Vaquero Horsemanship – Bruce Sandifer

2012's Event Featured:

Vaquero style horseman Bruce Sandifer exemplifies the quiet partnership, working as "one", that can exist between horse and rider. The respectful approach with training methods, slow and easy stages from hackamore, two-rein and moving into the bridle or spade bit - he knows the importance of having a foundation in place for results.

Raised in Montana, he was drawn to the "Californio" style at age 12 after reading books by Ed Connell. Bruce left home and spent 25 years buckarooing for large ranches including Douglas Lake Cattle Co., Kendrick, Matador and the MC. Although most "old" training ways had been over shadowed by faster/quicker methods, he searched out those folks who still held strong to the old vaquero style and relished it.

Eventually, Bruce was drawn to California where he could immerse himself totally in early vaquero traditions. He makes most of his own gear including bits, braided rawhide riatas and bosals. The last 8 years Bruce has made his home in Santa Barbara, CA training and instructing "Classical Californio Horsemanship" at the Vaquero Canyon Ranch.

Photo by Lisa Romerein