The California Two Rein & Bridle - The Art and Science of the Traditional Bridle Horse (California Vaquero Horsemanship)

This is your definitive guide to understand and succeed with the Two Rein and Bridle. With six generations of California vaquero horsemanship within Sanders' family, this book preserves a living tradition while making it practical for today's riders, based on decades of study and thousands of horses.Beyond the traditional California styles of bits and horsemanship, this book provides value regardless of what style of horsemanship you practice. Jeff Sanders offers rare insight into what truly works, what does not, and why.List of chapters:What is a California bridle horseHistory and traditions (Spanish California, Mexican/Rancho period, Mexican American war, United States control, California Lancers in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, The 1980s, 1980s to Present day)Does the snaffle have a place in the old California traditionHistorical contextRiding young horsesNew never before published snaffle bit researchTrue collectionWhat is CollectionThe biomechanics of the horse being "on the bit" and excessive contactHyperflexionForward down/long and lowLeverage and pain compliance vs signalHow traditional California bits signalUnderstanding the mouthThe Sacred templeMouth ConformationTongueTongue reliefHyoid ApparatusBarsHard PalateLipsCanine teethPremolarsImportance of regular dental workTraditional California mouthpiecesSolid vs jointed mouthpiecesMouthpieces (Halfbreed, Salinas, Mona Lisa, San Joaquin, Polo mouth, Mullen mouth, Frog mouth)Hoods over portsMouth piece materialsCricketCurb straps and curb chainsBit balance, weight, cheek design and horse's natural carriageRatiosCommon shortcut toolsNose bands/cavessonsDraw reinsSide reinsGimmicks in generalMysteries of the spade bitUnderstanding the spade/spoonHow to measure for proper spade fitBracesLower set cannonFitting the bracesWrinkles in the corner of the mouthRein style and choicesLost art of the rein chainsHeadstalls (Single crown piece, Single sliding ear, Split ear, Double ear, Browband)Why all the silverWhen to start in the two reinThe secretMy two rein listRein Handling and signaling in the two reinCorrect use of romal reinsHolding the two reinRelaxed hand, fingertips and bubblingRein balanceNeck reiningThe importance of seat and leg signalsWhy I don't ride with two hands on the bridle reinsIntroduction to the bitBitting upFirst ridesTransitioning to straight up rein handlingGoing straight upThe Alamar knotTeaching new skillsAbout the author: Jeff Sanders was born right in the heart of Vaquero country, in Merced, California. He is one few genuinely born and raised teaching the California Vaquero style of horsemanship. Jeff's ancestors started working as a vaquero in Petaluma California a decade before the first big Texas cattle drives.Having lived and breathed the California horsemanship traditions since childhood, Jeff brought old time Vaquero style not only on the ranch but also into the competition arena. He has worked on ranches in California, Colorado, Wyoming and Nevada.Jeff is dedicated to spread the traditions of the California Bridle Horse throughout the world, teaching clinics not only in the US but in Europe, Australia/New Zeeland and Israel as well. He works endlessly for this proud tradition that respects the rider and honours the horse not only survive, but to flourish. Read more