Keeping Early Californio Tradition Alive 

There are a group of cowboys and horsemen that are trying to keep the traditions used on livestock and horses during the mission era of California, the early Californio traditions.  It's a slower way, but it's better for the horses and livestock.  Bruce Sandifer of the Californio Bridlehorse Association relayed a saying I thought summed it up nicely, "Do nothing today, that won't make tomorrow better".

For the last five years, these cowboys get together to practice these early Californio traditions at an event called the Early Californio Skills of the Rancho.  This year the event will be held July 6-9, 2017 at the Elks Rodeo Grounds in Santa Maria, California.

We talk to Bruce Sandifer and Elena Juarez about the event that is a great place for people to learn more about these early Californio traditions.

Ranae and I hope to make it at least one day.  There are going to be some great vendors like Casey Horg Bit Maker, Greg Gomersall Saddlery, and a free concert by Mike Beck.  It's going to be a fun time!