© 2007 - Old California Reata Roping & Stock Horse Contest. All rights reserved.
Santa Margarita Ranch, Santa Margarita, CA.
A reata is more than a rawhide rope - it exemplifies history and embodies a way of life...
Bill Dorrance, circa 1970
Results from the 4th Annual Old California Reata Roping & Stock Horse Contest
Joe Mora, author and illustrator of the great book Californios writes about the California vaquero, "They were not the rough-and-ready type of roper, riding up close and slapping the loop on any old way to get the job done. They were what you might call the 'artist' type. They took pride in the way they cast their loops, like top-notch golfers or tennis champs showing top form."
"These reatas...were truly works of art. A good reata is a very tricky thing to make, and few people have any idea of the knowledge and artistry employed in producing a top string. They are braided with various numbers of strands, four, six, or eight... The eight-strand rope is preferred for ease of manipulation and, if braided by an expert, can be a thing of sheer beauty."
From the first cowboy, the American vaquero, who roped and rode the ranges of Alta California in 1769, to legendary horseman and reata ropers such as Bill Dorance, we continue to make an attempt to preserve and protect the the heritage of Old California.
Champion Reata Calf Branding Team
Pat Horlacher, Matt Goodson, Nate Gifft
Champion Ranch Style Doctoring Team
Richard Caldwell, Bruce Sandifer, Buddy Montes (not pictured)
Stock Horse Contest Champion
Richard Caldwell with buckle donor Ryan Cope
Will there be a 2009
Old California Reata Roping?
No, unfortunately we will not be hosting the event this year. We would like to thank the Santa Margarita Ranch for allowing us to have the event there for the past four years. We hope to find a way to continue the Old California Reata Roping in the future at another location.
We certainly appreciate everyone who has supported and encouraged us throughout the years!
Our initial goal was to create an event where like-minded people could compete, share stories and form new friendships. The success of this endeavor has far surpassed our expectations. We have met some amazing people from all over the western United States, and even had visitors from Europe last year!
Thank you!