a tack and saddlery fitting, restoration and repair business located in the heart of Virginia horse country. My name is Ellie Riley and I am the founder, saddle-fitter, and saddler at BlackSheep.

Why choose BlackSheep? I have been working and training with globally renowned saddlers, fitters and brands for over ten years. This came after a successful career as a professional upper level groom and horse welfare manager. My passion for happy, healthy horses is not unique— but my breadth of experience and skill set brings knowledge, expertise, and a thoughtful multi-faceted approach to saddlery in Virginia, or wherever I am needed. As a rider and horse owner myself, I want nothing more than to help you and your horse be more comfortable, well-balanced, and safe.

Welcome to BlackSheep Saddlery

BlackSheep Saddlery Services

  • Woman sitting on a chestnut horse.

    Fittings & Consultations

    Every horse and rider are individually shaped and sized. There is no one formula, brand, or method that can meet the needs required for a true fit. When we work together, I analyze your horse’s conformation, your current tack fit, and how you both move while you ride. Then, we build a plan to ensure you and your horse are getting maximum value from your tack based on your goals.

  • Cat sitting next to a saddle on table.

    Repairs & Restorations

    From wool flocking adjustments to total saddle restorations, I do it all! Correct saddle balance, safe billets, stitching, and leather health are absolutely crucial to ensuring tack longevity and proper fit. Reach out and let’s take a look at your tack (all disciplines welcome) and give it new life.

  • Bliss Sportiva Eventer Saddle

    Tack Sales

    BlackSheep Saddlery is an authorized retailer of Bliss of London, Loxley by Bliss, Cavaletti Collection, Jeffries, Harry Dabbs, Passier, Flex-On, American Equus and more. Whether it’s the custom saddle of your dreams, a quality and safe used saddle, strap goods, bits, girths, or boots, I work with you to customize your kit within your budget.

Schedule an appointment

Client Testimonial

From Cox Sporthorses:

“Wrong tack, no back. There, I said it. People love to say ‘no hoof, no horse,’ and that is absolutely true. But a horse with a sore back is not going to go well, feel well, or stay happy in their work either.

And honestly, the saddle fit I see in the horse world can be… rough. Just like finding a good trainer, it is essential to find a saddle fitter who is honest, knowledgeable, and works with a wide variety of saddles. If someone only sells saddles built on one shape of tree, that means they do not have a saddle that fits every horse.

We are incredibly thankful for Ellie Riley of BlackSheep Saddlery for her excellent, realistic approach to saddle fit. She keeps the horses comfortable, the riders supported, and the training moving forward in the right way.

As owners, we are also responsible for educating ourselves on at least the basics. We do not need to be professional saddle fitters, but we do need to know enough to keep an eye on things between visits.

A few small signs to watch for:
- Changes in attitude when mounting
- Sudden reluctance to move forward
- Soreness when grooming the back
- Saddle pads slipping or shooting out from under the saddle
- A saddle that tips, rocks, bridges, or slides more than usual

These little clues matter, because they often show up long before the horse becomes obviously sore. I am obsessive about saddle fit. It is always better to check too often than to end up with sore backs, confused horses, or training problems that were never really training problems at all.

A well-fitting saddle is not a luxury. It is the foundation of soundness, comfort, quality work, and it is achievable on all types of budgets.”

A woman sitting on top of a brown horse, we are looking at them from behind.