Year 45
America's largest custom halter shop celebrates nearly half a century of handcrafted Kentucky leatherwork
PARIS, KY — Quillin Leather & Tack, Bourbon County’s renowned shop specializing in handcrafted custom halters, is proud to announce its the start of their 45th year — a milestone deeply rooted in downtown Paris, Kentucky.
Since its founding, Quillin has operated from five different Main Street addresses — 806, 807, 1929, 723, and now 716 Main Street. Each move has been driven by the same challenge: outgrowing its space due to continuous growth. Today, the shop’s 16 skilled craftsmen still use century-old Campbell stitching machines and premium English bridle leather to produce a wide range of handmade goods, including halters, belts, dog collars, lead shanks, billets, and more.
“No shortcuts, no mass production — just Kentucky leatherwork built to outlast the horse that first wore it,” said Ralph Quillin, co-owner of the shop along with Donna Quillin.
Quillin Leather & Tack has become not only a pillar in the thoroughbred industry but also an integral part of the fabric of downtown Paris. Its ties to local farms, horsemen, and community members have grown stronger over the shop’s 45 years of dedicated craftsmanship and small-town perseverance.
As the shop celebrates this significant anniversary, Quillin Leather & Tack invites the Paris–Bourbon County community, local media, and area tourism partners to join in marking this special occasion. It is a celebration of tradition, enduring craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to the street where it all began.
About Quillin Leather & Tack
From humble beginnings in a Bourbon County tobacco striping room to becoming America’s largest custom halter shop, Quillin Leather & Tack crafts more than 17,000 halters annually using century-old Campbell stitching machines and fine English bridle leather. Located at 716 Main Street, Paris, Kentucky, the shop also offers belts, dog collars, lead shanks, billets, notebooks, and barware, all meticulously handmade.
Media Contact:
Ralph Quillin
Quillin Leather & Tack
716 Main Street, Paris, KY 40361
Phone: 859-987-0215
Website: quillin.com
