Comments on: The Vaquero Way

By: Daniel

Daniel — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:46:12 +0000

The Spanish (Spain) don’t use and have never use a Haquima or Hackamore; they don’t train their horses like this. The Latin Americans like the Mexicans, Chileans, Peruvians, Colombians and Argentinians do use the Haquima, but their historical methods are not like this. The closest method to this would be the Mexican one where the whole process would last up to 3 years or more. The Argentine method would only last from 1 day to a week. The Argentine and Venezuelan methods were very rough, very barbaric.

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 11 Jan 2016 16:49:41 +0000

Wonderful article about a beautiful tradition of horsemanship!

By: Jessii

Jessii — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:48:04 +0000

“A snaffle is a direct pull and a hackamore is an indirect pull. For example, with a hackamore, when you pick up the left rein, the pressure goes on the right side of the jaw. It’s confusing to a horse because he’s being pulled with your left hand, but the pressure is on the right side.”
that is untrue, a snaffle also puts pressure on the right side of the horses mouth if you pick up the left rein.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:32:24 +0000

The Vaquero way is the only way, in my opinion. When I started riding at 10, my horse came spade-bit trained. Again, we didn’t know as much as we do today, but she was like riding in a Caddilac! And never placed below second in Western classes. I now have a 6 year old green gelding in a hackamore (he has severe tongue damage) and did not start him in a snaffle. I’m just about to transition, and am so excited – I don’t show, but I want a horse that kknows the second I ask for something he does it – willingly and softly.
Thanks for this great article!

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:49:07 +0000

Sheila Varian is an absolute Master Horsewoman! She is the greatest ambassador horsewoman that has lived her life for the horse. At 70 years and friends of the Trinity of Horsemen: Ray, Tom and Bill (deceased) for over 30 years, I know they all respected Sheila Varian. She is a featured Horsewoman with a lot of respect. (OPTIONAL: Do not have to list website; a non profit website dedicated to “The Trinity of Horsemen: Ray, Tom & Bill…. http://www.mikethomashorsemen.com; my comments are for Sheila Varian, not for myself”)

By: Kelly

Kelly — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:14:24 +0000

very informative

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:31:32 +0000

Sheila Varian is a very dear friend. We are raised in the tradition here.
I am afraid that Chato in Texas is confused. Al hakma is from the Moors who invaded Spain. It means “halter.” Spanish changed it to “la ja’quima” (lah-Hah-key-mah). Brought to this area of California, it was eventually changed to the hackamore. Bosal merely means “noseband.” The aids Sheila talks about are hair mecates tied to rawhide/roo braided bosals (in the old style called hackamores for the larger diameters).
This system is unique. It is not for everyone, but all horses and riders can benefit from it. Gear must be made and fitted properly. A great deal is not and therefore works against the process.
Sheila often gives free demos at the Santa Ynez Vaquero Show in Nov.

By: Gary

Gary — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:45:23 +0000

I really appreciate getting to hear that much more detail about what Sheila knows. I have her video, but it doesnt give that much detail. This answered a lot of questions I have had. I appreciate the author taking the time to write this all out.

By: chato

chato — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:24:10 +0000

well , haqima is a native indian word for rope halter of some sort depending on if its a human or animal.the rope is soft in its shape. bosal comes from spanish heritage ,it has its own meaning.it has a stiff shape to it.the two are used in there own way of teaching a horse the respect of the handler, remember a horse is a follower not a leader. to make a horse lead one has to teach it how to. to modernize an old methode is to loose its way of training. you start to take away its meaning.