Tradition in Every Stitch with Freedman Harness

BY: ALLYSON MATTINGLY

Hand Craftsmanship. Quality. And Tradition in Every Stitch. This is the legacy of Freedman’s. A story that started over 200 years ago in 1802, and continues to the present day with the same promise, the same commitment to excellence.

Six generations of harness makers later, the modernday Freedman’s is a brand known for its legacy work in horse harness, but also for its ingenuity in show horse tack and furnishings and emerging trends in handbags, belts, and performance riding apparel.

From harnessing World and National Champion ponies and horses and making saddles for the trotting breed horses, to making harnesses for the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and for the Royal family, Freedman’s strives to accomplish quality every step along the way. The mission at Freedman’s is always to provide safe, comfortable, and well-made horse furnishings, rider apparel, and fashion goods that meet the standards of excellence that the brand has come to be known for. Being part of an industry of athletic and beautiful horses has engaged Freedman’s way of thinking, enriching the brand beyond just what the horses need to wear, but also what the human athletes need; their riding apparel, their fashion sense, the accessories they prefer to carry.

“I first had thoughts of doing this work for my life when I was 13,” says owner and 6th generation harness maker, David Freedman. “I had been deeply impressed by the beauty and athleticism of the horses along with the people in the industry. By the time I was 18 it became clear that I wanted to learn the trade from my father. I had embraced hand stitching at the age of 10 and everything leather was interesting to me (and still is). I never thought for a minute about continuing the family tradition and becoming the 6th generation in my family to do so until my father’s sudden passing when I was 27-years-old. Overnight, I became the leader of a luxury heritage brand.”

Please be sure to join Freedman’s on Sunday, July 9 at 2:00p for the Grand Opening Celebration of their Midway Boutique & U.S. Flagship Store.

Whether you love horses or just love quality craftsmanship and leather goods, Freedman’s just might have something that you need. Come enjoy live music, bourbon tasting, light food, and of course, the intoxicating smell of handmade leather!

To be successful in this line of work, one must know horses as well as leather and the art of crafting it. Freedman’s products are unique because of their knowledge of both. Knowledge of the product and of the horse industry allows Freedman’s to deliver on the promise of quality that is offered to customers and clients. As a leather craftsman himself, David can expertly direct the artisans that work in the shop because he also knows the trade.

While the products have changed over time, the essence remains the same: quality craftsmanship with the very finest materials. With leather production in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Freedman name still boasts the work of artisans and leather from some of the best tanneries in the world. The Boutique has been located in Midway, Kentucky for nearly 18 years, and only just this year, did Midway become the brand’s permanent home. The location for the storefront was made because the brand and product was needed and would be loved here; in Midway, in Lexington. Lexington is a thriving city and Midway is just a stone-throw’s away; with restaurants, boutiques, and beautiful landscape. “We love it here. Midway is home,” says David.

When you walk into the brand-new Freedman’s, you will find not just horse furnishings and equipment, but an assortment of hand-made belts, small leather goods and accessories, uniquely beautiful hand and travel bags, and, as expected, the same quality craftsmanship with the very finest materials.