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California Trails

Dorothy Rogers and California Classics

Steeped in the traditions of the Pacific Slope, Dorothy Rogers was selected to be the Coordinator of the original California Vaquero Show hosted by Arnold Rojas and Lou Hengehold and held at the historic Mill in Santa Paula. This annual event and those who participated helped to revive the interest in the California cow horse and the distinctive style, elements, and dedication to time honored methods developed in Africa, Europe, and perfected during the mission period on the vast ranchos of the New World. 

While teaching full time, Dorothy served as the Equestrian Project Officer for SLO County with the Chamber of Commerce for which she staged events, ranch tours, and acted as a liaison with the equine community. Practical application of seat to saddle came in the running of a cow/calf operation as well as taking day work on ranches. This gave her an appreciation for "an all day seat" built in a saddle. She was a partner in a custom saddlery for over 15 years and has also associated with master silver and gold smiths who have given her knowledge of the finer points of traditional craftsmanship, line, balance, and style. Dorothy is the Equestrian Editor for a local newspaper The Paso Robles Magazine and outside editorial writer for other equine publications. This affords her the opportunity and privilege to meet and know some of the world's top horsemen and their needs and preferences.  Dorothy is currently a syndicated equine columnist.

Dorothy's late mother was a fine tailor and costume designer trained in the European school. She designed some of the apparel carried at California Classics today. Her late father, Roy Rogers, cowboyed the ranches of the Southwest and California. He possessed an innate ability with animals. This has left Dorothy with an ever present desire to learn more about working with her horses and dogs and seeking out those who have dedicated themselves to the development of this relationship.

This was taken during a visit from our friend, judge, author and fine bridle horseman, Dick Deller.

California Classics was started by Dorothy in 1994. Dorothy and the talented artists, artisans, and craftsmen she gathered together continue to create and locate mid to upper end horse gear and leathercraft, premium silver for horse and human, limited edition silk scarves, wool vests, and other apparel, collectibles, decorator items, fine western art and specially selected music, books, videos and gifts. These are hand selected in an effort to enrich the lives of ranchers, cowboys, charros, horsemen, aficionados, working buckaroos, or those who just want a touch of the West.  We are "preserving traditions as old as the West" both here and abroad while progressing toward the future with the help and blessings of many good friends and Our Lord.  Aaron Winchell A long rope man, Aaron Winchell's background in construction, saddle shops, as a packer and a working buckaroo provides customers with his first hand expertise when making durable yet beautiful gear for a variety of horses and climates.

Thank you

Thank you for coming to visit California Classics. Call with your special needs. Don't miss your dallies, and if you schedule a trip to California, don't forget to contact us and we will roll out the trade blanket for you. At California Classics you are only a stranger once.

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