Life on the X-Bar Ranch...

I am an ordinary woman, with an amazing family, serving an awesome God.

Friday, June 29, 2012

The Californio's ~ Part 1

     In May, 2012, My Cowboy and I had the privilege of attending The Californios Ranch Roping and Stock Horse Contest. www.thecalifornios.com
     We found a babysitter, and made a romantic getaway out of it. Yes - cowboys (and their wives) consider a rodeo romantic. We would rather spend our time together at a livestock event than push through crowded cities and sit on smelly subway cars. OK - cattle can be smelly, too, but we are used to that smell!
     Anyways. We decided to drive to Reno, Nevada, where the event was held. I thought the reason for the driving was to see some country that we hdn't seen before...
Like this forsaken Big Basin country:
   Later I realized the main idea was to be able to stop in various NV towns, and browse the popular buckaroo-style cowboy shops. Like J.M. Capriola's, in Elko, NV. It was worth it. The gear was amazing!

 Driving through more nothingness...at least we're getting closer! I can see snowcaps again, which means Reno is coming up.
 Reno!!!
 Finally arrived. A 16-hour drive from our place. Not including stops at interesting cowboy shops.
 Along with the rodeo, they had a trade show set up along the edges of the arena. I loved this stand of silk scarves! My Cowboy bought us each one.
J.M. Capriola's had a booth set up at the trade show. As did Hitching Post Supply - where I get a lot of Mohair cinch cord for my cinches.

 The trophy saddles. Each member of the winning went home with a top-notch saddle.

 They each had the official Californio's-carved silver concho on them.

    I thought they were beautiful. I also thought My Cowboy can make saddles that are just as beautiful.
He  would say I am prejudiced.
Perhaps.

Stay tuned for more Californio's posts.

3 comments:

  1. Fun stuff! Glad y'all had a romantic getaway, such as it is. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a really neat deal!
    My f-i-l or dad could make a saddle that pretty or prettier too! :)
    Isn't it awesome having leather makers in the family? We are so spoiled, and so biased! Lol!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yep! Totally biased! :)
    And yes - it was a very neat getaway for the two of us. We loved it.

    ReplyDelete

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