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The Vaquero’s roots go deep. To Spain, to the Moors of North Africa and the blending of these two horse cultures. This laid the groundwork for the bridle horse, the hallmark of these superb reinsmen. To Mexico, where roping and handling cattle on the open range evolved.

And to California, where it all came together. Here, the secrets of training horses practiced through the centuries came full flower. And the hackamore, romal reins and spade bit were refined. The best of these proud Vaqueros earned the title “Californio.” With gentle hands and a lightning-fast spade bit horse, he was the best of all the reinsmen. (95 minutes)