Saddle drape vaquera (Manta Estribera Vaquera)

This is the traditional Vaquera 'saddle drape' made in heavy cotton material. As used every day by vaqueros - the working horsemen and women of Spain. It is translated as 'stirrup blanket' and is draped across the front of the Vaquero saddle, the silla vaquera of Spain. It is part of Spanish history and tradition and has a number of practical purposes; wrapped around the rider's shoulders for warmth, used as a ground blanket, used to keep the horse warm, or traditionally to carry the rider's lunch or bocadillo, wrapped inside and held together with leather thongs or leather laces.