Indian saddlery thrives on precision, trust, and artistry, and JOJI Exports has quickly emerged as a name that captures this balance with authenticity.
To explore how the company is reshaping Indian saddlery for global markets, Jehanzaib Ahmed, founder and CEO of PETBIZS, sat down for an exclusive conversation with Mohd (Khan) Ibrahim, founder of JOJI Exports.
With his polite and open nature, Ibrahim takes us through his journey from growing up in Kanpur’s leather heartland to building a brand that redefines India’s role in the international equestrian trade. Guided by a deep respect for heritage and a bold vision for innovation, he explains how JOJI Exports blends craftsmanship, technology, and sustainability to meet the expectations of riders and distributors globally.
Now, without any further delay, let’s begin the interview.
Ibrahim, before we get into the details of JOJI Exports, could you share a bit about yourself and what first drew you toward the equestrian industry?
Well, this question always makes me a little nervous — not because I’m shy, but because I don’t like exaggerating about myself.
My name is Mohd (Khan) Ibrahim, and I grew up in Kanpur, a city known worldwide for its leather craftsmanship. My family has been in the leather trade for over three decades, and that heritage defines my connection with the industry. From a young age, I was surrounded by leather products and constant discussions about them. Watching raw leather transform into functional yet elegant pieces always fascinated me.
What truly drew me to the equestrian industry, however, was the unique combination of tradition and performance. I have always loved horses — they represent beauty, strength, and elegance — and I believe the products designed for them should reflect the same qualities. Achieving that balance between artistry and functionality is challenging, but it is also what inspired me to dedicate myself to this field.
JOJI Exports was founded in 2023, yet it has already earned attention in the equestrian trade. What was your original vision when you started the company?
My vision was simple yet ambitious: to create a global brand from India that stands for quality, innovation, and reliability in equestrian goods.
I always wanted my brand to be more than just a manufacturer but a trusted partner for riders, trainers, and distributors worldwide. You can describe it as my mission and vision, and this is also the very reason that JOJI Exports has gained attention in the equestrian trade.
From day one till now, we have focused on craftsmanship, customization, and building strong relationships, and this has led us to gain attention in the European markets.
Kanpur is often called India’s leather capital. How does this heritage shape your approach to building saddles and equestrian products for international riders?
Well. I must admit that Kanpur’s leather heritage is our backbone.
In Kanpur, generations of artisans have mastered the art of leather work. It’s in their blood, and they understand well the sophistications involved in shaping leather into mindful products for international riders.
At JOJI Exports, with extensive R&D and market demand knowledge, we combine this heritage with modern designs and global safety standards. The result is always the best product aligned with what every rider craves for — aesthetically comfortable and operationally safe products.
Here, I would also like to add that every saddle we produce is not just a product but a continuation of that legacy, adapted for the needs of international riders.
Many of your products, from horse saddles to western tack, are described as both comfortable and durable. What personal philosophy guides your design and craftsmanship process?
My philosophy is that equestrian gear must respect both the horse and the rider. Comfort ensures performance, and durability ensures trust. We never cut corners — whether it’s in choosing the leather, reinforcing the stitching, or testing the ergonomics. Our goal is to make every ride safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
One of JOJI Exports’ strengths is customization. Could you describe how you work with distributors or riders who want saddles tailored to their specific needs?
Yes, no doubt that customization is our strength. And to maintain this edge, we listen first. Every rider has unique needs depending on their discipline, body structure, and even their horse’s build. We work closely with distributors and riders to understand these details and then adapt designs, fittings, and finishes accordingly. From seat size to leather color, almost everything can be personalized. This flexibility sets us apart.
The international market has high expectations for saddlery. How do you balance maintaining strict global quality standards while keeping the essence of Indian leather artistry alive?
Now, this is a very important question, and you must be expecting to hear about our strategy to meet international expectations.
At JOJI Exports, we deeply understand that it’s all about the balanced blending of tradition with technology. Every product that we manufacture undergoes strict quality checks — tensile strength testing, stitch endurance evaluation, and leather grade verification. We use international-standard fittings, including ASTM-certified buckles, ISO-tested stirrups, and REACH-compliant metals, to match global benchmarks. Our saddles and bridles are built around safety norms that emphasize ergonomic weight distribution, skin-friendly materials, and enhanced rider stability.
While technology drives precision, we preserve artistry through hand-tooling, natural finishes, and designs inspired by Indian craftsmanship. The outcome is the best equine gear that stands tall in global competition while carrying the pride of Indian heritage.
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Today’s riders often look for performance, style, and even sustainability. How is JOJI Exports experimenting with new tanning techniques or eco-friendly practices to meet these demands?
Sustainability is close to my heart. We’ve begun working with vegetable-tanned leathers, which are eco-friendly and chemical-free. We are also exploring recycled materials for certain components without compromising performance. Our aim is to combine style and performance with responsibility toward the environment.
Beyond saddles, your product range includes headstalls, breastplates, and more. Which of these products do you see making the biggest impact in global markets?
While saddles remain our flagship product, we’re seeing tremendous demand for headstalls, halters, and breastplates — especially in synthetic and padded variations. These items are versatile, customizable, and widely used across disciplines, which makes them strong contenders in global markets.
Growing an export company is never easy. What challenges have you faced while positioning Indian saddlery internationally, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
One major challenge has been overcoming perceptions. Many international buyers associate high-quality saddlery with Europe or the U.S. We had to prove that Indian products can match, and even exceed, those standards.
Another challenge is fluctuating global trade policies and shipping logistics. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that patience and persistence pay off — quality and consistency eventually speak louder than words.
Finally, where do you see JOJI Exports five years from now? What legacy do you hope to build in the equestrian world?
In five years, I see JOJI Exports as a recognized global brand present in all major equestrian markets — North America, Europe, and beyond. Our legacy will be about creating products that riders trust and horses are comfortable with, while also uplifting Indian craftsmanship to the world stage. I want future generations to look at JOJI Exports as the bridge between tradition, innovation, and sustainability.
Thank you, Ibrahim, for your time and for sharing your journey with us. Your insights not only highlight the craftsmanship and vision behind JOJI Exports but also reflect the growing strength of Indian saddlery on the global stage.
From preserving Kanpur’s legacy to embracing international standards and sustainable practices, your story shows how tradition and innovation can move forward together.
As JOJI Exports sets its sights on wider markets, one thing is clear — the brand is shaping a legacy of trust, performance, and artistry that riders and horses worldwide will value for years to come.
