In addition to quality tack repair, Dutchess Bridle & Saddle, LLC is proud to offer New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusettes, and Pennsylvania* residents the convenience of on site saddle fitting, flocking and sales. In order to accurately evaluate a saddle fit issue, a "hands-on", on site approach is best. We travel to your farm or place of boarding in a 15' box truck equipped with work bench for flocking and a selection of 30+ demo saddles to try. (See pictures at right.) I am happy to look at the fit on any brand of English saddle! We also represent the Albion, Duett, Ideal/Walsall Riding Saddles, Masters Saddles and Crosby/Collegiate/Bates/Wintec Saddle lines of quality English saddles. (Appointment information is located at the bottom of this page.)
I have successfully completed and earned my Qualified Saddle Fitters (QSF) Certification at the course given by The Society of Master Saddlers at Moreton Morrell College, Warwickshire England in August 2006. I have attended The Society of Master Saddlers Foundation Course of Saddle Fitting in England in August 2002 and their first ever USA course offering at Wilson College in May 2005. I participated as a guest assistant lecturer at the May 2007 USA Foundations Course. I have more than a decade's worth of experience as a saddler which gives me the insight into the inner workings of almost every saddle available on the market today. This insight helps me in the evaluation of the saddle fit and any adjustment solutions that can be made. I strive to keep informed about the latest trends and products that continually flood the equine consumer market to better serve my customers questions and concerns with their horses' equipment.
In addition to being a saddler, I also own my own horses and they continue to challenge and inspire me in every aspect of their care, conditioning and comfort. They have been my best teachers in recognizing the critical need for well fitting equipment especially the fit of their saddles. Owning a difficult to fit older Arabian mare has afforded me empathy with other Arabian horse owners and their particular saddle fitting issues. (She sadly passed away on February 23, 2006 . Charity was 30 years old and we had been galloping around as the sun was setting the night before!) Similiarly, as the owner of an Arab/Clydesdale cross gelding, I know the frustrations of fitting a round but high wither with a low back!
As a rider, I also recognize the need for a saddle to be well suited for my body type. I strive to educate riders on the fundamental points of saddle fit as outlined by The Society of Master Saddlers in recognizing their vital interconnectivity. I believe this education takes riders beyond just fixing the saddle fit problem and into a realm of deeper understanding, communication and effectiveness for both horse and rider. I love my work and love sharing it with other people. There is almost nothing more satisfying than a happy horse and rider!
Dutchess Bridle & Saddle, LLC can help you in achieving the successful partnership you and your horse are striving for. Your equipment should help in every aspect of your journey together, not hinder.
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Please see the bottom of this page for fee schedule or contact us for more details. *Traveling distance is up to 3 hours one way from Port Jervis, NY.
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Albion Saddles & Accessories
Albion saddles are world renowned for their quality, comfort and fit for all breeds and riders in virtually every English riding discipline. Their extensive offerings for tree fit, tree types and wide, wool flocked panels make the Albion saddle versatile in its fit for virtually all horses. These saddles are available in a large selection of seat sizes and seat depths as well as various thigh block sizes and customizable flap lengths to accommodate the wide variety of rider body types. Albion also offers their luxurious ergonomically shaped girths, pads and bridles for an even higher level of comfort and sophistication for your horse.
I have had the supreme fortune of working and training with the expertly skilled staff, saddlers and owners of the Albion saddlemaking factory in England for over a decade. Dutchess Bridle & Saddle, LLC has the exclusive distinction of being the only authorized Albion manufacturer warranty repair facility in the United States. During my final semester at Ithaca College, I found a classified ad looking for a Master English Saddler's Apprentice at Albion's North American importer and distributor. I applied for the job and was hired beginning the day after my college graduation. Since that time, I have repaired, flocked and fitted hundreds of saddles.
Albion saddles and accessories are regularly used and endorsed by Olympic riders Guenter Siedel, and Klaus Balkenhol, as well as International rider George Williams. Please visit www.albionsaddlemakers.co.uk for more details about Albion saddles. You can check out our on-line catalog for Albion accessories. I invite you to explore and experience the world class comfort and quality of Albion - Get the Albion advantage!
Duett Saddles
Dutchess Bridle & Saddle, LLC is additionally proud to offer the fantastic line of Duett saddles! These top quality saddles are designed especially for the wide, round, low wither types, especially draft horses, half drafts, Icelandics, Halflingers and all similar breed and types. Duett offers a wide variety of models to choose from including dressage, jumping, general purpose, and trail saddles at a great price! These saddles are available in wide range of seat sizes 17.5 to 22 - and tree fits - 32cm all the way to 42cm! Duett Saddles have a wool flocked panel that can be adjusted and flocked to fit your horse. I invite you to visit www.duettsaddles.com for more details about the Duett Saddles.
Ideal/Walsall Riding Saddles
For over 60 years, this company has been making some of the finest saddles produced. Their extensive lines and custom options provides a well fitted saddle for virtually every rider and horse. We carry dressage, jumping and general purpose demos and will be happy to show them to you! Visit www.idealsaddle.com for more information.
Masters Saddles
This 'private' label saddle is produced by The Society of Master saddlers members Lucy Batchelor and David Boot. Exquisitely crafted and highly functional, these saddles feature a wool serge panel and many custom options. We carry their dressage and jumping demos.
Please watch this website for updated information, new products and services!
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CONVENIENT ON-SITE SERVICE
- Serving the NYS equestrian community and the surrounding, bordering states (NJ, MA, CT, PA - please contact to see if within traveling distance)
- Albion, Duett, Ideal/Walsall Riding Saddles, Masters and Crosby/Collegiate/Bates/Wintec Saddles and accessories sales and service with convenient on-site saddle selection and trial with follow-up service and maintenance
- On-site saddle fit evaluation and flocking of all brands of English saddles
Scheduling an Appointment
NEW! You can visit our Appointment & Events Calendar right on our website for appointment availability! You can also contact us by calling (845-533-0002 X1) or emailing (info@dutchessbridlesaddle.com) for availability. Let us know what type of appointment you need (evaluation of current saddle and/or sales), where you are located, how many horses and saddles will be looked at, how many people are interested (if for group) and when you would like the appointment. A typical appointment takes about 2 hours and includes a notated history of rider, saddle and horse, wither tracings, saddle fit evaluation and/or looking at new saddles for purchase and riding the horse. Horses should be sound and able to be ridden.
All fees are due at time of appointment - cash, check, VISA, MC, AMEX or DISC. On-site flocking ($85) and/or repair work is charged IN ADDITION to stable call. All new saddle purchases require a deposit at time of order. Prices subject to change without notice. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you!
