TAPADERO • The Californios With their slick-fork saddles and silver spade bits, the Californio Vaqueros still trail cattle through these golden hills. Meet the men and women who work the ranches and carry the tradition forward. From the hackamore, to the two-rein, to straight-up-in-the bridle, see how they make a horse as fluid as silk. Learn their secrets to braiding the rawhide reata and throwing the figure eight. 82 minutes. BUY NOW
The Asistencia The Santa Margarita Ranch is the oldest continually run ranch dating back to the mission era. The ranch barn was once the asistencia (extension of Mission San Luis Obispo). Manager Jeff McKee and his wife Alie head out to gather cattle.
Spring Branding Alie McKee, is a dedicated cowgirl who works overtime perfecting her skills. She puts them to practice at the Spring branding and demonstrate the Californio-style of roping a calf.
The Spanish Expedition Don Garate, National Park Service and Santa Barbara historian Art Najera describe the arduous expeditions of Portola and De Anza from Mexico to the California. Father Serra envisioned many missions with vast cattle herds.
Spanish Barbs Marjorie Dixon is caretaker for a herd of the descendants of the original Spanish Barb horses Father Kino bred in northern Mexico. As Marjorie puts it, “ Anyone can raise horses to sell. These horses are a part of history, keeping the breed alive is a higher order.”
The Spanish Ranch In the Cuyama Valley, east of Santa Maria, is El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama. This famous ranch was the crossroads for the hide and tallow trade from the San Joaquin Valley to the ships on the Pacific. Pam and Dan Doiron have lovingly restored it. Their ranch manager Cruz Valdez and his family tend to the cattle.
