Doma Vaquera is the purest form of dressage still practiced. It originated hundreds of years ago on the countryside of Spain. It developed from riding with the Toros Bravos in the fields and was the predecessor of most contemporary riding disciplines like dressage and Western. It has the elegance of dressage but is vigorous like Western. It is most comparable with dressage although all the exercises are performed by riding with just one hand. Doma Vaquera itself has evolved into a modern riding discipline with competitions at National and European level. It has been passed down from father to son for centuries. In Spain there are to this day many herds of cattle, the Toros Bravos. Although most well known as the cattle in bullfights, they were originally used to train the military horses in preparation for battle. They were chosen due to their territorial behavior which manifests itself in agression. The cattle are still herded on horseback. Due to their aggressive behavior it is imperative to have obedient and responsive horses with great courage and character. 

The style of riding used demands obedience as well as submissiveness since one second of miscommunication between horse and rider could result in death for either or both. The most ideal horse used according to the Spanish is the 'Tres-Sangres', the three-blood. A cross between a Thoroughbred, an Arabian and an Andalusian (PRE). This cross combines the flexibility, the stamina and the temperament of the breeds to create a horse that can do the work that is demanded all day long on the 'campo'. But any breed of horse can be used essentially. From Dutch Warmbloods to Trotters to any other cross. Important is their willingness to work. 

Nowadays this form of riding has evolved into a competitive sport where the exercises are a lot like dressage although the emphasis is not on the exact movements but on the willingness of the horse to execute as well as the obedience and submission.  The Spanish believe that horse and rider should become one, as a centaur. This philosophy is at the heart of the Doma Vaquera which makes it one of the most beautiful forms of equitation to watch as well as perform.