Vaquero, Californio, Buckaroo ......They all mean Cowboy!

Cowboys of the old west were referred to as "Vaquero's", ( spanish word, "Vaca" means cow), "Californio's", "hands", or "cowhands". The term "Cowboy" was rarely used back in the old west. It is more commonly used today.
The word Vaquero pronounced by American Cowboys, was "bukera" and finally "Buckaroo". For a time anyone working cattle, whether in Texas, CA or elsewhere was known as a "Buckaroo". It wasn't until the late 1860's when the Texans began to drive their cattle north to the new railroads in Kansas, that the term "Cowboy" came into widespread use.



Vaqueros were poor, owned no land, probably not even a horse, but he began the noble tradition of the working cowboy that spread from Mexico into the US.

Vaquero's felt superior to farmer's. They were proud of their work, had courage, fortitude, physical endurance, patient, long suffering, and uncomplaining. The Vaquero's worked in bad weather and with aches and pains. They went without food and tracked down stray animals at all costs. They had courage, riding into the midst of a milling herd.





The Vaquero and cowboys expected and valued these qualities. Virtuous actions would not bring praise, but failing to measure up to the Vaquero's standard could bring criticism censure or ridicule.









Jo Mora (cartoonist, illustrator, and Cowboy in the 1800's, pictured here) described the appearance of the Vaquero or Californio, (from the book "Cowboys of the America's" by Richard W Slarta)


"A kerchief was bound about his head, atop which, at a very rakish, arrogant angle sat a trail-worn weather beaten hat wide of brim, low of crown, held in place by a barbiquejo (chin strap) that extended just below the lower lip. His unkempt black beard straggled over his jowls and his long black hair dangled down his back to a little below the line of his shoulders. His ample colonial shirt was soiled and torn and a flash of brown shoulder could usually be seen through a recent tear. The typical wide red Spanish sash encircled his lean midriff. His short pants reaching to his knees, buttoned up the sides and were open for 6 inches or so at the bottom. Long drawers (which were once white) showed wrinkles at the knees and were folded into wrapped leather botas (leggings). He wore a rough pair of buckskin shoes with leather soles and low heels to which were strapped a pair of large and rusty iron spurs. This costume was finished off by a tirador ( a heavy wide at the hips belt) that helped him to snub with the reata (rawhide rope) when lassoing on foot. The ever present long knife in its scabbard was thrust inside the garter on his right leg."




Much of the dress, language, Vaquero horse tack and values of the Mexican and Californio Vaquero's passed to the Anglo American Cowboy. The Vaquero gear, the La reata became the Cowboys Larait (a rope in the form of a lasso). Chaparejos became chaps and the term "Dar la Vuelta" (take a turn) became "dally". Meaning to twist the end of a Lariat around the saddle horn rather than tying it down.





Vaquero Tack offered from Buckaroo Leather.......

Complete Hackamore/Mecate Set

Complete Hackamore Set includes an all natural beautifully hand braided 14 plait 5/8" rawhide bosal w/ Hermann Oak harness head piece attached with Cowboy knot adjustment and a 1/2" cotton 23' Mecate w/braided rawhide button. This Hackamore features our best quality all rawhide core bosal; a beautiful piece of "Old Style" rawhide braiding.

Batwing Shotgun Style Chap

Once you use this Full Grain Leather Chap you will use no other! Batwing Chap in Full Grain Leather in Brown Earth Tones. This Hand Crafted Chap has an amazing extra special Glovey Feel! for that Broke in Feel. This 3 snap Shotgun Style Chap is Straight Edge and has Hand Tooled plaque. You have a choice of Tooling Designs Basket, Wild Rose/Basket, and Acorn/Basket. Fully adjustable waist belt and leg straps.





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
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Gymkhana-an Exciting Equestrian Sport

Gymkhana is the action packed, precision sport of the equestrian world that is fast becoming one of the most exciting family oriented equestrian sports in the world. Gymkhana classes are timed speed events such as Barrel racing, Keyhole, Figure 8, keg race (also known as "down and back"), flag race and Pole bending.

