Eclectic Conversations
Eclectic Conversations – The Works of Arnold R. Rojas with Bill Reynolds
Emily and Bill Reynolds (Alamar Media, Inc.) discuss his journey with the legendary works of Arnold R. Rojas.
They explore the impact of Rojas’ writing on preserving the ranching culture, and the personal motivation to keep the books in print and available to everyone at an affordable price. The conversation also touched on the ethos of the vaquero culture, the importance of preserving traditional skills and knowledge within the equestrian community, the bridle horse culture in California, and the international appeal of cowboy culture.
Living in the Santa Ynez Valley, Bill shares his personal interest in preserving the bridle horse, a tradition deeply rooted in history and respect. He explains that the area was the birthplace of the bridle horse culture and he admires the skills of the local ranch workers who perfected the craft. Bill also elaborates on his affinity for putting the horse first and the link between the tradition and being an effective human being, which he finds admirable and attractive.
About Arnold R. Rojas
The late Arnold R. Rojas (1896 – 1988) or “Chief Rojas” as he was known, has the distinction of being the most celebrated chronicler of the life and lore of California’s Vaqueros. He did this in a series of books that he didn’t start publishing until he was into his mid-50s, his first, “The California Vaqueros” in 1953. Ultimately he would publish seven books over the years, the final one being, “Vaqueros and Buckaroos” in 1979. He wrote about what he knew and loved – the life and ways of the old California vaqueros – men he rode and worked with for over fifty years. Lucky for us, he wrote down the memories of all those years for as he said, “These are stories as seen through the eyes of old vaqueros, they are something of the splendor of those days, for there will never be another cattle ranching era in California that produced such men.”
Each volume in the Alamar Classic Reissue Series is an exact reproduction of the original edition in association with Mr. Rojas heirs