Justin and Arleah support California’ s efforts to keep the vaquero tradition alive – a trend that is catching on in other states as well. Their efforts have included speaking and providing demonstrations at the Vaquero Heritage Days in San Juan Bautista and other events in Northern California.
As Fields explained it, part of the vaquero style of riding focuses on proper use of equipment that is specially-made to fit the horse and the task at each stage of learning. The goal is to teach the horse to respond readily and accurately to subtle cues given by the rider using a halter, a bridle, a bit and reins. A skilled rider gains the horse’ s trust by giving the horse time to learn and adapt. This in turn gives the rider more precise control and the horse is able to perform more sophisticated tasks. The vaquero tradition extends to proper ways of rounding up and roping cattle on horseback using a riata rope, which is hand-made of rawhide.
“ Good things come to those who wait,” Fields said.“ In the vaquero tradition you take the time that’ s needed, which might be a year or two, to bring a horse along in its training. We don’ t push the horses.”
At Home with Horses H
Janis McDonald moved to a ranch in San Martin 30 years ago so she could raise her children in the country and have horses.“ Living here, there is something for everyone who wants to enjoy horses,” McDonald explained.“ So many children learn about horses through the 4H; not many cities can claim that, and it was a big part of childhood for my daughters. We have raised horses and taken our horses to compete at shows up and down the state.”
“ I tell my friends that I don’ t feel the need to go away on vacation. I am happy here, sitting on my back porch and watching the horses or taking them to shows. It’ s a lifestyle that is good for the soul.”
Like the McDonalds, Michelle Bright moved to the South County with her family in 2000 after discovering the many options the area provided to horse owners.
“ I grew up with horses and got back into riding when my daughter Hillary was five years old,” Bright said.“ We found a wonderful horse property, a great veterinarian, high-quality equestrian training programs and a horse-friendly community. My daughter and I trailer our horses to take lessons, go to shows, and do trail riding. Everything we want is nearby, but having the horses at home gives me peace of mind.”
A Gift to Our Youth H
Time and again, parents say their children have learned discipline, responsibility, confidence and compassion from horseback riding programs. Those who compete develop athleticism and a competitive spirit while gaining recognition for their achievements. And it’ s a great bonding experience at a time when youth are often self-conscious and unsure of themselves. Many colleges offer scholarships to attract riders to their equestrian teams.
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G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E MARCH / APRIL 2015 gmhtoday. com