About Us

Hudson Giles Equestrian is Darold and Robin Giles, Kentuckians who have loved horses all their lives.

Darold has a true passion for the American Saddlebred and spent much of his youth under the tutelage of Marilyn Macfarlane at Walnut Way Farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky. He credits his grandfather with instilling his lifelong love and admiration for the American Saddlebred, but it was Marilyn who nurtured that passion through every diagonal, figure eight and lead change. 

Robin fell in love with horses as a little girl when going on her first pony ride at the local zoo. After a few years she was able to talk her mother into lessons at a local barn. Her love for the American Saddlebred began the year she saw Don Harris glide Imperator around the ring during the Kentucky State Fair. That famous pair captured her heart and gave her goosebumps at the same time! Although she took time away from horses for college and a career, she found her way back to American Saddlebreds at Premier Stables in Simpsonville, Kentucky. She considers herself privileged to have ridden with Sarah Byers and several other talented instructors who nurtured her passion over the years.

Darold also returned to riding after a few years away. He then decided to add driving to his repertoire, with a Hackney pony trained by the team at Signature Stables.

When Darold and Robin met, they instantly connected over their love for the American Saddlebred and Darold’s charming sense of humor! After a few years of showing horses together, they realized there was a need for elegant, quality top hats and derbies. Combining their experience in product design with this need, their vision took shape. As Hudson Giles Equestrian, they are proud to offer handmade headwear for fellow riders for years to come. Horses, hats and Hudson Giles naturally go together!

 

A special note of gratitude to the trainers, instructors and barn family members who have supported us on this journey. Thank you all!