The centuries-old tradition of educating a horse in the vaquero style requires time and patience. There are no shortcuts. The finished product is well worth the wait. The goal is to create a living, breathing work of art.
This process begins with a new colt. We'll start him riding as a three year old in the snaffle, then give him the winter off to soak and settle. In the spring as a four-year old the snaffle work begins again. He'll learn all the flexions, all the movements, all the transitions. He'll learn to handle cattle and work a rope. We're laying the foundation to build upon for a lifetime of learning.
The next year he moves into the hackamore - a braided rawhide bosal and a mecate. We'll work through the same lessons all over again, but getting progressively more accurate, more precise. He is beginning to carry himself in true collection. He learns to use himself softer and lighter, but with more energy and athleticism at the same time. He is combining lateral and vertical flexions at all gaits through all the maneuvers.
Next is the two-rein stage. When he's six we'll introduce the bit. This is put on over a small leather bosal. For the first few months he just learns to hold and carry the bit, usually a half breed or a salinas mouthpiece, preparing him for the spade bit. Gradually he starts responding to the bit and romal. By the end of the year he is working entirely from the bridle reins.
Now he is ready to go "straight up in the bridle". He has earned the right to wear a bosalita - a small, decorative bosal that is simply there to honor the horse. It is a show of deep respect for the time and effort he has put in to become one of the elite few fine bridle horses in America today. He is ready to begin a new life with a rider who appreciates him as a true partner and friend.
