You’ve probably seen the sign. If you’ve spent any significant amount of time driving down Kempsville Road, the weathered, classic storefront of Acredale Saddlery in Virginia Beach is basically a local landmark. It isn’t some shiny, corporate big-box store with automated sliding doors and fluorescent lights that make you look like a ghost. Honestly, it’s the opposite. It’s one of those rare places where the smell of high-quality leather hits you the second you walk in, a mix of oil, dust, and nostalgia that you just can’t replicate in a suburban mall.
Buying horse gear is weirdly personal. You aren't just picking out a shirt; you’re buying equipment that literally keeps you safe while you’re sitting on a thousand-pound animal with a mind of its own. That’s why a lot of the local equestrians in Tidewater skip the big online retailers and just drive over to see the folks at Acredale.
It’s been around for decades. Since the late 1960s, actually. Think about that for a second. In a city that has grown and paved over almost every inch of green space, this shop has stayed put.
The Vibe and Why Local Matters
Walking into the shop feels like stepping into a tack room that hasn't changed much since your mom was a kid. It’s packed. I mean really packed. You’ve got saddles lining the walls, racks of breeches, and shelves overflowing with everything from hoof picks to high-end show coats. It’s cozy. Some might say cramped, but in a "I know exactly where the hidden gems are" kind of way.
Most people who walk through those doors are regulars. You’ll see teenagers prepping for their first local show at Princess Anne Farm and seasoned trainers who have been riding the Virginia circuit longer than most of us have been alive. There’s a specific kind of institutional knowledge there. If you ask about a bit, you aren't getting a scripted sales pitch. You're getting an opinion from someone who probably used that exact bit on a stubborn pony last Tuesday.
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What You’ll Actually Find Inside
If you are looking for English tack, this is your spot. They lean heavily into the hunter/jumper and dressage world, which makes sense given the demographic of the barns scattered around Pungo and Blackwater.
- Custom Fitting: This is a big one. You can’t just guess your size in a tall boot. Well, you can, but you’ll regret it when your ankles are bleeding halfway through a lesson. The staff here actually knows how to measure.
- Safety Gear: They carry brands like Charles Owen and Tipperary. Helmet tech changes fast—MIPS technology is the gold standard now—and they usually have the latest safety ratings in stock.
- The Consignment Section: Let's be real—horse riding is expensive. Like, "why did I choose this as a hobby" expensive. The used section at Acredale is a lifesaver. You can find high-quality leather saddles for a fraction of the retail price. It’s a rotating door of inventory, so it’s kinda hit or miss, but when you hit, you save hundreds.
- Gifts and Casual Wear: Even if you don't own a horse, people go there for Ariat boots or Barbour-style jackets. It’s "Coastal Virginia Equestrian" chic.
Addressing the "Online is Cheaper" Myth
Look, we all use Amazon. We all check Dover or SmartPak. But there’s a nuance to Acredale Saddlery in Virginia Beach that an algorithm can’t give you.
Have you ever tried to return a saddle through the mail? It’s a nightmare. It’s heavy, it’s awkward, and the shipping costs more than a month’s worth of hay. At a local shop, you can often take a saddle on trial. You put it on your horse, see if it clears their withers, and make sure it doesn’t pinch. If it doesn't work, you drive it back. Simple.
Also, leather quality varies. You can buy a "leather" bridle online for fifty bucks, and it'll arrive feeling like plastic-coated cardboard. At Acredale, you can actually feel the suppleness of the grain. You can smell if it’s been tanned properly. Quality control is manual here.
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The Community Hub Aspect
It isn't just a store. It’s a bulletin board. Literally.
If you want to know who the best farrier in Virginia Beach is right now, or which barn has an open stall, you check the flyers by the door. It’s the local grapevine. In a world where everything is digital, having a physical space where people still pin up "Pony for Lease" ads is strangely comforting. It keeps the community connected.
The shop is located at 1452 Kempsville Rd. It sits right near the intersection with Centerville, making it a pivot point for anyone heading out toward the remaining farms in the southern part of the city.
Horse Care Realities in Tidewater
Virginia Beach has a unique climate. It’s humid. Like, "your tack will grow mold overnight" humid.
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The staff at Acredale deals with this constantly. They don't just sell you a saddle; they tell you which oil or glycerin soap actually stands up to the Virginia swamp air. This kind of hyper-local advice is why they've outlasted so many other small businesses. They know the specific challenges of riding in the 757, from the sandy soil that wears down hoof walls to the giant biting flies that emerge in July.
How to Shop Like a Pro
Don't just rush in ten minutes before they close. It’s a place to linger.
- Bring your measurements. If you're buying for a horse, know their blanket size. If you're buying for yourself, wear the socks you actually ride in.
- Ask about the consignment "wish list." If they don't have the used saddle you want, tell them. They see stuff come in every day.
- Check the clearance rack. Seriously. Sometimes there are high-end breeches marked down just because the color is "last season." Spoiler: the horse doesn't care what color your pants are.
- Listen to the staff. Even if they seem busy, they are experts. If they tell you a helmet doesn't fit your head shape, believe them. Safety over aesthetics every single time.
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
Small tack shops are a dying breed. They’re getting squeezed by big-box retail and direct-to-consumer brands. But Acredale is a survivor. It represents a specific part of Virginia Beach’s history—the part that existed before the suburbs took over, back when Kempsville was mostly woods and fields.
Supporting a place like this isn't just about convenience. It’s about making sure that when your girth snaps on a Saturday morning right before a show, there’s actually a physical building you can drive to and get a replacement. It’s about the expertise that only comes from decades of being in the dirt.
If you haven't been in a while, or if you're new to the area, go. Even if you just need a new pair of gloves or some coat shine. There is something fundamentally better about buying horse gear from people who know your name and your horse’s name.
Actionable Steps for Local Riders
If you're planning a visit, here’s how to make it productive. Call ahead if you are looking for a specific safety item, like a certain vest size, to ensure it’s in stock. If you have tack you no longer use, clean it up—like, really scrub it—and ask about their consignment policy. They are picky about what they take, which is good for buyers, but it means your gear needs to be in show-ready condition. Finally, keep an eye on their social media or the physical board in-store for local clinic announcements; it’s the best way to improve your riding without traveling to Lexington or Culpeper.