Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Borne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Karen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?
One of the most unexpected and challenging issues I faced in my business happened early in my career when I encountered a high-profile client whose horse had an extremely atypical back shape. No matter what adjustments were made, no off-the-shelf saddle—or even traditional custom options—seemed to provide the right balance and comfort for the horse. The stakes were high, as the client was a competitive rider who needed a solution quickly, and I was determined not to let them down.
At that moment, I felt a mix of frustration and determination. I had spent years honing my craft, but this case pushed me beyond my existing knowledge. Rather than admitting defeat, I saw an opportunity to innovate. I went back to the drawing board, working closely with my Saddler to select a completely new tree shape where we combined elements of various designs, incorporating features that would allow for more adjustability and freedom of movement.
After a period of prototyping and testing, we finally achieved a breakthrough. The horse moved better than ever, and the client was thrilled. This experience reinforced a core belief in my business: true saddle fitting isn’t just about working within existing frameworks; it’s about pushing boundaries and creating new solutions when needed.
That challenge ultimately influenced my approach to saddle design and led to the development of more adaptable saddles that benefit a wider range of horses. It was a pivotal moment that shaped the direction of my company, proving that the best solutions often arise from the most unexpected challenges.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who may not be familiar with me, my name is Karen Borne, and I’ve dedicated my life to the art and science of saddle fitting and design. I am the Managing Director and Saddle Designer for Ruby Roo Saddles, LLC, and also for my company Borné Saddlery, LLC. My passion for this industry stems from my deep love for horses and my desire to improve their comfort and performance through innovative saddle design.
My journey into saddle fitting and design was not something I originally planned, but rather something I was drawn to through my experiences with my own horse. Like many equestrians, I struggled to find a saddle that truly fit my horse. I quickly realized that many of the so-called “custom” options still failed to address the individual needs of both horse and rider. This frustration led me to study saddle construction, biomechanics, and equine anatomy.
I trained under some of the best saddle fitters and craftsmen in the industry, including the Society of Master Saddlers, UK and Certified Master Saddler, Andrew Sankey, learning the complexities of saddle trees, panel configurations, and how even the smallest adjustments can dramatically impact both comfort and performance. Eventually, I transitioned from saddle fitting into full-scale saddle design, working to create saddles that truly solve fit challenges rather than just offering superficial adjustments.
Through Borné Saddlery, I focus on crafting high-quality, handcrafted saddles for English disciplines, designed with precision to ensure both horse and rider achieve the best possible performance. Our saddles are known for their superior comfort, durability, and ability to accommodate even the hardest-to-fit horses.
With Ruby Roo Saddles, I took my passion a step further, specializing in youth saddles that bridge the gap between affordability and top-tier craftsmanship. My mission with Ruby Roo is to provide young riders with saddles that are not just “scaled-down versions” of adult models but are specifically designed to support their riding development while ensuring optimal comfort for their ponies and horses.
One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is saddle fit issues that seem impossible to resolve—whether it’s a horse with an unconventional back shape, a rider struggling to find balance, or an equestrian whose previous saddles have caused performance problems. I take pride in crafting solutions that truly work, rather than offering band-aid fixes.
What truly differentiates me from others in this industry is my deep technical expertise combined with a hands-on approach to saddle design, fitting, and the actual manufacturing. I don’t just design saddles; I work directly with horses and riders to understand their unique needs, ensuring that every saddle I create serves a functional purpose beyond aesthetics.
Additionally, I am deeply committed to education. Whether it’s through one-on-one consultations, my children’s book on saddle fitting, or in-depth discussions with my clients, I strive to empower riders with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their saddles and their horses’ well-being. I am especially dedicated to passing on my experience to the next generation of equestrians.
One of my proudest achievements is seeing how my work has made a tangible difference in the lives of both horses and riders. I’ve had clients tell me that switching to one of my saddles completely transformed their horse’s movement, eliminated discomfort, and even reignited their love for riding. Knowing that my saddles can improve both performance and harmony between horse and rider is incredibly rewarding.
