Our Philosophy
Promoting deeper connection between horse and rider through thoughtful selection, fitting, and care for your tack.
Your tack matters. The right equipment should help, not hinder, in every aspect of your journey together. We work across all disciplines, breeds, levels of skill, and budget to achieve the best fit possible to enhance the performance, health, and happiness of both horse and rider. We’re forever independent, so you can count on us to help you find the best match, regardless of brand. We continually evaluate the latest trends and technology in the equine consumer market to better serve our clients with up-to-date knowledge. Already have a saddle you love? Ask us how proper care, fitting, and maintenance can extend the life of your tack and make the most of your investment. When you’re ready to find a new home for your trusty saddle, we’ll help with that too.
Contact us today to start your tack fitting and repair journey!
Our Story
Serving the equestrian community for 30 years.
Just one day after graduating from Ithaca College in 1995, DBS founder and co-owner Kate Wilson answered an ad for a saddler’s apprentice in the Ithaca Times. After her apprenticeship with a Society of Master Saddlers Master Saddler, and several trips to the UK to study with some of the industry’s top saddlers, Kate founded Dutchess Bridle & Saddle, LLC in 1999. In 2006, Kate earned her certification as a Qualified Saddle Fitter (QSF) from The Society of Master Saddlers. She continues to advance her training and knowledge with some of the industry’s top saddlers and saddle manufacturers through regular trips to the UK, and has been an invited lecturer for the US-based Foundations of Saddle Fitting course sponsored by the Society of Master Saddlers UK.
Jim Wilson is an expert carpenter with over 35 years’ experience. He has trained as a saddler in the UK and worked as a saddler for the past 20 years. Today, clients all over the US look to Jim’s expertise and traditional craftsmanship to care for their equipment.
Meet Us
Our Testimonials
Sammi M
A huge thank you to Dutchess Bridle & Saddle who turned my daughters saddle around in record time – service was excellent- highly recommend the very talented Jim
Kathy S
Service and care given to your horse for them to be comfortable.
Love Kate’s process of fitting. Her patterns show you how your horses back changes.
Karen W
Great service as always! Kate shares her knowledge and experience and has helped me fit many different types of horses and saddles.
Lani R
Excellent saddle fitting session. Kate is professional, extremely knowledgeable and practical. Will keep using Dutchess Bridle and Saddle!
Hyun W
Best saddle fitting. Kate is very knowledgeable and kind. She does both western and english saddle fitting. She helped all my lesson horses!
Joann L
Great, friendly customer service people who make you feel at ease when asking 100 questions about finding a saddle for a hard to fit horse. Highly recommend Dutchess Bridle & Saddle!
