In addition to snaffles, curbs and spurs, the manufacturing program included a wide variety of buckles made of wire and cast iron. Alfred Sprenger already offered and sold a wide range of merchandise. Trade kept the company afloat, while there was often trouble with the company's own production. A patent was filed for a "hand-washing case for car drivers". The contents consisted of a water tank with an external tap, soap, towel and nail brush.

the company Herm. Sprenger supplied saddleries and canteens of the "100,000-man army" and the police with spurs, stirrups, snaffles, curbs, harness buckles and buckles of all kinds from its own production. But most of the turnover came from merchandise. These included all items bought by soldiers and officials in the canteens: Combs, scissors, soap and soap dishes, nail brushes, clothes brushes, pocket knives, shoe polish kits, shoe polish boxes, sewing kits, etc.

According to the company report of the South Westphalian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Hagen, Sprenger manufactured spurs, stirrups, bits, carriage fittings, military supplies, snap hooks, dog sports articles, bridle buckles, belt buckles, belt buckles, suitcase locks and mass-produced articles of all kinds with great success.

Sprenger had 76 employees at the time, 48 of whom were blue-collar workers and 12 white-collar workers.

Sales to Wehrmacht canteens after the rearmament increased merchandise sales many times over. Alfred Sprenger also bought a press, which was connected to the existing transmission to press side plates for cable drums. This was used by soldiers to lay telecommunications cables and power cables on foot.

The drop forge was only put back into operation during the Second World War. Weapons and ammunition parts were now forged here.

Due to a company audit, a closure notice was issued for the entire Sprenger company on February 26. This decision was based on the fact that the drop forge was shut down on the day of the audit due to a repair. Furthermore, the company was completely outdated and had an inorganic structure. The working methods were inefficient and in some cases too manual. After lengthy negotiations, it was agreed that the drop forge could continue to operate unchanged and the production of spurs could continue.

The last three months saw serious changes to the production facilities. Air raids destroyed the transportation routes, the mines and the rolling mills. As a result, only very small quantities of coal and coke could be delivered, and even then only slowly. More by chance, two wagons of 17 mm round iron were delivered, while no other material came in. Work at the company suffered due to the many air raid alarms, which only abated in the last days of March. The electricity allocation was also reduced to 50% of the previous level. Gas had not been available since the end of February. Some goods were only received from nearby suppliers for the trading business.

The manufactured goods, in particular harness & rope sets, spurs and many other urgent items could not be delivered as all shipping was paralyzed. However, it was still possible to sell goods on the square to a certain extent, especially military articles, canteen goods, etc.

The trading business continued to decline as supplies of raw materials became increasingly scarce. A production instruction was issued for the manufacture of tableware fittings with a Wehrmacht order number for urgent completion.

The order backlog had not changed. Occasionally, during a company audit, the relatively extensive spur production was criticized. It was therefore intended to include the manufacture of snaffles, which were currently in particularly urgent demand, in the infantry armaments program.

Reinhard Sprenger did not yet receive a reply to his objection to the closure notice. However, three further audits were carried out. The company was left in the dark about the results of their deliberations.

The trading business had also continued to decline, as incoming goods were getting smaller and smaller. Efforts to secure urgent trade orders were only occasionally successful.

There was no longer enough coal or coke to continue production. They made do with sludge coal. This was wet coal dust that was more liquid than solid and was "spooned" into the furnace with a coal shovel.

On March 13, air damage was caused by a bomb that fell on the Reichsbahn track diagonally opposite the office building at a distance of about 30 meters, as well as by airborne weapons fire from enemy low-flying aircraft. In addition to most of the window panes in the factory and the office building, the skylight roofs over the press shop and Scheuerei as well as the roof of the drop forge were damaged. Most of this damage was repaired by our own staff, which unfortunately brought the business to a complete standstill for four days.

