December 2016 H www.santaynezvalleystar.com H Santa Ynez Valley Star H 31
ag & equine
DEMONSTRATIONS HIGHLIGHT VAQUERO WEEKEND
Santa Ynez Valley is a mecca for followers of Californio horsemanship traditions by Jessica Schley Contributing Writer
T
he streets of Santa Ynez were filled with wide-brimmed cowboy hats, ropes, boots, and jingling spurs — and, yes, even horses and calves. Old-timers and out-of-towners came together Nov. 11-13 to celebrate Old California’s most iconic symbol: the vaquero cowboy. The traditions and culture of these rugged characters of old is seeing a popular revival among Western horseback riders, not just locally but quite literally around the world. The Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum & Carriage House’s annual Vaquero Show and Sale is responsible in large part for this thriving cultural revival. This year was the museum’s 32nd annual celebration of the artisans, saddle makers, silversmiths and horsemen who keep the culture alive today. The Honorary Vaquero recognition this year went to the entire Poett family and their historic Rancho San Julian. The family can trace their ranch history and continued ownership back to the Spanish Land Grant era, a rare feat. Friday evening’s kick-off dinner was held in their honor. “You are a lifeline of the valley – ranching families like yours – we all want to be a part of your lifestyle and we are grateful that this special way of life has been honored and kept alive, authentically, by folks like you. This museum is working hard to continue that mission. You are our inspiration,” said Joe Olla, one of the show’s Organizing Committee members. This year’s schedule was expanded from previous years. Demonstrations were added to give spectators a chance to experience vaquero horsemanship live and up close. It was a chance for people to watch, listen and learn from some of the best vaquero torch-bearers around – authentic cattlemen and ranchers, such as Bruce Sandifer, founder of the Californio Bridlehorse Association; the spunky duo Pat and Deb Puckett; local icon Ramon Becerra; rancher and realtor Joe Olla; and relative valley new-comer Vito Antoci. Antoci, Roger Fortier, Mark Lopes and Tony Urquidez were the sponsors for the roping demo arena, which was easily the highlight of this year’s show. On Saturday and Sunday spectators gathered enthusiastically to see cowboys in action, demonstrating the way they gather cattle and their techniques of safe handling. A Cowboy Campfire was held on Satur-
Photos by Jessica Schley One of the popular new events for the Vaquero Show and Sale was the demonstration of roping calves by local vaqueros (cowboys). World-renowned horse trainer and trick roper Ramon Becerra chats with another cowboy before the roping demonstration.
Someone not feeling well?
day night, featuring cowboy poetry by Dan Hess and cowboy folk music by Art Greene, Christina Barnes and Chris Heinrich. Everyone dined on chili prepared by the Santa
We will welcome your out of town guests during the holidays!
Barbara County Cattlewomen while Hess recited poetry by the late, great local Jake Copass. He dedicated one poem to the valley’s “Danish Cowboy,” Sigvard Hansen.
BUELLTON MEDICAL CENTER Family Practice
Brandi Kulikov, M.A.
• Certified Labor Doula • Certified Postpartum Doula • Trained Childbirth Educator • Newborn/Infant Care Specialist • CA Massage Practitioner • Maternity and Baby Consultant • HUG Your Baby Parent Instructor (805) 478-7543 • cuddlebug.biz • cuddlebugbaby@hotmail.com
195 W. Hwy 246 • Buellton, CA 93427
M-Th 8 am-6 pm, Fri 8 am-4:30 pm, Sat 9 am-2 pm, Sun Closed
Ph: 805
686-8555 Fax: 805-686-8556
E-mail: info@buelltonmedicalcenter.com www.buelltonmedicalcenter.com
se habla español