“I’ve been horse crazy from the time I could comprehend what a horse was,” admits Ridgefield Dover Saddlery Store Manager, Sarah Jane Massone. Massone’s friendly demeanor and encyclopedic level of equine knowledge guarantees that everyone who enters the doors of Connecticut’s first Dover Saddlery store is matched with products best suited for their needs and lifestyle.
Massone, who has been employed by Dover Saddlery for nearly a decade, gained her equestrian expertise through her experience both in the ring, as a trainer and rider, and in the Branchburg New Jersey Dover Saddlery store where she served as an expert Saddle Consultant and Sales Manager.
Dover Saddlery, located at 720 Branchville Road, is more than an upscale store for functional and fashionable equestrian products and services - it’s an experience. And you don’t have to sit atop a horse to enjoy the ride. “No need to be intimidated if you’re not horsey,” says Massone.
Settling in nicely to life in Ridgefield, Massone and her animal loving staff are enjoying meeting and greeting customers (even four legged ones) from as far away as Glastonbury and New York City. “I have the greatest team,” boasts Massone.
Adorned in hunter green Dover Saddlery aprons, the staff is truly passionate about their craft and their job - putting the Dover products to the test every chance they get. “They ride before or after work or are running to or from the barn,” says Massone. And, they know the horseman inside and out and understand that well-fitting gear translates to a great day in the ring. “It’s such a performance oriented sport,” explains Massone.
In addition to meeting the practical needs of rider and horse, Dover sells equestrian gifts and toys as well as clothes that can be worn and enjoyed beyond the barn. “We have books, wine openers, note cards and little fun gifty things,” says Massone. And if you’re into the Ralph Lauren look, Massone says, “What better place to come than to us because we have it.”
“One of the great things about riding is the clothes - we have so many cute things,” says Massone. The store is fully stocked with spring and summer apparel including Helly Hansen spring jackets, Cool Blast SPF sun shirts in fun colors, and an array of casual clothing from Ariat and other top designers. “We have so many cute sports-oriented things that can translate to any other sport out there [think: golf and tennis].” Massone adds, “A casual line we have is “Le Fash”; you can wear these clothes to the ring to ride or wear them for a day out in the city.”
Dover Saddlery in Ridgefield is deeply committed to becoming part of the fabric of the community. “We’re happy to sponsor horse shows or give donations for prizes,” says Massone, who adds, “If there is an equestrian thought process behind, it, we’re happy to make ourselves available." This includes opening up their Ridgefield store to nonprofits who may be interested in hosting an event there.
“I’m always open to new and creative ideas about how we can be out in the community” says Massone.