There were now only minimal supplies of coke and coal. The supply of electricity was to be stopped completely in the next few days. As a result, it was impossible to continue working. In the factory, a toolmaker was busy making tools while other permanent staff tidied up, carried out machine repairs and made changes that had been due for a long time. Due to the priority given to the production of war-related products, they had not been carried out.

Due to the worsening of the situation, business operations at Sprenger had already been suspended on April 13, 1945. A resumption of production was dependent on approval from the Military Government Office, which only issued a few "permits" for urgent production. The relevant priority list also included fittings for agriculture, meaning that the production of tableware fittings formed the basis for a requested production permit to resume manufacturing.

A corresponding application was submitted as soon as possible, but approval was not forthcoming due to the amount of coal required to produce electricity.

The intention was now to manufacture household items such as frying pans, coal shovels, etc. In addition, the production of ashtrays in the shape of spores was started, which seemed interesting because they were highly coveted by the soldiers of the victorious powers as a souvenir of the defeated Germany.

In the last few months, tableware fittings were produced on a larger scale. Leather goods fittings had to be produced for retail outlets. Increasingly, customers were visited who showed great interest in all stocks, so that considerable sales could be made from stock.

A new manufacturing goal was attempted through the production of household articles.

Around September 1945, the British occupation granted the so-called "small permit". The company was now officially allowed to manufacture and trade. Sales were based on the last 1938/15 catalog, which also included some dog sports articles. The small stocks were soon sold.

Despite efforts to obtain direct orders from the British Army of Occupation, Sprenger did not yet receive a production permit, the requested "large permit", but small items were produced by hand, including aluminum ashtrays. In the trading business, Sprenger received larger orders for leather goods fittings as well as steel goods and other items. The financial situation had improved because some of the goods originally produced for the Wehrmacht were sold elsewhere.

There was an intention to manufacture electrical appliances such as waffle irons and cooking appliances in collaboration with the ROTI company (Ober-Ing. Rohrmann and Ing. Tillmann), but the project initially failed due to the unsecured procurement of the necessary accessories and the electricity restrictions imposed by the military government.

The drop forge resumed regular production of snaffles. In September, a gas furnace for gravity die casting arrived. It was to be used to produce aluminum mane combs and other light metal gravity die castings.

In the spring, we received iron purchase vouchers. Although this made it easier to procure materials and ironware, we were increasingly "compensated", i.e. the goods were invoiced "normally", but an additional amount was paid "in the black", or we received food in exchange, which was distributed among the workforce. Some customers gave us products they had made as "freebies": Suitcases, briefcases or purses. These were passed on to the suppliers in exchange for new raw materials.

The unrestricted production permit finally arrived on January 3, 1947. This was followed by the first coal allocation in February. This was of great importance, as the winter was extremely cold and long. In addition, there was a complete blackout of all electricity for about 4 weeks. During this time, only assembly work could be carried out.

The production of wooden sandals was started in mid-June. The necessary machines, in particular a band saw, were manufactured in-house.
Sales of manufactured goods continued to improve, which was also due to the well-developing sandal production. However, there were great difficulties due to the lack of labor and suitable wood. It did not seem necessary to obtain a production permit for this, as no further production permits were currently being issued due to a lack of materials.

The company Herm. Sprenger manufactured wooden sandals for men and women and advertised this footwear with flyers. Anyone who wanted to have a pair of sandals made had to deliver suitable leather for the upper material of the sandals, such as old leather from briefcases.

The production time was about 14 days after delivery of the leather to the factory management. This sandal production only succeeded because most of the wood required for the soles was supplied by the wood sawmill of Mr. Dürr, Herbert Sprenger's father-in-law. This production did not generate much profit. Nevertheless, it provided the entire company with the orders that were temporarily lacking.

It was also possible for the first time to produce small cast buckles, for which there was a particular demand. Small quantities of brass harness fittings could also be produced; however, the production of carriage harness fittings made of argentan failed due to a lack of material.

In the long term, the production of horse harness fittings in its present form did not promise full utilization of the company. The intention was to produce further fittings for the leather goods industry itself.

