Project report for Saddlery and harness

Saddlery and Harness sector occupies a place of prominence in the Indian economy in view of its massive potential for employment, growth and exports. Unlike riding saddles, it is an integral part of the harness and is not used as stand-alone equipment. A harness saddle is an element of horse harness which supports the weight of shafts or poles attaching a vehicle to a horse. Like other types of saddle, it lies on the horse's back directly behind the withers, often has an internal supportive framework, often called a saddle tree, and usually is secured on either side by a girth passing beneath the horse. Many different trees, fittings, and assembly practices were patented. Products only for Horse or any animal individual, like Saddle and Bridle, are known as Saddlery. The most of the harness goods are manufactured either by using leather or nylon as the material. The harness saddle usually has a supportive internal structure, often called a harness saddle tree that is to be custom fitted to an individual horse, and has fittings for attachment of other pieces of harness. The tree was traditionally made from a steel or iron plate but in modern times can also be made of flexible plastic. In the United States during the late 19th century, at the height of use of horse-drawn vehicles, citation needed a pre-fabricated tree and fittings could be ordered by a saddle maker and assembled to suit the user.

India is positioned as 3rd largest exporter of Saddlery and Harness to the world, accounting for a share of 9.8% in the global Saddlery and Harness import of INR 1100 Crores in 2015 - 2020. India is third largest exporter of Harness and Saddlery products and accounts for 9.86% share of the global Saddlery and Harness import. The Indian Saddlery and Harness industry is expected to grow many folds thereby creating large scale employment and high foreign exchange revenue. Apart from this, the high growth in International market due to growing demand of Non - Leather Saddlery (Textile or Synthetic), breeches, equestrian boots and accessories will further accelerate the growth. Accordingly, the government has also taken several initiatives and implemented various industrial development programmes along with export promotional activities.

There is very good potential for marketing the harness and saddlery both in the Indian as well as International market. The potential centers for marketing of these products are Race Clubs, Defence Departments and Police Dept., Model Schools, Sport Schools etc. Presently, a number of units are making harness and saddlery at Kanpur, Meerut and Ambala. Since, India has the largest cattle population and possesses the requisite technical knowhow and economical labor, there exists an enormous scope for the growth of harness and saddlery units. Although, there has been a substantial growth in respect of leather, leather goods, footwear, leather garments etc., harness and saddlery sector are lagging behind.