Luis B Ortega Fancy Rawhide Reins

Beautiful 16-strand, natural reins & romal with two colors - red & brown and numerous intricate buttons. Superb cond, rich patina, circa 1960's. Maker marked inside the popper along with the name of the individual who originally ordered the set. Superbly maintained! MAKE A SPECIAL BOX FOR THIS & INCLUDE A SCAN OF THE SHOW CAT Ortega On Exhibit Cody Old West encourages all western aficionados to visit the wonderful Ortega Show, curated by Don Reeves of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, currently on exhibition at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles, through July 4th. Luis Ortega (1897-1995) became the most admired rawhide braider of the 20th century by elevating his craft to the status of fine art. In this special exhibition, visitors to the Autry Museum of the American West will have a rare opportunity to see and enjoy additional Ortega gear from private collections, with more than 100 examples on display. 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.