The trade fairs in Hanover and Leipzig were visited in the spring to examine the opportunities for export and international business. The sandals remained popular "barter items".

From June 21, 1948, the day of the currency reform, everything changed.

Until then, customers had come to ask for goods, but now "the suppliers were running us ragged". After just 14 days, nobody was asking for iron coupons any more. The coveted new German mark regulated the movement of goods. We introduced a stock register, as the stockists' demand reports often arrived too late, sometimes only when there was nothing left in stock. With the currency reform, the production of wooden sandals was discontinued.

In September, the supply of production materials improved. In particular, it was possible to purchase brass and nickel silver for the manufacture of horse harness fittings.

The backlog in the supply of dressage necklaces purchased from Wilh. Naumann in Iserlohn was unbearable. In order to better meet demand, the company came up with the idea of manufacturing these items itself. The company set up a production system for dressage necklaces made of 3 mm wire.

The company manufactured and traded under the motto: "Everything for the dog!" There were hardly any horses left and, of course, only a few riders. Corresponding orders were received, but it was not easy to fulfill all requests. Straight pieces of wire, rounded at the ends, were required for three different link sizes. These pieces of wire were bent into links in four to five operations, an expensive and difficult process, but it was soon possible to fulfill all the dog owners' wishes. The modernization of the factory facilities was now the main goal of the management. An iron will, the courage to take risks and the personal thriftiness of the owners made further purchases for the factory and its modernization possible. Soon a powerful electric motor could be used to drive the transmissions instead of steam power. After many years of detailed work, all machines were gradually equipped with electric motors by the beginning of 1949.

Herbert Sprenger received pleasing orders on his trips to the USA. Customers ordered large quantities of chains of various lengths and features. Reinhard Sprenger in particular received large orders for riding and dog sports on his travels through France.

The exhibition at the Leipzig Spring Fair was very well received by customers. As part of a special agreement for the Leipzig trade fair, official business was conducted with the Eastern zone for the first time.

Sales to the Eastern zone and to Berlin were insignificant. The financial situation of customers in Berlin was very weak, so that sales could only be made with great caution. On the other hand, due to the low exchange rate of the Ostmark, it was now possible to buy the portfolio locks that had previously been purchased there from the Eastern zone via Berlin. Our company was therefore in a position to undercut the West German manufacturers.

The end of the 1940s saw Germany's first economic upswing. The word "economic miracle" is used. Those who work hard also need leisure. Another magic word of the 50s becomes a term: hobby.

Sprenger recognizes the trend early on and reacts: Articles for dog sport and care.

Then one day came a big shock for sales to America. The company from which the chains were welded and purchased ready to bundle was offering similar processed, nickel-plated and chrome-plated chains in the USA at prices at which we were selling the unprocessed raw chains.

We then had to look for ways to obtain cheaper chains. Herbert Sprenger brought an electric welding machine into the company. This could be easily adjusted to different welding thicknesses and welding times. The electric welding of rings was quickly successful. Individual chain links could also be welded.

Sales of dog chains continued to improve. The newly created attachment chains in particular, especially the 2.0 mm thickness, became a real hit. The production of dog leash tongs began. For several years, malleable cast iron served as the basic material, which was sourced from foundries in the Solingen area. Eventually, the key factories in Solingen supplied more precise and easier to process castings. The disadvantage, however, was the greater fragility of this material. During use, the gripping parts often broke off at the front. For this reason, attempts were made to stamp the dog lead tongs from wire.

Time and again, efforts were made to commission items that would be of more important and lasting significance. For example, Herbert Sprenger succeeded in obtaining an order for the electrification of the railroad. These were cramps made of Kuprodur, which held the railroad's overhead power lines. An unusual degree of precision was required. This could only be achieved through several work steps. Gauges were used to measure piece by piece. The Kuprodur material had to be purchased from the same company that was already manufacturing these cramps. This company also took delivery of the finished goods and delivered them to the Federal Railways.

exhibited Herm. Sprenger at the Frankfurt trade fair. It was there that Mr. Arthur L. Rosenei, head of Reliance Intern. Pet Supply from New York, discovered our company. Mr. Rosenei was impressed and ordered larger quantities. Reliance Intern. Pet Supply is still a customer of ours today.

