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INTRODUCTION
Luis Ortega (1897-1995) photographed in his study in Paradise, California. circa 1990.
Art and function intertwine gracefully in the work of Luis Ortega. Many of the best California horsemen of the 20th century have used his braided reins and hackamores, marveling at his ability to create horse equipment with just the right flexibility and weight. A fifth-generation Californian, Ortega reigned for half a century as America’s most respected rawhide braider, famous for his intricate and colorful work. We can admire the meticulous braiding of Ortega on its own merit, but to understand the braider we must gain an appreciation of his life–long quest to uphold the proud Spanish traditions of his legendary California family. This exhibition is a tribute to Luis and Rose Ortega, honoring their accomplishments and their legacy among horsemen throughout the West.
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Introduction