Cowgirl to the Core
When I am not in the saddle, I spend time researching different training methods. Every professional trainer has their own techniques. I am still developing my own by taking bits of knowledge from other trainers and my experiences.
One particular style of training that I find fascinating is that of the traditional Vaquero. Many Vaquero served in Spain as cavalry officers. They built a reputation in California for their exceptional horsemanship. I believe they viewed horse training as an art more than simply a skill.
The Vaquero had an amazing ability to control his horse with nearly imperceptible cues. Colts are started in a traditional hackamore, a bitless bridle. It is composed of a hanger, a bosal and the mecate used for reins. The mecate is typically made of braided horse hair, but today, cotton ropes have become a less expensive option. The hanger is a thin leather strap that holds the bosal in place but still allows for movement. The bosal is made of rawhide and goes around the horse's nose.
As colts progress through the training process, the bosal is switched out for smaller bosals, or the bosalita. Eventually, when the horse is completely broke, they graduate to a heavy bit. The bits are intricately designed, and often look harsh. Because the horses are trained to respond to the slightest pressure, these bits do not damage the horse's mouth if the rider knows how to properly use the bit. Any type of bit can be severe in the wrong hands. It is important to know how each bit should be used.
Vaqueros not only stood out because of their elegantly trained horses, but also because of their style of dress. They wore flat brimmed hats and long hair tied back in a ribbon. A Vaquero's pants and shirts were fitted with knee-high boots and fancy silver spurs. Rawhide and silver made his tack unique. The American Buckaroo of today copied many aspects of the Vaquero's style of clothing and training.
For Christmas, my brother gave me a set of handmade buckaroo-style rein chains. The chains attach to rawhide reins on one end, and the shank of a bit on the other. Even though they are chains, they are delicate. If too much pressure is used, the circles will stretch and become oval shaped.
The rein chains are stylish but offer purpose as well. They balance romal reins, which are meant to be used with the chains, and add feel to the reins. Chains keep the reins dry when the horse drinks and they break in case of emergency. My brother told me to only use these on a finished bridle horse.
He then told me a story he read. The Vaquero was riding his best spade-bit horse, or bridle horse. He tied a single piece of horse hair to hold the reins to the bit. The bits they used were razor sharp. The Vaquero then ran his horse towards a cliff, and at the last minute asked his horse to stop. Before toppling to their death, the horse sat on his rear and stopped. The bit never left a mark on the horse's mouth and the fragile hair remained unbroken. That is how little pressure the rider needed to apply to get his horse to respond.
Reading about this style of training made me realize how important it is to set high standards for training. My horses are only one and two years old, so I have a long time before I can use my rein chains. They have much to learn before they have the honor of being called bridle horses. For now, I have those fancy chains hanging in my car as a daily reminder of my goal.
Many horse people want fast results, and believe special bits and equipment will get them there faster. The traditional hackamore has remained unchanged for nearly 300 years. I don't have anything against trying different bits, but the tool used is not what determines success. The methods and the art of patience are far more important than any bit or gear.