The order for knotted chains justified the purchase of the first and only knotted chain machine. It was designed for wire thicknesses of 1.4 to 1.8 mm and could already be put into operation in the second quarter without any problems.

In the summer, the first trials were carried out for the production of dog metal combs, both for dog grooming and for the worsted yarn industry. A pensioner from the Bavarian Forest, who had produced such combs in a Thuringian factory until the end of the war, explained the soldering process and the trick of preventing the liquid solder from bonding with the metal back when dipping. We had bought these combs there ourselves in the past.

The manufactured nickel-plated brass combs were too expensive. A cheaper solution had to be found. They wanted to make the needles themselves. The idea of chafing both wire ends round was the right one, but the first attempts were disappointing. Most of the needles came out of the barrel bent. Nevertheless, it was enough to make several hundred combs that could be shown as samples at the Frankfurt trade fair. The iron combs rusted easily and there were complaints. The management then heard about a paper factory in Aschaffenburg that produced rust protection paper. The paper was coated on one side. This coating gradually evaporated and what it released into the surrounding air prevented rust from forming.

There was increasing demand for HS products from abroad.

In spring, a new, larger bright nickel bath was installed in the electroplating shop. Another chrome bath was added. As a result, the old transmissions were gradually dismantled. Presses and machines were individually driven by electric motors. Towards the end of the year, AEG delivered the first electric welding machine for pull-through chain rings.

The cramped conditions on the 2nd floor of the production building meant that the old grinding facilities had to be demolished; the new grinding blocks took up considerably less space. As a result, chain assembly was able to expand further. Herbert Sprenger, always on the lookout for something new, developed a double chain.

As the chain suppliers of Herm. Sprenger increased their prices by 25%, the management decided to manufacture all the chains themselves. The walls of the Scheuerei and the Galvanische Anstalt were raised up to the 2nd floor. These structural changes expanded the electroplating department and created clearly laid out rooms on the 2nd floor, which then made it possible to expand chain production.

There were two chain manufacturing machines for light and thicker chains and two electric chain welding machines in a special room that was always locked. This facility overcame the great danger of the company's dependence on suppliers. The newly developed manufacturing process was not patented. There was a fear of imitation with minor modifications. In fact, there was no other manufacturer of electrically welded dog chains for many years.

The long-standing difficulties with the metal foundries were alleviated by the addition of two further suppliers, which was particularly important because orders for boat fittings were received on a much larger scale than in previous years.

The many delivery problems in recent years were due to insufficient stocks. Now that appropriate stocks had been acquired, it became apparent that there was a lack of space everywhere in the factory and warehouse. The purchase of an automatic chrome plating system was also planned. However, the number of staff could not be increased so easily. There was no longer sufficient space available. So the decision was made to build another extension along Weidenstrasse.

Engravers in Lüdenscheid produced the first tools for dog lead tongs with a service life of 50-100,000 pieces. A spark erosion and professional surface grinding machine were also purchased.

In the third quarter, employment increased even more. This was due not only to the extensive chain business, but also to larger buckle orders from the USA. The season for boat fittings remained unchanged and demand for equestrian products also remained strong. New workers were hired on a large scale, so that the number of workers and employees exceeded 100 for the first time. Space was at a premium, especially in the packing room and dispatch department. There were plans to build a hall in the garden between the locksmith's shop and the drop forge and to extend the washrooms to the east next to the drop forge.

was characterized by a boom in boat fittings. Although sufficient raw materials and semi-finished goods were available, not all customer requirements could be met. Bottlenecks arose above all in the recruitment of workers because the employment office was unable to offer any more employees for placement due to the generally good employment situation. Increasing the workforce was also ruled out because there was no longer enough space in the factory. The problem of a new building became more and more urgent, so that the construction of a three-storey building with a built-up area of around 900 square meters was carried out next to the Scheuerei.

