riders—ill-fitting calves, narrow foot widths, high insteps, and inconsistent sizing. We saw the frustration firsthand. Riders deserved better.

We recognised a fundamental truth: no two riders are built the same, and no single boot should be expected to fit everyone.

There had to be a better way...

Designing a Better Fit

That realisation marked a turning point. We returned to the drawing board with a simple but powerful idea: boots should be made to fit the individual, not the other way around.

Months of trial and error followed—long nights, hard lessons, and relentless refinement. Every challenge brought us closer to understanding what true fit, balance, and comfort really meant.

In August 2017, together with a small but dedicated team, we produced our very first custom riding boots: Tsoka, crafted to the measurements of co-founder Gladys. Shortly thereafter, two additional designs—Bonolo and Nyati—were introduced, completing our first collection.

These three designs were exhibited at a show in Stellenbosch, where they were met with overwhelming encouragement from our target market. That moment confirmed what we had hoped all along: there was a genuine need for boots made with intention, precision, and care.

Since then, HQE has worked tirelessly to innovate—bringing to market products that are not only functional and performance-driven, but also refined, elegant, and enduring.

Today, Hello Quality Equestrian boots are worn by satisfied riders competing in championship classes across multiple disciplines in South Africa and abroad.

Our Mission

To create competitive value for our customers by delivering durable, ultra-comfortable leather footwear, crafted with integrity and offered at a fair, accessible price.

Our Vision

To establish Hello Quality Equestrian as a globally trusted brand, recognised for precision fit, thoughtful design, and uncompromising craftsmanship.

Our Values

Integrity

We do what we say we will do—consistently and honestly.

Commitment

To our craft, our customers, and continuous improvement.

Joyfulness

Because passion and pride should be felt in both process and product.

What Drives Us

Purpose

HQE was formed with one clear purpose: to bring unbeatable value to market—through products and services that genuinely serve our clients’ needs.

Passion

Progress is never accidental. Every step toward excellence requires sacrifice, determination, and careful planning. We embrace this fully.

Innovation

We continuously refine our processes, introduce new ideas, and develop signature products and experiences that set us apart.

Excellence

Our true differentiation lies in our willingness to listen deeply, understand individual challenges, and deliver solutions that work—uniquely and reliably.

Craftsmanship

We honour the art of making by hand, respecting the time, skill, and care required to achieve lasting quality.

Access

We believe quality should be fair, not inflated. We deliver exactly what our clients want, when they want it—at honest value.

Thoughtfulness

From first contact to final fit, we believe shopping should be a considered, human, and enjoyable experience.

Self-Expression

Style is personal. Our designs are intentionally versatile allowing each rider to express who they are, confidently and authentically.

We Care. Deeply.

We invest significant time in research and development, continuously testing, learning, and refining to ensure our products meet the highest standards—without losing sight of value.

And we believe in giving back.

HQE actively supports the communities that support us through sponsorships at riding shows across disciplines, as well as involvement in charities and community fundraising initiatives.

Because true success is shared.