Photography by: Coralie Nairn, Connie Ellis and Photos by Jess
Bringing the Bridlehorse Community together in BC...
The Old Californio Bridlehorse traditions have been around for hundreds of years and traveled thousands of miles to reach modern British Columbia, Canada. Until recently, sharing the history, the skills and the artistry preserved by those who were a part of keeping it alive was very challenging.
Today, the BC Bridlehorse Heritage Association aims to provide a space for networking, sharing, educating, supporting and growing awareness around these incredibly sophisticated, time tested methods and the working art we call "gear". We also aim to contribute to the preservation and promotion of a system we feel is so beneficial to the horses, the humans and the cattle who are exposed to it.
Join the community! BECOME A MEMBER
Our Mission...
To preserve and promote the intricate craft of developing the fine bridled stock horse and the traditional working gear we use while creating an inclusive and supportive community of horsemen and women in B.C.
We will do this through promoting:
- Bridlehorse/Stockhorse trainers/educators
- Bridlehorse related events and educational opportunities
- Traditional Gear Makers
- Breeders of good working stockhorses
- Producers of related Art & Music
Through the preservation and promotion of these traditional methods, we strive to motivate others to learn and use these effective, respectful ways to work with both horses and cattle, making the mental and physical wellbeing of the horses and livestock a priority.
Photo by: Connie Ellis
Our Memberships...
The BC Bridlehorse Heritage Associations offers its members the opportunity to be a part of preserving the history and the traditions of these unique methods of horsemanship and stockmanship in B.C.
Your membership will contribute to ensuring that these methods are here for generations to come.
Membership includes:
- Our twice yearly BCBHA Newsletter.
- Access to a vast network of professionals and events associated with the BCBHA community.
- Free listing for your bridlehorse related business/service on our online directory of resources here on this website.
- Ability to share bridlehorse related events you hold on our events page
- 10% off entry to any events put on by BCBHA
Photo by: Coralie Nairn
Our Community...
Photo by: Audrey May
Born of campfire conversations, dusty rides and a mutual desire to create an inclusive, supportive community here in B.C., a handful of close friends decided it was time to create a safe place for those who share their passion to gather, challenge each other, test their skills and showcase their achievements.
We're committed to creating a place for like-minded horsemen and women to come together, share, support, encourage, challenge and inspire one another, continuing to grow, learn and improve their horsemanship and their stockmanship skills.
These methods, until recently, were passed down from vaquero to vaquero, vaquero to cowboy and from cowboy to cowboy. Just as there were many different sources of knowledge, experience and skill, there are now many different interpretations to choose from. At the end of the day, although there will be many resources to choose from on this site, it will be up to YOU to decide which is most suited to you and your needs.
We encourage you to use the following thoughts to help you sort through the collection of resources to find what is best suited to you.
Your horse's anatomy, physiology and psychology cannot be compromised. Be sure that whoever you choose to help you understands how the horse works.