About Quillin Leather & Tack
Quillin Leather & Tack - Downtown Paris, Kentucky
Handcrafted Excellence Rooted in a Rich Kentucky Tradition
Ralph and Donna Quillin are a dynamic duo whose collaboration has produced exceptional results. Their combined talents and shared vision make them a powerful force, capable of achieving incredible things together. Rob Windels & Vince Grupposo run the nation’s largest "Custom Leather Shop” … in Paris, Kentucky. The Quillin craftsmen and women make over 17,000 halters a year in the Main Street Stores. Quillin Halters are made in small batches using traditional skills, machines that date back a century or more, and the finest hand-selected bridle Leather. Their made-to-order philosophy - not mass production - has set Quillins apart as a provider of quality leather goods and exceptional service.
Quillin Leather & Tack, since 1982, began its journey in 1977 and relocated to Main Street in Paris, Kentucky, from a small tack shop in a Bourbon County Farm tobacco striping room. Renowned as one of the largest custom leather shops in the nation and the number one in Kentucky, they handcraft over 17,000 halters each year.
Nearly every leather item available for purchase is crafted in their Main Street workrooms by skilled artisans whose combined experience exceeds 100 years. With 16 dedicated employees, Quillin produces a diverse range of products, including key tags, belts, dog collars, and halters that are worn by top stallions as well as featured in multi-million dollar sales at Keeneland. They cater to both local and international clientele and have established a reputation that resonates throughout the thoroughbred industry. For more than 45 years, Quillin Leather & Tack has been synonymous with quality, thanks to their unwavering focus on detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and outstanding customer service.
Quillin Leather & Tack originally occupied a charming two-story wood-framed home from the 1920s, which was transformed into our shop, showroom, and offices in 1982. Over the years, we’ve outgrown this original location three times. Our new downtown shop and showroom, located at 716 Main Street, is conveniently accessible from Main Street, and for those needing repairs, you can drop them off at the rear door at 715 Pleasant Street.
Quillin.com was launched in 1995, and our brick-and-mortar store opened in 1982. Despite numerous expansions, including a second location in a historic 1897 downtown Paris mercantile building, we struggled to keep up with the production and showroom space needed. In 2024, we made a significant move by acquiring a 9,000 sq. ft. property. Staying true to our Main Street mantra, we now offer all our services under one Downtown Paris roof. In this fast-paced world, we continue to take orders the traditional way—either in person or by phone—while also providing a fully featured online store that showcases all of our leather goods.
Our halters have been provided to both domestic and international clients since 1979. Our years of experience reflect our reputation for delivering the best customer service and products in the industry, all backed by our commitment to quality leather goods. "It's what you’d expect when the name on the outside is the same as the owner," says Jim Fitzgerald, a local thoroughbred farm owner and long-time customer.
Thank you so much for the 5-star rating, Traci! We're thrilled to hear that you love our Rolled Dog Collar. We strive to provide high-quality products for our furry friends. Thanks for choosing us! We appreciate the kind words and continuing support. Ralph Quillin