Western Vaquero Horse Tack

Eugene  “Gene” Albitre has been working all aspects of rawhide for over 50 years, using Buffalo; Elk; Deer and Beef animal skins.  Rawhide is an art that has almost been forgotten but once played a critical role in the old West and for thousands of years in Native culture.

At the age of 13, Gene, had the privilege of having a Native American vaquero from the Tejon Ranch, Salvador Carmelo, introduce and pass down to him the art of rawhide braiding used by the vaqueros or cowboys of the Central Valley. Gene would go to his house after school and learn to stretch out hides; scrape off the hair; cut strings; braid; tie knots and assemble all to make vaquero style western apparel.

Gene’s background growing up on a ranch in the mountains outside of Bakersfield and Native American (Digueño) heritage allowed him the opportunity to utilize his skills for both the Cowboy and Native American community. Coming from a ranch family he had already been exposed to skinning and dressing animals. 

Rawhide was used by Native Americans as a primary tool that was tremendously useful in the culture for thousands of years before European contact.  Rawhide continued to be a major support used in daily life during the pioneer days. The Cowboys of the Old West used rawhide in numerous forms including tools used in managing cattle and horses.   Rawhide strings were braided into reins; hackamores; bosals; reatas; quirts and other articles.

Gene’s Rawhide Creations are one of a kind specialized items that cannot be duplicated by machine and are extremely unique in today’s world.  Gene’s knowledge of Rawhide is a rare window to gain an appreciation of rawhide which has helped facilitate the survival of cultures, both for Natives and Cowboys.