Vaquero Show to Benefit
Historical Society

  Two decades ago, a group of horsemen fascinated with the gear used by early California cowboys first gathered in a barn at the historic El Roblar Ranch in Los Alamos to swap tall tales, show off their collections off antique hand-made tack and rope a few steers. Neighbors and Valley newcomers attended, too, enjoying the experience of a bygone era from old timers who had lived the tradition of the vaquero.
  Some of the horsemen had even learned the techniques necessary to make the gear that had been developed into an art form by the early aqueros. They made handcrafted silver bits and spurs, hand -tooled leather saddles, braided rawhide riatas, bridles and reins, and other items of horsehair tack. These items were sold or swapped among the men, sometimes given as gifts, and sometimes purchased by total strangers to hang on walls of homes or offices.
  In 1994 the annual gathering outgrew the bucolic barn and was forced to search for a new meeting place. Neil Kennedy, then President of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society, jumped at the chance to host the group at the museum in Santa Ynez. Earlier that year, the museum had mounted an exhibition of vaquero items entitled “Art that Works for a Living.” That exhibition had been such a success that the museum directors were excited about hosting an annual event featuring exhibitors who could educate the general public and sell items to both collectors and local ranchers. Thus, the annual Vaquero Show and Sale will be celebrating its 20th anniversary (its 10th at the museum) this year on November 13-14.
  Noted artisans and collectors from all over the country will gather to display and sell collectibles that honor the traditional California vaquero.. At 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 13, in the museum courtyard, the famous Arabian horse breeder and trainer Sheila Varian will demonstrate the traditional steps used to train a finished reining horse to respond to a spade bit. On Sunday at 11 a.m. the Vaquero Heritage Group will give a presentation about Vaquero tack and apparel which was developed on local ranchos during the early California period.
  Other demonstrations and events include leather tooling, weaving, silver working and Jeremiah Watt fitting his hand-built saddletree to a horse. You can also have a cowboy hat customized to fit perfectly, or watch the process being done for someone else. You can even try making a hand-carved leather accessory. Or you can shop for beautiful hand-tooled tack for your horse, and take your pick of the best western duds to wear when you hit the trail or the dance floor. There will also be historic book collections and you can meet cowboy artist Joe Beeler, who will sign copies of Joe Beeler, the Life of a Cowboy Artist, written by Don Hedgepeth.
  The genuine western grub available throughout the weekend is guaranteed to be superb, starting a “by reservation only” dinner Friday night to recognize this year’s Honored Vaquero, Dan Brown, and the Vaquero Craftsman of the Year, Ed Field. Bob Eubanks, noted entertainer and long-time Valley resident will receive the Heritage Award for establishing the Santa Ynez Valley as a center for traditional western art in the state. Reservations are $65 and include a pre-dinner cocktail party and preview of the Vaquero Show. For those who wish to attend the cocktail party and preview show only, the cost is $20. Cost to attend the show on Saturday and Sunday is $5 for one day, or $7 for both days. Tickets are available at the door. Call (805) 688-7889 for preview part y and dinner reservations. Look at our centerfold map for the exact location of the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum.