THE A.S. HORNE STORY

It all began way back in April of 1934, when Alexander Stainthorpe Horne established a manufacturing plant at 98 Prospect Road and administrative office across the road at number 81. There were no waders in those days, and Horne’s reputation was built on the “Myjoy” range of ladies’ fashion gloves! That’s right, elegant and expensive elbow-length gloves that would have been worn by Australia’s elite social set.

PVC boots for farmers and, would you believe, plastic boots for sheep, also became significant products for Hornes in the early years and it wasn’t long before the Prospect factor y was buzzing with over 300 staff. Alexander Horne ran the company for 34 years before retiring in 1968.

In the early 1970s Hornes began to manufacture protective clothing and waders. The company’s famous non-stick boots found their way into all parts of the country, from farms, nurseries and dairies to mines and construction sites. This product was truly unique and certainly helped to elevate the company’s credentials in PVC manufacturing. Its waders were next to climb to prominence and before long the A.S. Horne waders had grabbed an incredible 80 per cent slice of the national market.

The first exports occurred in the early ‘80s, with New Zealand an obvious and accessible market for top quality waders. Sales are still very strong across the Tasman today and other international markets continue to expand.

So, what makes Hornes waders so popular? The answer lies solely in the quality of the product. According to CEO John Neate, Hornes are only interested in making the best waders, boots and other protective clothing money can buy. The temptation has always been there to market a cheaper product to compete with some of the lesser quality Asian imports, but the company’s policy has always steered it away from that avenue.

Hornes Tuffwear waders have long been available in several styles, all of which are popular in certain market sectors. The full length, bib and brace-style wader comes with either pimple sole, Bata or Blundstone all-terrain boots, as do the shorter thigh boots, which are very popular with trout fishers around the country. These are available in boot sizes up to 15. Hornes also custom make waders for those anglers who are more difficult to fit. It’s possible to be measured up and have a set of custom waders ready for collection in 7-14 days, which is pretty remarkable when you think about it.

Another useful service the company offers is wader repairs.

As good as Hornes waders are, there is always the possibility of getting caught on barbed wire or ripping the material on something sharp during the course of the fishing day. It’s comforting to know that there’s a quick turn around (24 hour) local repair service available for a nominal cost.

And, as an indicator of where A.S. Horne is headed, the company also distributes outdoor clothing, but, according to John Neate, will never lose sight of its core product – quality Aussiemade waders for fisherfolk.

After trading from its Prospect headquarters for almost 75 years, A.S. Horne Consolidated shifted operations to Moss Road at Wingfield. Proudly marking its 90th birthday in March of 2024.