Big Loop Horsemanship

10/27/2025

These antelope started to come in for a closer look! Diosa was already a little jumpy before we left, so I climbed down just in case they made her nervous. The moment I pulled my phone out the started to run away. Amazing how they can barrel through that cactus minefield like that.🤯 Diosa kept her cool and we just continued on but it was a cool experience having them approach us and get as close as they did!

10/24/2025

I need to make it here next year!! I’ve been eying this event for years and even paid to enter last year and couldn’t make it. Next year. No exceptions!

Good luck to all the competitors!

10/23/2025

Something I’ve always admired about the bridle horse tradition is that the horse always comes first.

I saw a post today congratulating a woman for winning a horsemanship award at a bridle horse competition, and it really struck me. Too often, riders get caught up in the ribbons and forget that the horse doesn’t care about trophies. The horse only takes home the experience whether its good or bad.

I’ve always said the Californio approach isn’t built for winning fast-paced competitions, but the depth of experience it creates is something special.

Years ago, by pure luck, I got to speak with Bruce Sandifer about this very thing. Although he probably wouldnt remember me or this conversation, He told me, “That’s just not enough time,” when I mentioned 100-day mustang competitions. And he’s right.

So that sparked a new idea and I’ve been dreaming of something different ever since. A long-term event for the bridle horseman that celebrates the Mesteños.

In the old days, Vaqueros would go to the hills, bring in wild horses, and take them from the hackamore all the way to the spade bit.

Imagine reviving that tradition, a years-long competition where horsemen come together once or twice a year to show their progress, from the first hackamore rides to the finished spade horse all with mustangs that were rounded up from the wild. A place where the horse and horsemanship come first not speed, not ribbons and buckles.

Would you watch something like that? Or better yet… would you ride in it?

10/22/2025

I absolutely love this award. In true bridlehorse tradition the horse always comes first!

✨ Many thanks to Marty Gardner of Flattop Horsemanship who sponsored another new award – The Horsemansip Award!! ✨

✅ The Horsemanship Award goes to the horse and rider team wherein the rider demonstrates an above average level of horsemanship, often putting their horse’s experience and learning opportunities above their own desires and ability to win. This award pays homage to the spirit of the Old Californios who were known for their respect for the horse, the livestock and taking things slow for the benefit of all. Mañana!

🏆 This year’s Horsemanship Award was presented to Karin Altoft and her mare Glory. Karin’s genuine interest in her horse’s experience was palpable throughout the entire weekend and the smile on her face (even when her chaps fell off 😅) was infectious.
Thank you for setting such an incredible example Karin and congratulations on a well earned acknowledgement! 👏 👏 👏

📸 Once again, thank you Audrey May Photography for these amazing photos!

10/19/2025

Happy Sunday everyone! Just thought I’d share a picture of this BEAUTIFUL mare.

Diosa
Devils Garden

10/18/2025

Geminis first trim!!

Kelly Marzolf

10/18/2025

What’s the hardest horse you’ve ever worked with, and what did they teach you? 🐎

Valor
Silver King HMA

10/15/2025

Thank you all for following along, engaging, and sharing our journey. Your support means more than I can express. Every like, comment, and share helps us reach more people to inspire and inform not only about mustangs, but also about the roots of Californio horsemanship.

We love the mustangs deeply, but it is the Californio traditions that truly drive me. The craftsmanship, patience, and pride behind this style of horsemanship are what keep me learning every day. It is a lifelong pursuit to better understand not only the horses, but the culture and history that shaped them.

🎉 Facebook recognized me for starting engaging conversations and producing inspiring content among my audience and peers!

10/13/2025

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

10/13/2025

Roping Wild Horses: The Vaquero Way
Long before arenas and shows, vaqueros rode the open range, roping mesteños (wild horses) to bring them in and begin their training. 🐎

It wasn’t about speed or glory, it was about timing, feel, and respect. Every throw of the rope was a conversation with the horse, when to ease, when to wait, when to move with them.

When roping a wild horse, every loop becomes a conversation. You have to move with them, not against them, reading their energy, feeling their balance, and respecting their limits. It’s not about control, it’s about connection, timing, and building trust from the very first step.

✨ True horsemanship isn’t about forcing control. It’s about meeting your horse where they are and guiding them forward.

10/11/2025

Most quit when it gets dark… 🌑 What keeps you going? 💭
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10/10/2025

Hard to believe this was a little over year ago.. my youngest son on Chulo, only a year out of holding.