Founded in 2014, Hello Quality Equestrian (HQE) is a family-owned business specializing in real leather equestrian and fashion footwear. HQE set itself to be the leading producer and supplier of authentic leather footwear across major Equestrian disciplines in South Africa, SADC, and the greater African Region.

HQE has grown organically over the past 10 years culminating in its evolution from just a shoe trader to a low-intensity, footwear manufacturer. Our main sales drivers are horse riders, lifestyle, and fashion-conscious individuals.

HQE has succeeded in achieving a remarkable production standard and offering products with an excellent ratio quality-price perfectly aligned with the market trend, this has been made possible through backward integration into the manufacturing process to meet rising market demand.

Our company has grown by listening and learning from its customers. Word of mouth has been HQE's biggest anchor & our customers have been our biggest mentors - This has become a guiding principle embedded in our company culture.

How it started

HQE started with 3 pairs of imported riding boots in a one-bedroom flat in Greenpoint. After so many imported and ill-fitting riding boots, we were frustrated for our customers as we could not offer what they needed, seeing and understanding that we are all made differently and that not every boot will fit the same, as we all differ in calf sizes, foot width, and high instep requirements.

We figured there should be a better way, we needed to make boots to fit each person, catering to all their needs from fit to design. We went on the drawing board and worked on the concept of making our first set of riding boots. It took us months of trial and error, many lessons, and a few sleepless nights, but in the end, it was all worth it.

In August 2017, together with a small team, we produced our first set of custom riding boots namely Tsoka, made in co-founder, Gladys’ measurements. Two more sets of designs were added namely Bonolo & Nyati to make three sets of pairs. 

The three were exhibited at a show in Stellenbosch and were well received by our target market. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to innovate and bring products to the market that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.

To date, our boots are in use by satisfied riders competing in championship classes across many disciplines in SA & abroad.

 Our Mission

Our Mission is to create competitive value for our customers by delivering durable and ultra-comfortable footwear at the most competitive price.

Our Vision

 Our vision is to establish a globally trusted brand.

Our Values

Our values are integrity, joyfulness & commitment.

Our idea

At HQE we take pride in the sense that our company was formed with one purpose in mind, which is to bring to market unbeatable value in products and services.

Our Passion

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable...Every step toward the goal of excellence requires sacrifice, determination, and profound planning.

Innovation

HQE continuously innovates to stay ahead of the market by bringing in new ideas, signature products, and experiences not to be matched.

Excellence

Our differentiation lies in our ability to take the time to understand the challenges that our clients are facing, and then assist them in developing products that work for their unique needs.

Craftsmanship

We honour the art of making something by hand, and the quality that can only be achieved in this way.

Access

We deliver just what our clients want, when they want it, at a price that is fair not inflated.

Thoughtfulness

Shopping should be a simple pleasure, so we bring humanity and attention to every detail.

Self-expression

Style is a powerful tool of expression; ours is as multidimensional as our clients are :)

We care.

We care so much that we spend a considerable amount of time in research and development, working tirelessly to ensure we provide our patrons with the best possible quality products at prices that they will appreciate.

We share.

We make it a point to give back to the very communities that support us, we provide sponsorships at riding shows in the numerous riding disciplines we service. We get involved in charities and community fundraisers in different areas.