Why I Started Sunflower Saddles & Tack Ranch

If you’ve made your way here, welcome to Sunflower Saddles & Tack Ranch — a place built from equal parts passion, hard work, and a lifelong love of horses. I wanted my first blog post to share the “why” behind this business, because it’s more than a store to me. It’s a piece of who I am.

I grew up riding horses — working cattle, trail riding, showing, competing, and anything else that put me in the saddle. Horses have been a part of my daily life for as long as I can remember. As I got older, I realized something important: good tack isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. A saddle that fits correctly, headstalls that hold up, reins that feel right in your hands… it all matters. Not just for performance, but for the comfort and wellbeing of the horse.

Over the years, I bought and tested more tack than I can count. Some things were great, some fell apart fast, and some just didn’t feel right. But one brand kept standing out above all the rest: HR Saddles & Tack — built by horsemen who actually ride every single day. The difference in the craftsmanship, the leather quality, and the feel was undeniable.

That’s when the idea hit me.
Why not build a business around the gear I trust the most?

So, I started Sunflower Saddles & Tack Ranch, with one promise:
If I don’t ride in it, I won’t sell it.

Every saddle, headstall, breastcollar, spur strap, and rein set on this website is something my family and I use on our own horses — for ranch work, trail rides, barrel racing, rodeos, and everyday riding. We’ve tested it. We’ve broken it in. We’ve hauled it down the road and used it hard. Everything here has earned its place.

What sets HR tack apart is simple:
It’s handcrafted. It’s built from premium USA leather. And every tooling design is carved by hand — one stamp at a time.

There’s no factory, no shortcuts, and no mass-produced imports. It’s tack built by horsemen, for horsemen (and horsewomen!) who expect quality that lasts. And that’s the kind of brand I’m proud to put my name behind.

My goal with this blog is to share more than just sales posts. I want to share:
• Tack care tips
• Saddle fit advice
• Ranch life stories
• New product releases
• Behind-the-scenes looks at how your gear is made
• Real riding insights from our own horses

Most importantly, I want this place to feel like a community — a place where riders can get honest information, beautiful handmade tack, and gear that truly holds up.

I’m so grateful you’re here. Whether you're a working cowboy, a weekend trail rider, a rodeo competitor, or simply someone who loves good-quality tack, I hope Sunflower Saddles & Tack Ranch becomes a trusted place for you and your horse.

Here’s to good rides, good leather, and good horses.
— Katie Jo, Founder of Sunflower Saddles & Tack Ranch