The very essence of the Mexican experience is exemplified by the culture of the charro, or Mexican cowboy. It is a rich legacy of tradition and valor, of honor and custom, of war and peace.
Each competitor is dressed in the traditional suit (traje) of the charro. On his head, is the wide brim sombrero, which protects him from the sun and acts as a helmet. The brim, also serves a shock absorber, to shield the head and neck if the charro is thrown to the ground. The body fitting suit is more than vanity. It’s made that way, to insure there is no flapping cloth to be caught by the horns of steers. His chaps are the same. The botinas, or little boots he rides with, protect his feet from the stirrups. On his botinas, he has his spurs.
Cala de Caballo; (Horse reining) a charro gallops his horse the length of the lienzo, and slides to a stop. He then rapidly pivots the horse on each hind leg; for a minimum of three revolutions in both directions. Then he does two half turns, after which the Charro backs the horse down the lienzo. This was what a seller did to show a prospective buyer, how well his horse was trained.
Charreada is sometime called the national sport of Mexico, but it is more then that, it is a tradition. This is because the relationship between men and horses is an integral part of the Mexican psyche, as exhibited in their language. A gentleman in Mexico is called a caballero or horseman.
Ricardo has just won the Cala de Caballo and this is his acknowledgement to the crowd.
If you like Rodeo, you’ll love Charreada.
For sale 80x65cm Framed, matt and non glare glass. Contact Artist
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