Ralph Galeano: 22 books

Here's the low down on remote cow camps. All about the riders that live in the camps, their work, play and how they live in the solitude of the range. They've got to have a myriad of skills not required of people working near the home ranch. Wrangler, farrier, doctor skills for horses, people...

The term Californios is an honored name given to the best of the early Vaquero horsemen who first brought Longhorn cattle from Mexico to California in the 18th century. The Vaquero style of horsemanship has influenced natural training methods for centuries. The Vaquero history has a special meaning to horsemen. It was the beginning of the working cowboys in North America.

When you ride through a gate, stop on the other side and wait for the rider who offered to work the gate. Wait until he re-mounts. He’ll appreciate it and his horse won’t give him any trouble if all the other ponies are sitting on the other side waiting for him. Cowboy etiquette for going through gates with other riders.

Where else can you work from before daylight to after dark, sleep on the ground in good weather or bad and feast on Dutch oven cooking if you’re on the range? These are men and women who are proud of who they are and what they do. Worn leather chaps and custom made boots are a mark of honor. Some wear chaps handed down from generation to generation.

On the morning of April 1st, 1882, the Circle Dot herd started up the long trail from south Texas to the Blackfoot Agency in Montana. Andy Adams was a young man on that long ago trail drive. His story of the early day cattle drive relates the hardships and dangers endured by the cowboys.

I never knew a horse that liked saddles until I introduced one to Shadow, a young, solid black filly. She was two and it was time to start her career. Bad things happen when you rush things starting colts.

Horses are critters that like consistency. They understand easier if you do the same thing each time. They need a recognizable signal to carry out your orders the way you want them to. Train your horse to move all parts of their body with consistent cues that tell them exactly what you want.​

Complacency can get you in trouble but respect goes a long way to keep you out of trouble. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t let your guard down when you’re working with cattle. Yes, Cattle. Even those gentle old cows that you've worked for years can sometimes have a bad day and throw you a curve.