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 60+ demo saddles and consignments to try. (See pictures at right.) I am happy to look at the fit of any brand of English saddle! We also represent the Albion, Duett, Black Country, Thorowgood, Kent & Masters and Fairfax lines of quality English saddles and accessories. (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 have also attended the required QSF Refresher Course at Moulton College, Warwickshire, UK in Jluy 2008. I have participated as a guest assistant lecturer at the May 2007 and May 2009 USA Foundations Course. I have been a working saddler for the past 15 years 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's 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 and saddle fitter, I also own my own horses and they continue to challenge and inspire me in every aspect of their care, conditioning and comfort. They are 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, having owned an Arab/Clydesdale cross gelding, I know the frustrations of fitting a round but high wither with a low back! My new partner is a Hanoverian/TB gelding with a wide A-shape wither that is low and flat with a dynamic, flat back. He has been a challenge but worth the work!
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 scheduling an appointment and 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 levels 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.
NEW!! Black Country 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.blackcountrysaddles.com for more information.
NEW!! Thorowgood, Kent & Masters, & Fairfax Saddles & Accessories
We are pleased to add the line of Thorowgood and Fairfax saddles and accessories to our already extensive saddle line offerings. Thorowgood is a premier synthetic saddle that is highly versatile for many equine body types. Available in dressage, jumping and general purpose models, these saddles feature an interchangeable gullet plate system, interchangeable girth straps, The Fish system and a wool flocked panel! The fitting options are almost endless! Visit www.thorowgood.com for more information.
The Fairfax saddle is the leather counterpart of the Thorowgood with all the same features. Available in dressage and general purpose models - visit www.fairfaxsaddles.co.uk for more information.
Please watch this website for updated information, new products and services!
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Scheduling an Appointment
You can visit our Appointment & Events Calendar right on our website for appointment availability and request an appointment on-line! 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. Riders should be prepared and able to ride the horse for new saddle purchases and for re-adjustments.
APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY: Appointments are available on Mondays, every other Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays. We do not schedule appointments on Wednesdays, Fridays or Sundays. All currently scheduled appointment times and locations are listed on our on-line calendar.
All fees are due at time of appointment - cash, check, VISA, MC, AMEX or DISC. On-site flocking ($95) and/or repair work is charged IN ADDITION to stable call. Stable all fees are priced PER PERSON and are NOT divided. 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!
