Manhattan Saddlery
M-Sa 10am-7pm
While we occasionally see mounted policemen or tourists canoodling in horse-drawn carriages, it is still a special treat to see a horse in Manhattan. Before the advent of the automobile, however, horses were ubiquitous on the side streets, particularly East 24th Street, which has been called the equine epicenter of Manhattan because of the many tack shops and stables that used to be housed there. And now the last store standing – and thriving – is Manhattan Saddlery. The shop began in 1912 as Miller’s Harness Company. Serving the community of high-end professional horse riders and hobbyists, Miller’s outfitted such clients as the Rockefellers and the Kennedys. The store then became Copperfield’s, and finally in 2002, Manhattan Saddlery – bought by June Tsang and run by her son. The elegant store sells both riding equipment and apparel, as well as horse-themed novelty items. Whether coming from near or far, Manhattan Saddlery is worth a visit, even if only to take in the rich smell of leather that wafts within the beautiful shop.