vaquero

Vaquero is a term used to describe a horse-mounted cattle herder or cowboy, originally from the Iberian Peninsula and later adopted across the Spanish-speaking Americas. The word comes from vaca, cow, and its use reflects the central role of cattle work in the culture that gave rise to it. Vaqueros emerged in Spain during the early modern period and were later brought to the Americas by Spanish colonists, becoming foundational to ranching traditions in Mexico and the southwestern United States.

The vaquero tradition encompasses specialized horsemanship, cattle handling, and branding. Typical duties included roping and separating animals, driving herds across long distances, and supervising branding and other cattle-management tasks. Equipment and techniques developed by vaqueros, such as the vaquero saddle, the lariat (riata), and the use of bolas, influenced ranching in the Americas and contributed to the evolution of modern rodeo skills. Their working attire, including wide-brimmed hats, leather chaps, and sturdy boots, also shaped regional cowboy dress.

In Mexico and the American Southwest, vaquero culture persisted into the 19th and 20th centuries, influencing the later concept of the American cowboy. The term remains widely used in Spanish-speaking regions to denote a professional cattle herder, while in some contexts it refers to a traditional or historical style of ranch work. Vaquero practices laid the groundwork for contemporary ranching, equestrian competition, and rodeo traditions.