Before she ever fitted a custom French saddle for an elite rider, Emma Johnson ’22, MBA ’23, was learning how to combine business strategy with hands-on equestrian experience at Alfred University.
Today, Emma works for Voltaire Design, an internationally recognized equestrian saddlery company known for its high-end, custom French saddles and riding equipment. In her role, she partners with professional and amateur riders across disciplines, providing personalized consultations and expert saddle fittings to a luxury clientele that includes high-level equestrian professionals.
“The clientele that I work with now is very high-end,” she says. “I sell luxury products to some of the top riders at the most prestigious equine facilities.”
While her work is rooted in equestrian expertise, it’s powered by the business foundation she built at Alfred. As a business administration major with minors in marketing, equine business, and equestrian studies—followed by an MBA in business administration—Emma developed skills in sales strategy, branding, and client relationship management that she now uses every day. Selling a custom saddle requires more than technical knowledge; it demands the ability to communicate value, understand market positioning, and build long-term partnerships built on trust.
“Being a part of the equestrian programs at Alfred gave me the opportunity to work alongside riders from many different backgrounds,” she explains. “It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and allowed me to dip my toe into different disciplines and soak in learning about the horse world from even more perspectives. All those experiences helped prepare me to better understand and make connections with the variety of riders and clients I work with today. I loved my time gaining these experiences at Alfred, and I love that I get to continue connecting with more fellow equestrians.”
