How to be correct in selecting tack and costume for Spanish ridden classes

In Spain there are traditional dress and tack codes considered ‘correct’ for riding. Similarly, other countries adopt and respect dress codes for riding, and especially competing. Traditional Spanish tack and costume differs greatly from the modern concept of ‘dressage’ and ‘competition’ wear and is mostly based on what was, and still is, used by the vaquero, horse rider working the ranches, and gentlemen and ladies visiting the typical Feria.

For more than 16 years Sue and Richard Lust have been involved in many aspects of the Spanish horse world, running their Purebred Spanish Horse stud Yeguada Iberica, competing and judging. They have noticed wide variations outside Spain in the interpretation of what represents ‘correct’ traditional Spanish tack and riding wear. Even at national show level, odd mixtures of vaquero and classical style are seen, plus some purely individual styles. Unfortunately this has also led some to believe ‘anything goes’ in Spanish style and these people can be seen showing at national level in jeans and tee-shirts, or even in frilly blouses and flared trousers!

Sue Lust has studied what is generally accepted as the correct Spanish dress code over many years and in this article hopes to give the rider an insight into what should be worn and what combinations of tack used. Needless to say, there will be some slight regional variations and fashions will inevitably change, so the following dress code is meant as a guide. However, tradition has stood the test of time in Spain and either the correct ‘Spanish’ dress code, or the correct modern ‘European’ dress code is adopted, not a mixture of the two.

Over the years, information has been gathered from authorities such as Juan Llamas, Rafael Lemos and Joaquin Rodriguez Moreno (a President of Judges for National Doma Vaquera) and recently from current Spanish international judges of the PRE.

Generally in Spain there are two ‘correct’ styles of costume and tack used for horse riding; either Vaquera or Classica.

Dress code for riding in the ‘Feria’, as with walking in the Feria, can be less formal, with ladies sometimes wearing more colourful versions of either Vaquera or Classica clothing.

‘VAQUERA’ STYLE
For Country Riding and for Vaquera competition (Doma Vaquera). This style is also probably the most popular when riding in the Feria. Derived from the Spanish 'cowboy' (Vaquero) or country rider.

Vaquera style Tack

Saddle:
The Vaquera saddle is used. This is comfortable and designed for many hours use every day and has a large contact area for the horse’s comfort. Used in Doma Vaquera, the saddle is also widely used for general riding in the country as well as in the ‘Feria’.

New models have become available (2006) which are of the traditional style but made from modern materials, flexible trees and lighter in weight.

Quality and prices vary greatly. From hand made traditional saddlers, excellent ‘latest technology’ versions, to low cost Indian made copies. Good ones are individually numbered and come with a manufacturer’s guarantee.                                          

For the Feria the Vaquera saddle may have a ‘tooled’ leather cantle and pommel (sometimes called ‘Campera’ style), or include white ornamentation (Repujada style) and can be black, tan or brown.

For competition (Doma Vaquera) the saddle must be plain and must be black.

Vaquera saddles ‘Repujada’

The Vaquera ‘Mixta’ style saddle can also be used, but not in competition (Doma Vaquera). This is not a truly traditional style but is comfortable and can offer the nervous rider extra security.

Note:
The Vaquera saddle is not usually used for ridden showing classes as it is not usually used at trot. In Doma Vaquera (competition) the horse is ridden only at walk, canter and gallop.

Stirrups:
With the Vaquera saddle the large black ‘coal scuttle’ style are used.

Note; lightweight versions are now available (alloy or nylon). The correct colour is black. Shortened, or cut-off versions may be used for training or by inexperienced riders but are not allowed in Doma Vaquera (competition), where the full size must be used.

Crupper:
The saddle should be fitted with a crupper, colour to match the saddle.

Breastplate:
A breastplate can be used (colour to match the saddle), but not a martingale.

Manta Estribera
Worn over the front of the saddle and this is usually held together and tied to the saddle by thin strips of leather, ideally it should be long enough to touch the stirrups either side. The fabric may be black/white or more usually brown/white striped heavy cotton or wool.

Rarely seen now but equally correct, the traditional Vaquera jacket with a red lining may be turned inside out and used in place of the Manta Estribera.

Vaquera Bridle:
In Vaquera style the bridle is used one handed, with a single set of reins. These are stitched together for around 2 ft (60cm) from the end and rolled and tied (into a ‘sausage’ shape).

The buckles should be black iron. There are plain versions (required for competition – Doma Vaquera), or tooled and with white ornamentation (repujada style), sometimes preferred for the Feria.

Vaquera Bit:
The bit should be black iron, with matching curb chain. Bits should be ‘Vaquero’ type with a metal joining piece at the bottom to prevent twisting. This is a single handed, i.e. it is incorrect to ride with two hands on the reins when using it.

Mosquera:
The browband is traditionally fitted with a mosquera; either of leather ‘strips’, silk, or horsehair, when you can choose types with 16, 20, 30 or 35 borlas (the horsehair balls with plumes) and these come in different colours and are handmade.