Our 190 year history

The Jenkinson name has been associated with the equestrian market since 1835. Established by William Jenkinson, from a Batley Carr mill in the heart of the textile area in Yorkshire, England, the company manufactured and supplied horse clothing, driving harnesses and accessories for horses used both in transport and on farms.

William was joined by his son, Benjamin, trading as B. Jenkinson & Sons, who later had his two sons, William and Preston, join him in the business. The firm diversified to include floor coverings in the late 1890s, being one of the early suppliers of linoleum (lino) floor coverings.

In 1911, brothers William and Preston decided to separate the two parts of the business. William continued with equestrian supplies to the trade from the original premises, and his brother, Preston, began trading elsewhere as Preston Jenkinson, selling carpets and linoleum.

On the death of William in 1938, the business was purchased by Noble C Ellis, who was joined by his sons Donald and Victor. Whilst continuing to manufacture horse clothing and supply equestrian goods, they also diversified into sports clothing as the demand for working horses subsided. It was around this time that they moved into the current premises in Dewsbury, as more space was required for the sportswear.

The sportswear business was sold in 1968; Victor moved with the new owners, and Donald continued with the equestrian supplies for which demand was now growing due to an ever-increasing leisure and professional trade.

Donald’s son, Keith, joined his father in business in 1979, and Keith’s wife, Elizabeth, in the 1980s. More recently, the fourth generation of the Ellis family joined the business. Richard works primarily in sales, whilst Stephen oversees the tech and keeps the business online!

Keith’s sister, Pauline Williams MRCVS, an equine veterinary surgeon specialising in Equine Dermatology, provides support in the form of advice and feedback when required.

An early B. Jenkinson & Sons catalogue from 1910