Friday, September 16, 2011

Old West Visalia Style Headstall....Rival of the Visalia Saddle Design

Old West Visalia Style Headstall.......
Rival of the Visalia Saddle Design








The Old West Visalia style for horse tack started with the Visalia Saddle Co in 1869. The Visalia Saddle Company was started by Juan Martarell and his two associates, Alsalio Herrera and Ricardo Mattley. Mattley was a specialist in carving saddle trees from native oak and Herrera was an expert silversmith.


Their first store was in the community of Visalia. Juan and his associates started making his famous saddles for the vaqueros and herdsmen in the surrounding ranches.


The three men came from the Mexico state of Sonora during the gold rush in California. The famous signature style of the Visalia Saddle Company began. Juan Martarell called this style the Vaquero Saddle. This Vaquero saddle was lighter, stronger, and more comfortable for both horse and rider than the Spanish saddle that was used during this time. The Vaquero Style saddle quickly gained fame for Martarell and his associates.

The Visalia design idea came when a Vaquero asked Martarell to repair
his worn Spanish saddle. Instead of repairs, Martarell completely converted the Vaquero's saddle. The new version lacked the high horn and long stirrups of the classic Spanish saddle. Martarell added a skirt to protect the horse rider's legs.

The Visalia Saddle Company also manufactured hand-braided riatas and jaquimas, conchas, quirts, tapaderos, stirrups and harnesses.

Buckaroo Leather has revived the classic Old West
Visalia style.......



The Old west Visalia Leather Headstall is made with Genuine Hermann Oak Golden Bridle, oiled to a medium Honey color or Black, then rubbed from the finest heavy weight stitched leather for a smooth, rich, "broke in" feel. It is hand
carved in the old Visalia designs, Wild Weeds or Old Basket stamp. This Headstall is a Double ear style or one ear. 1" width for the wide old tyme Visalia look but can be ordered in 3/4". Has easy change Buckles at the bit ends and has all engraved Stainless Steel buckles. Available in Regular horse, Large horse/mule and Draft.



also available is the Gag/Saddle Old Visalia Headstall

This headstall is made special with short cheeks to fit GAG bits properly! It is hand carved in the old Visalia designs, Wild Weeds or Old Basket stamp. This Headstall is a Double ear style. In 1" width for the wide old tyme Visalia look but can be ordered in 3/4". Has easy change 5/8" Buckles at the bit ends and has all engraved Stainless Steel buckles. Available in Regular horse, Large horse/mule and Draft.




Our family has been dedicated for 30 years in serving the
Western Horseman the safest most durable
Quality American made leather horse tack.......Buckaroo John Brand
Buckaroo Leather, The Brand to Demand
Visit Our Unique Store Today
Buckaroo Leather Shopping Site

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