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You might want to check out
these other pages:
What Are the Steps to a Bridle Horse?
Braiding at California Classics
Mane Cinch vs Other Cinch Materials
Don't forget:
Heritage Hackamores, bosals and bosalitas with traditional rawhide cores are made right here at our old Paso Robles ranch.
Besides being made in the USA in the authentic California style, why should you consider adding our gear to your saddle shed or collection?
Making Traditional Rawhide
The work begins with the selection of the type of hide most appropriate for the individual project (bosals, reins, reatas, quirts, hobbles, etc.).
Our California climate is perfect with warm to hot, dry summers and cool nights for making the renowned Central Coast Ranch Rawhide developed originally by the vaqueros of this area. The winters are often warm with moisture. This is ideal for braiding as our style is done “mojada” (“wet”---more so than those who cut thin and narrow horse or goat strings).
Carefully chosen hides are worked hot off the cow to prevent break down of the hide caused by rotting fat and tissue. We don’t apply lime, salt or other chemicals used in commercial rawhide to help slip the hair quickly.
Why not? These fast and cheap methods permanently alter the inherent skin structure which results in a hard and brittle rawhide without any remaining “life.”
Hair for our CCRR hides must be removed by hand. We take special care not to scuff or damage the hide. This is the only way to retain the feel and “life” which carries over in the string we use in the finished gear.
Our authentic, traditional California vaquero way is a slow process, but the results are worth the time and effort.
Unique to California
The California vaqueros knew what was essential to make a true spade bit horse. When designing gear to this end, they looked to ancient elements from the Middle East, Africa, Spain and Mexico. The Californios had livestock, varied terrain and a temperate climate amid the isolation of the missions and ranchos without the pressure of time. What developed was simple, but unique equipment specifically created for the goal of the bridle horse. It worked. This is our legacy. It still works today and the vaquero culture renaissance is spreading around the world.
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