About Vaquero Documentary


*ABOUT VAQUERO...* There's a misconception these days that the cowboy is a thing of the past — a heroic icon, but nonetheless a relic. Vaquero will change your mind as this 35-minute documentary takes you to some of the cattle ranches on California's central coast, where they still run cattle over the same rolling hills their ancestors rode more than 200 years ago. In those days, the California cowboys were called vaqueros, and were revered as some the the world's greatest horsemen. The vaqueros ran cows over Santa Ynez's beautiful, but formidable landscape — steep soaring hills and deep ravines. And needless to say, working cattle in this country is not for the faint of heart. It took brave horses and brave men to ride them. This 35-minute exploration into the cowboy culture takes the viewer to the great land grant ranches, features interviews with cattlemen and cowboys and cowgirls who are living the life their forebears did —and enjoying every minute of it.
Santa Ynez Valley Cowboy Jake Copass rides through the rolling hills and ancient oaks of this picturesque landscape. The narrator gives an overview of the history and traditions of the vaqueros who worked the ranchos during the old Californio days.
	Wasioja Ranch In the Cuyama Valley, buckaroos Wil Bernhardt and Justin Bogle demonstrate their many skills. Among them, throwing the 65-foot rawhide riata, a vaquero tradition still be carried forward today.
Star Lane Ranch. Brothers Bill and Chuck King and their families, descendants of José de la Guerra, patron of the Los Alamos Ranch, gather cattle on the oak-studded Star Lane Ranch. This cattle gather is part of an old ranching tradition where friends and neighbors get together and help each other out.
	Williams Ranch Jerry Williams Jr. describes the need to be self sufficient in ranching. Volunteer cowhands — Rick Layman and Leigh Bollinger help sort cattle. Jerry's border collies are heros of the operation, and he considers them indispensable.
Westfall Ranch Cutting Trainer Russ Westfall gives us a demonstration and explains why cutting is one the basic skills required in cattle handling. Meet his wife Janet, a champion in her own right, and 3-year old son, Brandon who is already learning to rope and ride.
	Chamberlin Ranch Co-owner Willy Chamberlin shares his views on the future of ranching and tells what he's learned about life and marriage — from his mules!
The Alisal Ranch Enjoy the spectacular scenery of this 10,000 acre ranch. It's still a cattle ranch but accepts guest who to want to get a taste of the cowboy life. Cowboy Jake Copass passes on the traditions to a younger generation and gives them a first-hand taste of it on horseback.