Meet The Guadalupanas, A Group of Mexican Ladies On Horseback

This unique sport involves women performing sidesaddle routines. Think synchronized swimming, but on horseback.

By Lucía BenavidesJanuary 20, 2016 5:11 pm,

The Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo kicked off last Friday, on its 120th anniversary. But it’s not just about showing off cows and pigs. They have bands, parades, auctions and plenty of more to dazzle the senses. One of the most popular shows demonstrates the skill of a group of Mexican-American female horse riders called La Guadalupanas. The group wears colorful colonial-style dresses as they ride in a sidesaddle position – think synchronized swimming, but on horses.

Chavely Ochoa, a member of Las Guadalupanas, tells us more about the sport known as escaramuza charro.

“It’s traditionally from Mexico,” she says, “Years ago they brought it over here. We live in Alvaredo, that’s where we practice.”

What you’ll hear in this segment:

– What kind of moves the women execute during their performances

– How it started out as a men’s sport and how it’s become a competitive sport for women

– What rules regulate their appearance, including the size of the women’s bows and hats