At the heart of everything I do is a genuine commitment to horse welfare, rider comfort, and quality craftsmanship. Whether you’re an experienced competitor, a dedicated amateur, or a young rider just starting out, I believe that the right saddle should never be a limiting factor in your journey.
If you’re struggling with saddle fit issues, searching for a truly customized solution, or simply want to learn more about how saddle fit impacts your horse, I invite you to connect with me and explore the work I do at Borné Saddlery and Ruby Roo Saddles. My goal is to create saddles that don’t just sit on a horse’s back—but saddles that truly enhance the riding experience, ensuring comfort, freedom, and peak performance for both horse and rider.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Early in my career, I was deeply involved in the equestrian apparel industry – the typical tack store merchandise – attire that combined function with style. It was interesting but unfulfilling for me.
The turning point came when I witnessed firsthand my own horse grinding his teeth in pain from a saddle that I believed fit. It broke my heart! I had not been aware of saddle fit issues, but witnessing my horse in back pain changed the whole course of my career path!
Out of curiosity, I started digging deeper, researching saddle fitting beyond the surface-level adjustments most brands offered. What I found shocked me. Many saddles labeled as “custom” weren’t truly designed with the biomechanics of the horse in mind. Instead, they were often modifications of existing templates that didn’t account for the individual horse’s conformation, movement, or changes over time.
I couldn’t ignore what I had learned. If the right saddle could make the difference between a horse thriving or suffering, I knew I had to be part of the solution. That was the moment I realized my skills in design and problem-solving were better suited for crafting saddles that truly fit.
Making the pivot wasn’t easy. The saddle industry is highly specialized, and I had to immerse myself in the world of schooling, saddle fitting, tree design, and equine biomechanics. I sought out top experts, trained relentlessly, and eventually launched Borné Saddlery, followed by Ruby Roo Saddles, to fill the gaps I saw in the market.
Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Seeing the direct impact of a well-fitted saddle—watching a horse go from resistant to relaxed, a rider go from struggling to confident—confirms every day that I made the right choice. My journey started with apparel, but my true passion lies in helping horses and riders achieve balance, comfort, and peak performance through saddle design.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I first started my journey in the saddle industry, I was an ‘unknown name’ in a world dominated by long-established, well-known brands. Not only that, but as a ‘woman-owned company’ in an industry traditionally led by men, I knew I was stepping into a space where I’d have to fight to be taken seriously.
One of the biggest challenges came when I began developing my own line of saddles. Large, well-known brands had the advantage of legacy, resources, and deep-rooted customer trust. I was a small business trying to compete against industry giants, and I quickly realized that simply having a great product wasn’t enough—I had to prove, time and time again, that my designs could stand up against (and even surpass) those of the bigger names.
There were moments of doubt. I faced skepticism from manufacturers, pushback from industry insiders who dismissed me as just another small brand that wouldn’t last, and resistance from riders who were hesitant to try something new. But I refused to let those doubts define my path.
Instead of trying to compete on the same playing field as the big brands, I leaned into what made me different:
– I focused on **true customization**, designing saddles that addressed fit issues the mass-market brands couldn’t.
– I provided **hands-on, personalized customer service, something larger companies struggled to match.
– I invested in education, ensuring my clients weren’t just buying a saddle but truly understanding saddle fit and biomechanics.
Slowly but surely, my reputation grew. Word of mouth spread, and riders—many of whom had been let down by the big brands—began to trust my work. Seeing Borné Saddlery and Ruby Roo Saddles grow from a small, unknown brand into a respected name in the industry is proof of the resilience it took to push forward.
Breaking into a male-dominated, brand-loyal industry wasn’t easy. But every time I see a horse moving freely in one of my saddles, every time a rider tells me their experience has been transformed, I know that standing my ground and proving the value of my work was worth every challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bornesaddlery.com, www.rubyroosaddles.com
- Instagram: @bornesaddlery, @rubyroosaddles
- Facebook: Borne Saddlery, Ruby ROO Saddles, LLC
- Youtube: Ruby Roo Saddles
Image Credits
Photographer: Sabrina Casas