NEW BRAND SPOTLIGHT: BRIDLE
& HEARTH
While many might choose to slow down after decades of success, Rakesh and Dolly Agarwal are embracing a new challenge. The visionary founders of Rug & Home, a leading home furnishings brand, are launching Bridle & Hearth. This sophisticated new brand blends the elegance of equestrian living with modern luxury. Rather than settling into retirement, the Agarwals are channeling their passion for design and craftsmanship into this next chapter, proving that creativity knows no age.
For the Agarwals, horses have always been an integral part of their lives. Growing up in rural India during the 1960s and 70s, they were captivated by stories of Maharajas and their magnificent, colorfully adorned horses—symbols of
strength, grace, and prestige. Beyond their storied past, horses also played a crucial role in daily life, serving as the primary mode of transportation for people, goods, and services in rural communities. Decades later, after moving to the U.S. and building Rug & Home into a household name, the couple found themselves living near the renowned Tryon International Equestrian Center. Their proximity to this world-class hub of equestrian sport reignited their admiration for equestrian culture and sparked the realization that, while equestrian style is highly revered in fashion and sport, it has largely been overlooked in the realm of home décor.
Bridle & Hearth is their answer to this gap—a meticulously curated collection of artisancrafted rugs, throws, pillows, and furnishings
that embody the refinement and tradition of equestrian living. By sourcing from the finest weaving centers and custom workshops in the U.S. and around the world, Bridle & Hearth merges heritage craftsmanship with organic design. The collection uses natural and performance-grade materials to create timeless pieces that bring equestrian elegance into everyday spaces.
“This isn’t just another business for us; it’s a passion project,” says Dolly Agarwal. “We’ve spent decades immersed in the world of home furnishings, and now we’re excited to create something that speaks to the beauty and tradition of the equestrian lifestyle.”
In addition to their business accomplishments, Rakesh and Dolly have made philanthropy a central part of their legacy. They have donated nearly $1.5 million to charitable organizations and meaningful causes both locally and in India. In Western North Carolina, their support has extended to hospice services, memory care programs, and cancer treatment initiatives, among other vital community needs. In India, they have focused on improving healthcare access for women in remote and underserved areas, ensuring that essential medical services reach those in need. Their long-standing commitment to giving back earned them the honor of Philanthropists of the Year in 2018.
“Giving back has always been at the heart of everything we do,” says Rakesh Agarwal. “We’ve been fortunate in our journey, and it’s important to us to create opportunities and uplift others—whether that’s in our hometown or thousands of miles away.”
With Bridle & Hearth, Rakesh and Dolly aim to redefine equestrian home décor, offering horse lovers a way to bring their passion into their homes with elegance, authenticity, and exceptional craftsmanship.
bridleandhearth.com