Business

The Littleton-based company may close if it doesn’t sell or get an infusion of funds.

Dover Saddlery told state officials it may shed more than 100 jobs and potentially shut down operations unless it is sold or secures new funding. 

In a May 7 WARN notice, the Littleton-based equestrian retailer said it could lay off 112 employees at its 525 Great Road facility between July 7 and July 10.

“Whether the layoffs or closures occur will depend in part on our success in obtaining funding or selling our business,” the company wrote. 

It remains unclear how staff at its 37 stores nationwide might be affected. 

Founded in 1975 in Wellesley by members of the United States Equestrian Team, Jim and David Powers, Dover Saddlery has grown into a national retailer selling over 10,000 products of riding apparel, equestrian wear, bridles, saddles, and more online and through its free-standing retail stores.

In April 2022, Promus Equity Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, took full control of the company.   

The following year, Dover Saddlery announced that it was open to franchise opportunities. 

To support its growth plans, the company secured a $15 million financing deal with Second Avenue Capital Partners in August 2024. 

The last update on the Dover Saddlery website is that the company plans to open a new flagship store in an outdoor shopping venue in Ocala, Fla. Construction of the shopping facility at the World Equestrian Center is still underway. 

Dover Saddlery did not return a request for additional information and comment.