Gymkhana has many interesting meanings.

To start, the word is derived from the Hindi and Urdu word for "racket" court. Gymkhana is also an Indian term which originally referred to a place where sporting events took place. This meaning then altered to denote a place where skill-based contests were held, such as in the sports of equestrian, gymnastics, and sports car racing.

In India, the term gymkhana is commonly used to refer to a gymnasium.

In the United Kingdom, the term gymkhana now almost always refers to a multi-game equestrian event performed to display the training and talents of horses and their riders. Often the emphasis is on children's participation.

Gymkhana in the past was sometimes even used for motorsport events.

Gymkhana had its beginning with the English military. During the Colonial period, the English military used horses for both transportation and military maneuvers. On Sunday afternoons, the Calvary would compete in horseback games to sharpen their horsemanship for war. Through the years different events have been added, some of which originated in Europe and others which were developed in this country. Ring Spearing, an event that is still part of Gymkhana in some areas, resembles the knight in medieval days riding full charge with his lance aimed at his enemy. The British Bengal Lancer engaged in Tent-Pegging, using his lance to unearth the tent pegs of the enemy, bringing down the tent on his adversaries. Pole Bending can easily be seen as good training for a Calvary charge through dense forest. The Rescue Race and Cowhide Race were originated by the Native American Indians as a way to rescue their comrades in battle. Similarly, the Speedball Race may have derived from the Native American Indians counting "coup" in which they would touch their enemies without harming them. The Pony Express Race, of course, simulates the old time Pony Express rider who delivered the mail between St. Louis and Sacramento in the Old West.

Below is a list of just some of the events you might find in a modern day Gymkhana.

Bending Poles are one of the most common races today. A line of about four or five poles is set up, and the horse and riders have to weave in and out of them as fast as they can, turn round the last one, and bend back to the finish line. This can be played in teams as a relay race and the first team all home wins. If they miss bending round a pole they have to go back and do it again, the only penalty they incur is wasting time. This teaches the pupil to control his mount, as well as turning.

The Egg and Spoon race is another favorite. The participants each get an egg on a spoon and have to go from the start to the other end (usually around the last bending pole), and back as fast as they can without dropping the egg. It is often played with potatoes instead as they don't break when landing on the floor, but beware of horses that eat anything. This is a wonderful event for teaching beginners to sit quietly on horseback and though the pony may be moving their seat moves fluidly with that of the horse. It is also an ideal exercise for riders with a 'hot seat' as they learn to sit still.

A popular race is the Walk, Trot, Canter, and Lead Race. During this race the riders walk from the start to a predetermined point. They then turn and trot back, to the start, where they turn again, canter to the same point as before, dismount and lead their horses back to the finish line. If they trot when they are meant to be walking they must turn a small circle. In this race they learn to encourage their mounts to 'extend' (throwing their legs out), their gait, while maintaining their pace.

Races, which will teach them to mount, dismount, and maintain control is Gretna-Green. What they do here is race from the starting point, dismount. While holding their ponies, they must put on a shirt (preferably button up), as well as a large pair of pants, remount, and get to the finish line. Great fun especially if you are picky about what buttons are done up and what aren't.

A favorite among pony clubbers is the Pairs race. One rider starts on the pony, goes as fast as they can to the other side, where a partner waits. They then help the partner mount and get back to the finish line as fast as possible. A variation of this is to have one start the race, dismount at the other end, and the partner has to mount and race back with no help from the dismounted rider. This is often a difficult thing to do on an excited pony, and can be especially fun when the game is played bareback. They will learn how to mount and dismount as well as how to work as a team.

The Sack Race is played the following way: they all line up at the start, and gallop to the opposite side where sacks are waiting for them. They dismount, jump into the sacks and hop back to the finish line. The first one home wins, and surprisingly this race is often the longest as ponies play up because the person leading them is jumping up and down and unsettling them.

