Manta Estribera on a Vaquero Saddle

Manta estribera translates as stirrup blanket. It is the functional narrow blanket carried across the front of the vaquero saddle, the silla vaquera of Spain.

Made of wool or a heavy woven cotton, it is part of spanish vaquero history, and its prime purpose is practical. It can be wrapped around the shoulders to keep the rider warm - a la Clint Eastwood; be spread on the ground for sitting on when the rider takes a break, or thrown over the horse.

Styles and Options. Each of the designs illustrated in the foto gallery is discussed below.

Manta Estribera with Vaquero Saddle Grey Woven tied with Leather Hazelnut Brown and Cream Vertical Stripes Grey Weave, Cream Band, Pocket and Initials Grey with Cream Band Plain Grey Woven Dark Brown and Cream Stripes, Pocket & Initials On a Side Saddle Grey Woven tied by Leather

Traditional colours are bands of varying width in a horizontal design, or the classic narrow vertical stripes. For a black silla vaquera the colours are black and cream/white stripes; a woven dark grey, perhaps wth a herringbone pattern; or grey with a broad cream band close to each end.

For the brown vaquero saddle the most popular blanket is that with the stripes of cream and brown.

The vaqueros (cowboys) of past days would wrap their food for the day, perhaps accompanied by some vino, inside the rolled part of the manta. This is one reason for the neatly tied leather thongs that hold the manta estribera in place. There are various ways to tie these thongs, and again each vaquero has his preferences.

Today a manta estribera may contain a pocket to serve this purpose, but there are still vaqueros who prefer the manera antigua.

The ends of the manta estribera are fringed, and when the blanket is tied to the front of the vaquero saddle, these ends usually fall to about the level of the rider’s feet.

A manta estribera is also used with the side saddle, the amazona.

In Spain, notably in the heart of the vaquero country, the manta estribera is ’correct wear’. It is seen on horses working the fields, in casual riding, at the Ferias, and in competition classes for the discipline of Doma Vaquera.

This correctness underlines the quiet pleasure spanish riders have in their traditions, and finds its echoes in the Doma Vaquera competitions and Traditional Dress showing classes that are becoming so popular outside our borders.

The manta estribera can be ordered together with a handmade silla vaquera from spain.