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History of the Rodeo de Galisteo:

Born in the magic of the historic Galisteo, Rodeo de Galisteo is an unforgettable experience.  Nowhere in the southwest can one experience such a combination of spectacular scenery, cowboy culture and living history. The western horizon is bordered by the Sandia and Ortiz Mountains. To the south lies the Cerro Pelon and to the east lay the mesas and meadows of the Galisteo basin.

The History of the Cowboy:

The original cowboy was not a Texan or a New Mexican or even a Mexican for that matter. He was a Spaniard. Original Spanish cowherders brought their tradtitions to the New World when Cortez introduced cattle to Mexico. The original Texas Longhorns were from Spain. The Spanish cows had the long tails, lean bodies and of course, the trademark “longhorns”. The population of cows exploded in the Mexican territory. The longhorns, sensing a potential for fame and fortune, migrated north over the border into Texas where they became legendary symbols of the West, the cowboy and of course eventually rising to the status of university mascot at UT Austin.

When Juan de Onate took his colonists north in 1598, his vaqueros(cowboys)herded the cattle. Their wide sombreros, high boots, spurs and even an early version of chaps(known as “defensas“)were adopted by Texans. Mexicans also taught them roping techniques with a lariat(“reata”)

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