In recent years Gymkhana has been steadily gaining in popularity. New events have been designed for competition between riders which bring into play the abilities of the rider and the speed and handiness of the horse. A good Gymkhana horse must have the speed of a race horse, the turning quickness and agility of a cutting horse and the control and responsiveness of the stock horse. In general, control of the horse and of oneself in the saddle is an added benefit of learning to play these games.

To find out more about Gymkhana, please check out these other websites.

The Complete Guide to Gymkhana for Horses

J-Six Equestrian Center Ranch Gymkhana Series

California Gymkhana Association

Buckaroo Leather is proud to manufacturer quality American Made leather horse tack! Our quality leather is not only durable but timeless!

In Gymkhana your horse and you need to have constant control and communication. Quality leather horse tack will enhance this communication between you and horse.

Buckaroo Leather offers a full line of this quality leather horse tack from Training Gear , Leather and Nylon Reins, Chink and Chaps to great western Bling or Conchos.

Buckaroo Style Harness Headstall (as pictured here)This 3/4" Buckaroo Style Headstall is hand crafted of the finest Hermann Oak Harness leather, it features a shaped brow, scalloped cheek pieces and is finished with Antique Silver conchas, decorative stitching and nickel buckles. Matching harness reines are also finished with Antique Silver conchas, decorative stitching Nickel Plate buckles; reins are available in 5/8" or 3/4" and 7' or 8' lengths.

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
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Buckaroo Leather Slobber Straps

Buckaroo Leather uses the influence of the Vaquero when creating the many styles of Hackamores and Mecates.

(See my squidoo lens for the Vaquero history!)

The Complete Hackamore/Mecate Set, has an all natural hand braided 14 plait rawhide Bosal and a cotton 23' Mecate with a braided rawhide button.Buckaroo offers many traditional "Old mexico" hand braided Rawhide Bosal.

A variation of the Hackamore is called "Mecate Snaffle Bridle Reins". It is used as a rein system for a bridle with a bit. The Mecate Reins are meant to be used with slobber straps and snaffle bits..

The slobber straps protect the Mecate and helps provide a quick release for training the horse. This variation is used by the Natural Horseman. And has become very popular with Nevada and High Desert Buckaroos...

Buckaroo Leather makes slobber straps to attach your Mecate to your snaffle. Our most popular slobber straps are the ones with a buckle. The buckle allows you to buckle on or off the bit without having to untie your Mecate.

Buckaroo Leather makes plain slobber straps, to get the job done or a fancy style slobber strap.

Buckle on Slobber Straps (pictured here) are made from Hermann Oak Harness Leather, Red or Black Latigo leather or oiled chestnut. The Slobber Strap is Hand edged and Hand rubbed and has a Solid Brass or Nickel Plate Hardware. This strap is designed for an easy Mecate change.

This Slobber Straps (pictured here) has Engraved Silver Buckles and is hand crafted from Premium Hermann Oak Harness Leather. It is hand edged and hand finished. It is Designed for easy Mecate Change.

Buckaroo Leather Co. has all your Hackamore, Mecate, and slobber strap needs. We have many styles to choose from and all are fashioned from the highest grade leather, from Hermann Oak Leather. The quality of our horse tack can not be beat!! You will love our style but come back for the quality!

Please see our Video on attaching the slobber straps in the Blog above, or click here!

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

How to Properly Fit Your Breast Collar with an Over the Wither Strap

All serious Western Performance Horseman will want to use this Innovative quality leather Tack Item. Keeping your Breast Collar in the right position always helps your horse perform at optimum levels and add balance and support to your athletic Horse.


If you like this video-please see our Squidoo Lens with more great How To Video's

Mecate Reins and Hackamores- A Brief History....

The Mecate Reins are fast becoming the Rage of the Sage because they are so versatile....

The Mecate is the rein portion of the horse tack, called the Hackamore. The Hackamore is a type of headgear for horse training. The unique part of the Hackamore is that it does not have a bit. It uses a braided noseband called a Bosal. The Bosal is a special type of noseband that works on pressure points on the horse's face, nose, and chin. The Mecate is a rope made from horse hair or soft feeling rope that serves as reins and lead rope.

