On this episode, Host David Flores and Subject Matter Expert Homero Vera dive into the history of Duval County to celebrate the legendary Anastacio B. Saenz—or "Tacho"—and his equine empire at Rancho Mesquite Bonito. Tacho was a true pioneer of the American Quarter Horse, with four of his horses (Ace of Hearts II, Leonell, Little Pancho, and Saenz) listed in the A.Q.H.A. Foundation Sire Registry.1Discover how Mesquite Bonito became a center for high-stakes carreras de caballos (horse races) and international business, attracting Mexican Generals who crossed the border to buy his prized stock. Learn about the sale of the horse Leonell to General Miguel Acosta for a dineral ($1,000) in 1928, and Tacho’s influential sale of Ace of Hearts II to Bill Warren, who would become the first president of the American Quarter Horse Association.

The episode also tracks the family legacía (legacy) back to Tacho’s uncle, Agapito Saenz, who set the stage for racing in the region. Hear the incredible story of Agapito’s 1911 journey to secure a $600 racehorse from Seguin, Texas, which was delivered over 150 miles on foot through the brush country. It’s a nostalgic and proud look at the dedication of the pioneers whose efforts continue to shape the world of racing today.

Uncover a critical, yet often-overlooked Civil War clash in the heart of South Texas. On this somber anniversary, host David Flores and resident expert Homero Vera delve into The Battle of Los Patricios at Los Olmos Creek on March 14, 1864.
Hear the dramatic story of Valerio's men, Union-aligned forces, and the Confederate interception that changed lives. Homero Vera shares how new evidence—including recently discovered Civil War-era bullet casings and a firsthand Union account tracked down by Marcos Flores—is finally confirming the skirmish lines and the texture of the narrative.
Featured: The poignant service of Union soldier Julian Garza, a ranchero who suffered devastating injuries at Los Patricios and struggled for years to prove his service, only to find his final resting place beside his Confederate foe.
Join El Mesteño to track the hoofprints of history that the land never forgets. Original maps and the full write-up are available in Issue 48 of El Mesteño.

In this warm, conversational platica that feels like a chat on a South Texas porch, we travel down FM Road 716 to the pueblito of Concepcion. We unpack the town's deep history, which stretches back to before Texas was a state.In this episode, you will hear about:

• The Land Grants: The vital role of the Charco Redondo as an oasis and the original 1809 land grant, "Santa Cruz de la Concepcion," purchased for a mere 55 pesos.
• La Plaza: The legendary 20th-century community hub, where vendors, carne asada, raspas, and puro South Texas conjunto music (Felipe Canales, Tito Saenz, Teodorito Garcia) brought the community to life.
• Fiesta Del Rancho: The post-1977 tradition featuring a massive trail ride and the main event: a hotly contested cabrito guisado cook-off.
• Community Corners: The importance of Luis Leal’s store and the U.S. Post Office as gathering spots for ranchers.
• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church: The spiritual center of town, which remains a beautiful monument to the heritage of the ancestors.

"You don't know where you are going if you don't know where you came from." Tune in to El Mesteño for more stories of the Mexican-American experience.