About Me and the Piaffe Brand

I am Karan Shaki, from a proud equestrian family with over 70 years of history in the equestrian world. As the third generation, I come from a lineage where the passion for horses and horsemanship runs deep. Maktab Shaki, the name that represents this rich heritage, has been a place of excellence, nurturing champions and passing down knowledge and experience to new generations.

My grandfather, Colonel Shaki, was a highly esteemed figure in the world of equestrian sports, excelling in all disciplines, including racing, show jumping, polo, and endurance riding. He was one of the pioneers of equestrianism in Iran and passed on his love for horses to his children. My father, Babak Shaki, and my uncles, Ramin and Piran Shaki, were not only national champions but also made their mark internationally. In addition to their individual successes, they mentored many students, many of whom are now champions themselves in the sport.

Today, the responsibility and honor have passed to me. As the third generation, I continue this legacy by dedicating myself fully to the care of horses and the practice of equestrian sports. As a professional rider, specializing in dressage and show jumping, I proudly carry forward the traditions of my family.

This family legacy and experience in horsemanship played a significant role in the creation of the Piaffe brand. It naturally led me to the realization that there was a real need for high-quality, locally made equestrian products for my own horses.

The Story of Piaffe

Piaffe was born from a real need and an instant inspiration. As a professional rider and stable owner, I was always in search of high-quality equipment for my horses. However, domestic products lacked the necessary quality and durability, while foreign products, due to high prices, import limitations, and rising currency rates, became scarce and expensive.

One day, I stumbled upon a handcrafted leather bag made by a skilled seamstress. The quality and craftsmanship of the bag sparked an idea in my mind: I asked her if she could make a prototype of a handmade horse blanket. That initial idea set me on a path to design and create my own equestrian products.

At first, all the products were created solely to meet the needs of my own horses. With close supervision over the horses in my stable, I was able to identify flaws in the commonly used products and improve upon them. One of the main challenges was the poor quality of buckles—domestic options were unreliable, and foreign ones were inaccessible. As a result, I decided to design and manufacture my own durable buckles for my products.

The turning point in the Piaffe journey came during a winter training session when my coach, Mazyar Jamshidkhani, who is now the brand’s ambassador, was impressed by my handmade blankets. He initially thought they were imported products and asked where I had bought them. When I told him I had made them myself, he requested that I make some for his horses as well. This enthusiasm sparked my decision to expand production and officially establish the Piaffe brand.

Additionally, with the help of renowned photographer and designer Amir Hossein Moghadam, we created professional images and content that showcased the brand’s visual identity in a stunning way. One of the first images that became iconic for Piaffe was a photo of a horse and dog, both wearing Piaffe products, symbolizing the quality and authenticity of the brand.

Today, Piaffe is synonymous with innovative designs, exceptional quality, and a dedicated team. The brand embodies our love and commitment to horses and equestrian sports. The name Piaffe, derived from the elegant and coordinated movement in dressage, represents the highest level of achievement in the sport. It reflects our philosophy of creating products that combine beauty, functionality, and top-tier quality.