"Tapadero", a feature-length documentary showing Saturday, August 22 at 4:00 p.m., at Museum of Ventura County. Admission is free.

The new enthusiasts of the legendary Californio method of horse training are the focus of Tapadero, a feature-length documentary showing Saturday, August 22 at 4:00 p.m., at Museum of Ventura County. Admission is free. Viewers will follow today’s new Californio vaqueros as they drive cattle on horses trained in a 300-year-old tradition, brought to California by vaqueros during the early 1800s.

Local filmmakers Susan Jensen and Paul Singer take us on a historic ride following the vaquero trail which starts in Sonora, Mexico, goes into Arizona, comes through Ventura County, and ends in Monterey. On this journey, we learn what kind of horses the early vaqueros rode, why they trained them differently, and what attracts young riders today to embrace this slow but rewarding method.

Ventura County’s own Aliso Ranch is featured in the documentary. It was once part of one of the great land grants formed during California’s rancho period.

The 82-minute film by J & S Productions, which features the music of Ian Tyson, can also be purchased at the Museum Store. For more information, go to www.tapadero.com