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.

Check out our services for more info about what we do. Have a question? Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us!

Our Story

Serving the equestrian community for over 20 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 15 years. Today, clients all over the US look to Jim’s expertise and traditional craftsmanship to care for their equipment.

Learn more about the Society of Master Saddlers.

Meet our Team

Kate Wilson, SMS QSF
President/CEO

Kate has worked as a saddler and saddle fitter for 25 years. She is a lifelong equestrian and currently rides dressage with her handsome black-and-white Georgian Grande gelding, Nike.

Jim Wilson, Expert Saddle Repair and Restoration

Jim Wilson
Expert Saddler

Jim is an expert carpenter with over 35 years’ experience. Since joining DBS in 2003, he’s received extensive saddlery training in the UK, and worked as a saddler ever since. During the week, Jim can be found in our Port Jervis shop, working under the supervision of Beau, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and Moe, Cocker Spaniel.

Maggie Mansfield, Dutchess Bridle & Saddle

Maggie Mansfield
Vice President, Accounting

Maggie has worked in the banking industry for over 30 years. Her experience in finance is only rivaled by her knowledge as a horsewoman. Maggie rides hunter/jumpers with her adorable Arabian gelding, Dez.

Jaclyn Tassey-Smetana, Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Jaclyn Tassey-Smetana
Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Jackie’s expertise in hunter/jumpers as well as western riding makes her the perfect choice to head our sales department. In addition to her work with us, Jackie maintains a full-service Hunter/Jumper training program at Top Line Training, LLC. She and her students compete actively from local shows to the A circuit.

DBS Gone Green

Doing our part to make our planet last!

We aim to reuse, reduce, repurpose, and recycle the materials, supplies, and products we use in as many ways as we can.

Here are a few of the ways we show our commitment to green practices:

  • Recycle wool from repairs
  • Re-use raw materials in the workshop
  • Re-use shipping boxes
  • Recycle paper and plastic products for packing materials
  • Recycle steel and metal products
  • Re-use misprint office documents for scrap paper
  • LED lightbulbs
  • Consignment of nicely used saddles