The history of the Hackamore and Mecate goes all the way back to 4,000 BC. The first Hackamore was probably a piece of rope placed around the nose or head of a horse not long after domestication. These early devices for controlling horses may have been adapted from equipment used to control Camels. Over time, this means of controlling a horse became more sophisticated.

The Persians in 500 BC were one of the first to use a thick plaited noseband to help the horse look and move in the same direction. This was called a Hakma. On this Hakma was a third rein added at the nose, which allowed the rider to achieve more power from the horse. Later this third rein moved from the top of the noseband to under the chin, where it is still part of the modern Bosal style Hackamore with Mecate reins.

The Hackamore used in the United States came from the Spanish Vaqueros in California. From this, the American Cowboy adopted two different uses, the "Buckaroo" tradition closely resembling that of the original Vaqueros and the "Texas" tradition which blended some Spanish techniques with methods from the eastern states.

These types of Hackamores include the Bosal and side pull. The Bosal Hackamore uses the Vaqueros tradition of the braided noseband and the Mecate rope.

The Mecate is tied to the Bosal in a specialized manner that adjusts the fit of the Bosal around the muzzle of the horse and creates both a looped rein and a long free end that can be used for a number of purposes.

For the mounted rider, the free end is coiled and attached to the saddle or tucked under your belt. When the rider dismounts, the lead rein is not used to tie the horse to a solid object but used as a lead rope and a form of lunge line when needed.

The traditional Mecate used by the California Vaqueros was made from the long hair of a horse's tail and was hand braided. Modern Mecates are made with horse hair and synthetic rope with a horse hair tassel at one end and a leather popper at the other end.

A properly tied Mecate knot allows wraps of rope to be added to the knot in front of the rein loop in order to tighten the Bosal noseband on a horse or the rope can be unwrapped to loosen the Bosal.

This Vaquero style of Hackamore is used in Western Riding and is an indispensable part of the Vaquero way of making a California reined horse. It is also used with horses that have dental issues, where a bit would be painful. Some riders also like to use this style of Hackamore in the winter instead of a frozen metal bit.

The side pull Hackamore or headstall is a modern design inspired by the Bosal style. This style has a heavy noseband with side rings that attach the reins on either side of the head. This allows very direct pressure to be applied from side to side.

The noseband is made of leather, rawhide, or rope with a leather or synthetic strap under the jaw. It is held on by a leather or synthetic headstall.

This style of Hackamore is great for beginning riders.

Buckaroo Leather Uses the Vaquero Influence

Buckaroo Leather uses the influence of the Vaquero when creating the many styles of Hackamores and Mecates.

The Complete Mecate Snaffle Bridle Set (as pictured above) has 3/4" Harness Cowboy Knotbrow Headstall, Hand Tooled Basket Design Slobber Straps, and Earth Tone Mecate with hand Engraved "OLD MEXICO" Silver or Brass Conchas and Buckle Sets to match!

Buckaroo also offers many traditional "Old mexico" hand braided Rawhide Bosals.

A variation of the Hackamore is called "Mecate Snaffle Bridle Reins" (see how to tie video). It is used as a rein system for a bridle with a bit. The Mecate Reins are meant to be used with slobber straps to connect to the snaffle bits.. The slobber straps protect the Mecate and helps provide a quick release for training the horse. This variation is used by the Natural Horseman. And has become very popular with Nevada and High Desert Buckaroos...

Buckaroo Leather makes slobber straps (pictured above) to attach your Mecate to your snaffle. Buckaroo makes many different styles from plain get the job done to custom hand tooled leather. Our most popular slobber straps are the ones with a buckle. The buckle allows you to buckle on or off the bit without having to untie your Mecate.

Buckaroo Leather has all your Hackamore, Mecate, and slobber strap needs. We have many styles to choose from and all are fashioned from the highest grade American Made leather, from Hermann Oak Leather. The quality of our horse tack can not be beat!! You will love our style but come back for the quality!

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

To watch Video on Tying
Mecate to Snaffle Bit Bridle
Click Here