Charro escaramuza: how Mexican women are addicted to rodeo (8 photos + 1 video)

It's called equestrian ballet, and girls have been doing rodeo since they were three years old.





Charro is a rodeo that has long been part of Mexican culture. However, while Mexican male cowboys are known throughout the world, there is usually little information about female cowboys outside of Mexico. But these rodeo queens have the same abilities as men and also embody the same values.



Mexicans are supposed to love football, but a true Mexican sport requires horses and boots. Charro originated a long time ago, in villages where horses were an important part of life. Farmers took their hobby to the cities. Today this sport is traditional, it has been practiced for generations. The ability to ride a horse is passed on from father to son and from mother to daughter, it is truly a family activity.





Rodeo riders compete in competitions held several times a year. If you want to feel like a real Mexican and fully understand the atmosphere of this country, then such competitions are a must-see.



Riders show various tricks on horses, as well as their ability to handle a lasso. Rodeo used to be exclusively played by men, but in the last century women have also begun to get involved in it. Women's rodeo is believed to be inspired by the military women who fought for the Mexican Revolution in the early 20th century.



The women's rodeo has its own name - escaramuza, and it is very different from the men's rodeo. If men perform alone, showing all their skills, then women's rodeo is much more difficult. Girls riders always perform in a team of 8 people.



Athletes not only have to perform stunts on horses and control the lasso, they have to do it all at the same time! So escaramuse is also called equestrian ballet, because it is real choreography on horses.

The girls' outfits are complete works of art: fluffy dresses with several petticoats, decorated with frills, embroidery and bows. The riders have bright makeup and, of course, a sombrero. At the same time, the girls sit in a side saddle.



Escaramuz has no age restrictions; girls from the age of three are brought to training. First they ride ponies and then switch to horses. Often in schools (and the charros even have schools!) both little girls and adult women study at the same time, demonstrating to the children all their skills. Mexicans believe that horse riding instills a discipline and passion that cannot be found in any other sport.



This sport so deeply reflects the essence of Mexican culture that UNESCO has classified it as an intangible cultural heritage.