As mentioned, Doma Vaquera requires responsive and obedient horses due to the agressive nature of the cattle. Even though they are not always used for actually herding, the horses are still desired to have these traits as well as high temperament, flexibility and stamina. 

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This discipline 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. 

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Doma Vaquera horses are often called 'Jacas'. This comes from the word 'Hackney'. Doma Vaquera horses always had the 'Vaquero nudo' in their tails (knotted tail) since the Toros Bravos are stimulated by movement and the work on the campo was not meant to entice the cattle to charge. When Hackney's were introduced to Spain with their docked tails the Spanish thought this was the ideal replacement of the 'nudo'. Since then some choose to dock their horses tail to this day which gives the horses the name 'Jaca' which is the Spanish inspired pronunciation of 'Hackney'. 

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