Joey was my father's cousin. He grew up in the middle of some very large Rancho's. This is where his passion for Bridle Horse's and good gear came from. He rode and learned from some of the last Vaquero's.

  Joey would show up at brandings with well groomed horses, silver head stalls, silver bits, rawhide reins and silver mounted saddles, as his mentors would have.

 Joey received a Visalia Saddle from his uncle, my grandfather. This saddle had belonged to his grandfather.

   Joey took this saddle to saddle maker Forest Shupp and had him rebuild it. This was a great treasure of Joey's and it was to have a second life. Joey proudly rode this slickfork high cantle back saddle to many brandings as did his daughters.

   Joey left this saddle to his daughter Chrisy who continued to care for this jewel. One day Chrisy called me and said she would like me to have it. That is a day I will never forget, when she said she wanted me to have it, take care of it, and keep it in the family. At her request the saddle will be passed on to a Goddaughter of Joey and Barbara Cabral - my daughter, Jennifer. This saddle will be in the family for a very long time.

The Vaquero ways I came to admire came from Joey. I will always be thankful for that.