The vaquero became the foundation for the North American cowboy. Today's western saddles have been greatly influenced by the Spanish Vaquero who were Cowboys. The natural horsemanship movement openly acknowledges much influence of the vaquero tradition. His father was a "vaquero" from a family of cattle workers and sheepherders. This diet is reinforced by the vaquero/cowboy tradition which continues in both states. This led to modifications in the bridling and bitting traditions used by the vaquero. It is derived from the Spanish tradition of the "vaquero". He carries a Ruger Vaquero, a stainless steel revolver chambered in .45 LC. In June 2019 the new design for The Vaquero Mascot was revealed. However, this sequence is frowned upon by those who use classic vaquero techniques. Following the protests, the UT System issued a press release supporting the "Vaquero" decision.