The Early Californios Skills Competition

The Annual Skills Competition is an event to preserve and educate people to the beauty and efficiency of the Californio style of horsemanship and stockmanship. A family affair with friendly competition and fiesta attitude. A place to work with and learn from others more skilled than you.

One of the main goals of this competition is to preserve and pass on the values and skills of the early Californios stockmen and bridlemen. All competitors try their best to uphold these values throughout the entire competition, whether in the arena or not. Respect is always shown to horses, cattle, and other competitors at all times.

The Early Californios

The early Californios, or Spanish-speaking Mexicans, who settled in California during the colonial period, used a variety of gear and equipment to ranch and gather cattle. These tools were essential for the success of their ranching operations and were developed through a combination of Spanish and Native American influences.

One of the most important pieces of gear was the reata, or lasso. The reata was a long rope, made from braided horsehair or rawhide, that was used to catch and control cattle. The Californios were skilled in the use of the reata, and were able to lasso and herd large numbers of cattle with precision and efficiency.

Overall, the gear used by the early Californios was specifically designed to suit the needs of their ranching operations in California. Their skills in using these tools and equipment allowed them to efficiently and effectively manage and gather their cattle, and the tradition of many of these tools is still used today.