The first flat shackles made of 4301 stainless steel were purchased from the Höcker company. One year later, these shackles were manufactured by machine at much better prices.

Sales of dog articles increased to such an extent that chain and welding machines had to work in two shifts. Two new chain and welding machines were ordered, as well as a new wire bending machine with a much larger capacity for the production of links for dressage necklaces. A new automatic surface grinding machine was also purchased for the tool shop.

The Messmann company became the best customer, a Grökaz (biggest customer ever). The new brand name "Kessi" also brought great success. The pliers hooks, almost all chains and many other accessories were purchased from Sprenger.

New stainless steel and plastic boat fittings have been developed in recent weeks and were presented at the boat show in Friedrichshafen in October. These were yacht blocks made of 4301 stainless steel with plastic rollers.

The harness fittings went quite well. Complaints about the nickel plating of the argentan fittings, which had been carried out for several years, became so frequent that the process had to be abandoned. As a result, the fittings were supplied in skin packaging, which provided extensive protection against tarnishing.

In equestrian products, a bridle and stirrup made of stainless steel were launched. In boat fittings, the selection of stainless steel fittings increased considerably.

The production of hollow snaffles made of stainless steel began and was patented. With the DGBM application (German utility model application) of March 1971, Herbert Sprenger registered water and olive head snaffles made of stainless steel, cut from wire and sleeves. However, Japan and Taiwan copied this world first at a lower price.

The work preparation department began to work with an Ormig machine. This printed the work plans and provided the skeleton for the calculation.

The new IBM System/3 computer was put into operation at the beginning of January.

Business with harness fittings was particularly good in Germany. Stainless steel snaffles showed an above-average increase in sales.

In exports, boat fittings saw an increase, with the biggest rise in sales of stirrup bars.

This year, Sprenger launched a new bow made of zamak injection molding in a chrome-plated version, which was so inexpensive that it could now compete with all imports.

For the production of bridle buckles made of stainless steel wire, a Bieler wire bending machine with electric welding was purchased, with which other articles could also be produced.

The company Julius Huck & Sohn had decided to withdraw from the equestrian market. Sprenger took over sales to its customers.

The new high-bay warehouse was completed and occupied from October 15. It is 40 meters long, 18 meters wide and 10 meters high. The shell provided space for three small parts warehouses, with 2,750 compartments that can hold loads of up to 250 kg. The cycle time of the order picking devices is less than 60 seconds for each goods drawer for outward and return transportation.

A rope brake was developed and successfully tested at the Admirals Cup under the name "Diad Stop" (Dieter Adomeit, Berlin). This brake held the rope with normal force and could be released again without great effort. The sailor could control the opening and closing of the brake. Furthermore, the safety against unintentional opening and thus release of the rope was guaranteed. Sprenger quickly introduced a complete surfing program from the Dutch company Kubus, Naarden.

In addition, the "Nopp bit" was developed, which caused the horse to play with the inserted copper parts. This stimulated salivation and the horse chewed better. This chewing was necessary for the horse to be able to ride consistently. This is comparable to "warming up" an athlete.

A patent application was also filed for the Meroth multi-purpose safety stirrup with a single joint.

In boat fittings, the new sheet clamps with roller bearings were now also to be added to the product portfolio in 8 mm.

Fax transmission was recently introduced to speed up contact with customers and suppliers. The Miacs software was also introduced. This was a product planning and control system (PPS) from Honeywell Bull with inventory management, parts list management, standard costing and cost simulation, order requirements management, net requirements calculation, work plan and production equipment management.

Mr. Reinhard Sprenger died on June 4.

The International Equestrian Corporation (IEC), which also included Cottage (GB), Skan Horse (DK), Foxwood (USA), Cavallier (CAN), International Saddlery (AUS), Ukal (F), Ageco Weco (B), Zaldi (E), Tattini (I) and Jansen (NL), elected HS as a member. It was hoped that this would lead to improvements on the supplier and customer side.

