It all began back in 1945, when Carl Olson started making custom Western saddles and chaps out of his basement on NE 2nd in Bellevue. This was back before the I-405 freeway or the 520 bridge went in, when Bellevue was a sleepy, little suburb of Seattle—not the technology hub it is today—and English riding was virtually unknown in the northwest. For 30 years, the focus stayed Western. Carl’s work was top-of-the-line and he had many repeat customers who kept the business afloat.

In 1976 the business was sold to Joyce Gilpin, who changed the shop’s focus to English riding and expanded the product line from the original saddles and leather goods to include riding attire, boots, and gift ware. Joyce was the first to involve Olson’s in becoming a major supporter of local equestrian events—a role they are still proud to fill today.

Fast-forward another 27 years to current owner, Michael Akers. Mike, a former Pony Club kid and dressage rider from northern Idaho, moved to Canada to ride with legendary trainers Kim and Dietrich von Hopfgarten. After finishing his studies at Western Washington University in Bellingham—earning a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration—he moved south again, this time finding himself in Seattle. A friend who worked at Olson’s at the time invited Mike to come out and help with inventory one day, and as Mike says now “one day became 16 years.” He worked for several years as manager of the store under Joyce Gilpin, and when Joyce was ready to retire in 2003, Mike was ready to buy.

Since then, Mike has built on the solid foundation inherited from the Olson’s and Joyce Gilpin but has also implemented several of his own business ideas. The store still prides itself on being the ‘go-to’ place for everything equestrian, and caters to both first-time horse owners as well as international-level riders. Following in the steps of Carl Olson, however, today’s Olson’s Tack has found a specialty niche in selling custom-made boots and saddles. “Just recently, people have flown in from Alaska, Hawaii and Illinois to be fitted for boots,” Mike says, and on-site examination of horse and rider for custom-saddle fitting is a service Olson’s also provides.

In addition, Olson’s is still active in supporting local equestrian events, including this year’s Evergreen Classic Horse Show in Carnation, and such other events as Equestrians’ Institute’s Beaujolais and Champagne Classic shows.

Time has passed, though, and the world is not the same as it was back in 1945. For businesses to stay competitive in this day and age an online presence is necessary. “Everyone looks to the web,” Mike notes, and one of the first things he took on as owner was improving Olson’s presence on the internet. Today, Olson’s website isn’t just about e-commerce, but contains everything from well-written, informative blogs, to educational videos, to news of upcoming events the store sponsors. Social networking is also something Olson’s has pursued, having a strong fan following on both Facebook and Twitter.

The shop has expanded in the real world as well. In 2006 Akers acquired Mills Horse and Tack on 140th in Bellevue and for nearly a year operated at both locations. In August of 2007, the original site on 2nd was closed after 60+ years and the two businesses merged at the 140th location. Today they are in the midst of further expansion and renovation which will bring the store up to 6,000 square feet—opening up even more space to showcase their tack, riding attire, specialty items, and horse-themed giftware. They will have one of the largest showrooms of equestrian merchandise on the west coast, including a newly-expanded men’s department, spacious dressing rooms and fitting areas, and a classroom tailored specifically for in-store educational courses and seminars.

As they begin their 66th year of operation, many things are changing at Olson’s Tack, but the most important things remain the same. Determined to maintain their connection with customers, Olson’s remains dedicated to the highest level of customer service. Its 13 employees—over half of whom have been with the company five to 10 years—all bring a solid background in competitive equestrian sport to the job. Though Olson’s specializes in higher-ticket items, sometimes being called the “Nordstrom’s of tack shops,” they also have a full inventory to meet equestrian needs for every budget. With the current expansion, they will become one of Washington’s largest specialty retailers, but they are also one of the oldest businesses in Bellevue.

And now, Mike points out, they are greeting third-generation buyers. “Customers bring their kids in and tell us how they used to come in with their parents or grandparents.” And the occasional customer will still call or come by and talk about an original, Carl Olson-made saddle that they still own.

For over half a century, Olson’s Tack has been happy to serve the northwest equestrian community, and now, with growth in so many directions, they’re looking forward to continued success and a bright future. Mike Aker’s goal of providing “unparalleled customer service combined with a great product mix,” will surely keep customers coming back for more. Please visit them online at Olsonstack.com, or if you’re in the area, stop by and check out the expanded showroom at 2105 140th Ave NE .

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Dawn Shipman is a former Pony Club mom & 4-H leader who spends her non-working hours writing & riding. She is a regular contributor to Flying Changes magazine. Two of her stories have been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul & she is currently working on a book proposal. Check out her website at dawnhillshipman.com