By Jessica Schley
Contributing Writer
Anyone who has ever attended Old Santa Ynez Day knows that the barbecue at Juan Lara Saddlery, in the big red barn behind John’s Chevron, is one of the best parts of the whole day.
This year, saddle maker Juan Lara Jr. has been selected to serve as grand marshal for the day’s festivities on Saturday, June 9. He will be riding in the parade on his black Azteca gelding Oreo, and hosting his big annual barbecue as well. His father, Juan Lara Sr., is coming to town to celebrate with everyone.
Lara gets custom orders every year for local riding clubs and events, including Santa Barbara Fiesta Rodeo, Elks Rodeo, Vaqueros de los Ranchos, Santa Barbara Trail Riders, Sage Hens and more. Photo by Daniel Dreifuss
Juan Lara Saddlery originated in Santa Barbara in the 1970s. Juan Sr. and his father, also Juan Lara, began as saddle makers at Jedlicka’s Saddlery. Juan Jr. began working at the shop with his dad and grandfather at the age of 11, in the afternoons after school. By the time he was a young man, he was making saddles alongside them and honing his craft.
“I worked for a summer outside the shop, packing cherimoya fruit for California Tropics, which was great work and I liked it, but I missed the shop a lot, so I came back and never left,” Lara said.
He moved the shop from Ortega Street in Santa Barbara to the big red barn in Santa Ynez in 2006 and lives just down the street with his wife, son and daughter.
“Santa Ynez is such a great place to be, and to raise kids. I love living here and I love having so many good friends stop by the shop to visit every day,” he said.
Lara’s saddle shop carries dozens of used and antique collectible saddles, bits, spurs, bridles and equipment. He takes orders for custom saddles and usually makes a few stock saddles each year as well to sell to the folks who don’t want to wait for a fully customized saddle.
In addition to saddle making and leather repairs of all kinds, Lara often teaches group classes for youth, including students at Midland School. He loves to teach, and he most enjoys watching youngsters get really into using the various tools, and producing a piece of work that they can be really proud of.
“It makes me happy to be able to pass on skills and knowledge that very few folks have access to learning these days,” he said.
Lara takes orders for custom saddles and usually makes a few stock saddles each year as well. Photo by Daniel Dreifuss
As he was interviewed, several helpers stood around the large work bench in the shop, cleaning leather, making repairs, and keeping the shop neat. As his business has grown he has brought on several helpers to keep up with demand.
“I hate to say no to anybody when they come in with a piece they really love and need fixed. I enjoy challenges, especially restoring older saddles that have stories to tell,” he said.
Lara had just completed a big order of custom keychains with a company logo on them for a corporate executive event at Bacara Resort. He gets custom orders every year for local riding clubs and events, including Santa Barbara Fiesta Rodeo, Elks Rodeo, Vaqueros de los Ranchos, Santa Barbara Trail Riders, Sage Hens, Valley Penning Association, and many more.
Lara’s father usually visits once a year from his rancho in Honduras, where he retired in 1998. He stays for a few weeks up to a couple of months and often builds a few custom saddles for special clients while he’s here. Most recently he visited last December after a health scare that required surgery, which turned out well, to everyone’s relief. He will be back in June to celebrate with his son and their many clients and friends for Old Santa Ynez Day.
FYI
In addition to the parade at 11 a.m., Old Santa Ynez Day is designed for family fun, food, antiques, arts and crafts booths, and a beer garden. The festivities begin at 9 a.m. on Sagunto Street.
Buying a fundraising badge keeps you out of the Old Santa Ynez Day Jail and benefits local schools and students via the Santa Ynez Elks Lodge No. 2640.
Games for kids will be held in the afternoon on the main stage, including the traditional tortilla toss and watermelon-eating contest.
Music on the main stage will be provided by the T-Bone Ramblers and some young local talent as well.
There is no charge to enter the parade or host a booth. Log onto www.syvelks.com for applications, deadlines and other information.
More music
The Jones family in Santa Ynez hosts its annual music festival during Old Santa Ynez Day at 1120 Edison St. in downtown Santa Ynez, next to Back at the Ranch.
The jubilee features a day of music with several bands, starting at noon. For more information, go to Facebook and search for Jones Fest.