Sprenger received an order from the German Armed Forces for boat fittings.

Sprenger exhibited a new ball-bearing traveler at Mets (Amsterdam).

The company also bought Kannemeier & Koch in Langenhagen and now sold the KK bits exclusively and directly.

The new high-tech plastic sheet clamp was well received by the boat builders Mader and Hein. The larger Traveller II was tested in Holland and was to be presented to German boat builders in October.

Sprenger held his 1st Western Seminar with 150 people. Mr. Risley, a Foxwood employee who builds western saddles, came from the USA for the demonstration. Two tents were set up and four horses were used in the yard to demonstrate Western saddles.

The newly developed metal alloy Aurigan was registered as a patent. According to the expert opinion of Professor Dr. Happke and a toxicological report from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover.

Distribution of paints from International as one of 8 paint wholesalers.

At the Interzoo in Nuremberg, which takes place every two years in May, HS presented the new K-Collar, from the US licensor Klein as K-Collar, which was well received.

A modern rolling mill was set up. In addition to savings through reduced travel times, better working conditions were also expected. A new paper press was purchased.

an equestrian seminar for 100 retailers was held at Sprenger. The main focus was on product training, including western saddles and bridles, and a tour of the factory and warehouse.

New stainless steel hinges and tie-downs were presented at the Mets (boat fittings trade fair).

At Interzoo in Nuremberg, the protected Wings toggle and the patented Curogan chain, which protects against discoloration of the dog's coat, were presented as new products.

the System 4 stirrup with double joint was introduced. The stirrup has a movable tread surface that automatically moves the rider's heel into the desired low position. In addition, the rider can get out of this stirrup much more easily in the event of a fall.

The Kannemeier & Koch bits were further developed into the new KK Ultra series. The anatomically adapted mouthpiece is particularly comfortable for the horse and promotes suppleness, as the rider can work more sensitively.

Conversion of the dance hall into a connecting hall between the packing room and warehouse.

Book publication "leading with feeling".

Klaus Rainer Sprenger stepped down from the management team.

The Dynamic RS bits were also added to the product portfolio. These bits can be the solution for horses with leaning problems. Thanks to the ergonomic shape of the mouthpiece, it sits very well in the mouth, gentle pressure is evenly applied to the tongue and tongue edges and optimum chewing is encouraged.

Bow Balance is the new addition to the Sprenger product catalog. The BOW BALANCE stirrup combines several aspects that make for good and safe riding. Thanks to the special balance and the curved shape in the upper stirrup area, it sits even better on the horse and is therefore easier to pick up. The proven System 4 joint can support the release of the foot in the event of a fall.

The patent-pending NeckTech is the first stable and reliable alternative to the traditional training collar. By imitating the dog's canine teeth, this chain collar exerts a natural influence on the dog.

prompted SPRENGER's research and development department to design its own stainless steel buckle. The patent-pending ClicLock offers advantages such as a sturdy stainless steel housing, a high-quality, seawater-resistant plastic part and a guaranteed breaking load of 200 kg. Other companies are now also using the ClicLock in their production.

Purchase of Alexanderstrasse for additional employee parking spaces.

With the SENSOGAN® bit material, SPRENGER has succeeded in consistently further developing the Aurigan material mix. In the new alloy, the positive properties of Aurigan have been enhanced and even greater compatibility with the extremely sensitive horse's mouth has been achieved. The special feature lies in the balanced composition of copper, manganese and zinc. The amount of copper released into the horse's saliva is greatly reduced by manganese, which means that the noble white gold color is retained for much longer. Manganese is an important trace element that is important for the development of connective tissue and muscle and energy metabolism, among other things, and can have a positive effect on stress reduction. Manganese also breaks down histamine and can therefore help to prevent allergic reactions.

Introduction of the S-block series. The type of bearing used and the maximum cordage strength can be seen at a glance on the dimensionally stable stainless steel tab.

Martin Sprenger supports his father in the management.