Chapala’s Asociación de Charros has joined forces with the municipal Sports Commission (Comude) to open a training program for girls and women interested in the lively sport of escaramuza drill team riding, with weekly classes open to beginning and advanced equestrians.
Escaramuza – literally translated as skirmish – is the only formal competitive event for women included in the practice of charreria, Mexico’s male-dominated rodeo sport. Teams of eight riders must master horsemanship skills to perform fast-paced precision routines while mounted on charro style sidesaddles.
During public appearances, escaramuza riders wear matching outfits, choosing either the traditional Adelita costume filled out with a heavily starched petticoat or a more fitted skirt and jacket ensemble similar in style to male charro attire. Both types of dress are accessorized with identical wide-brimmed sombreros, low-heeled boots, sashes and hair bows.
Each drill routine is composed of a dozen individual exercises presented in uninterrupted succession at a steady gallop. A backdrop of lively Mexican music adds to the rhythm and drama of the intricate geometric movements that weave together into a dazzling equestrian ballet.
Chapala’s Escuela de Escaramuza makes its home at the Lienzo Charro J. González Gallo, located on Avenida Madero, opposite the Pemex station. Training sessions for beginners are held on Wednesdays, 6 p.m., running about two hours each. Advanced instruction for experienced riders is offered on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants at both levels are required to have their own mounts and tack and chip in a modest weekly fee. For full details, interested persons are welcome to stop by the arena during class hours.