At a very young age, I knew my destiny would be intertwined with these magnificent creatures. I became utterly captivated by their grace, their power, and their sheer presence. Every moment spent in their company felt like a glimpse into a world of magic and wonder. As I grew, so did my fascination with all things equine. I immersed myself in books, lessons, and anything that would deepen my understanding of these incredible animals. But it wasn’t just riding that captured my heart—it was the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the gear that communicates and connects us.
It was this passion for both horses and craftsmanship that led me down the path of leatherwork, and saddlery. I found myself drawn to the intricate process of creating and restoring saddles, each stitch a testament to the centuries-old tradition of equestrian artistry and horsemanship. Before I knew it, my hobby had blossomed into a full-fledged passion, and eventually, into the birth of Ojai Saddleworks. Named after the serene town nestled in the shadows of the Topa mountains and horse country, Ojai Saddleworks became my labor of love—a place where my dedication to quality and precision could shine.
At Ojai Saddleworks, my mission is clear: to serve equestrians with the highest quality services and gear, enhancing both rider and horse’s performance, confidence, comfort, and health. But it’s not just about the products and services—it’s about restoring, preserving, and maintaining traditions, legacies, heirlooms, and stories that most of these saddles and tack hold. I take pride in not only providing riders with top-of-the-line products but also in maintaining their equipment to ensure its longevity and performance. From custom fittings to saddle adjustments, I’m committed to ensuring every rider feels comfortable and confident in the saddle, and that every horse experiences the joy of a perfectly fitted saddle.
As I look back on my journey from wide-eyed child to passionate entrepreneur, I’m filled with gratitude for the horses who ignited my passion and the craft that became my calling. As I continue to ride the waves of success with Ojai Saddleworks, I do so with the same sense of wonder and reverence that first sparked my love affair with horses all those years ago.
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Khaled Fouad
Owner, Ojai Saddleworks
Ojai Saddleworks was born in the heart of California’s 805 horse country, surrounded by some of the most vibrant equestrian communities on the Central Coast.
From the ranchlands of Ventura County to the rolling vineyards of Santa Ynez Valley and the open country of San Luis Obispo County, this region is home to generations of riders, ranchers, and horsemen who value good gear and good horsemanship.
It’s a community built on tradition, craftsmanship, and respect for the partnership between horse and rider—values that continue to guide the work we do at Ojai Saddleworks.
Today, we’re proud to serve riders throughout Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and San Luis Obispo County, helping maintain the saddles and tack that carry their stories forward.