A Brief History of Quillin Leather
Quillin Leather & Tack: A Legacy Forged in Kentucky's Horse Country
The story of Quillin Leather & Tack begins in the heart of Kentucky's legendary horse country, with its roots tracing back to the mid-1970s. Ralph Quillin's journey in leather craftsmanship officially began in 1977, operating from a small tack shop in a Bourbon County farm tobacco striping room. By 1982, the brick-and-mortar store, Quillin Leather & Tack, formally opened its doors on Main Street in Paris, Kentucky, where it remains a cornerstone of the community today.
From these humble beginnings, Quillin Leather quickly established itself as a beacon of unparalleled quality. They became renowned as the nation's largest "Custom Halter Shops," handcrafting over 20,000 halters annually using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Their deep connection to the Thoroughbred industry is legendary, with many Kentucky Derby horses starting their careers wearing a
Quillin halter. Their craftsmanship is so esteemed that they've been commissioned to create halters for monuments honoring iconic champions like Secretariat and the 2023 American Horse of the Year, Cody's Wish.
Embracing the digital age early, Quillin.com was launched in 1995, extending its reach and allowing customers worldwide to access their handcrafted leather goods. Today,
Quillin Leather & Tack continues to grow, shipping their premium halters, handcrafted belts, and luxury dog collars to every continent, all while maintaining their unwavering commitment to authentic Kentucky craftsmanship from their Paris, KY shops.
