Part One: Passion
Aline Montiel Fernández
Aline prepares to practice for an upcoming escaramuza competition. Each team is comprised of eight women. Every detail of their appearance must match – from their sombreros and dresses to their earrings. Even the accessories on their horses must match perfectly.
Aline practices, competes, and keeps her horse at the ranch where some of the biggest charrería championships in Mexico City take place. She grew up spending much of her time with the members of her charrería association at this ranch, and to her, they are like extended family. Her father was the first charro in her family, but Aline was the first generation to fully pursue the sport. In 2016, Aline became the queen of her association taking on the female representative role, organizing events, and addressing needs in the association as issues arise.
Maria, Aline’s teammate, practices “la punta” also known as “sliding top” - a skill that requires the rider to abruptly stop the horse after high-speed galloping. The rider must have full control of the horse to prevent it from rearing up, throwing her off, and potentially falling on her.
Aline’s team spends countless hours practicing their escaramuza routine. There is often a misconception that the women’s performance is just dancing with horses. Executing these routines requires significant strength and control. In one exercise, the women gallop towards each other at full speed from all directions. If all goes as intended, they will narrowly weave past each other and come through to the other side unscathed.
Aline’s horse, Icaro. During the day, Aline works as a speech therapist. Most of her escaramuza practices are at night. Leading up to competitions, she practices multiple times a week, oftentimes beginning at 11:00 p.m. Even when there are no upcoming competitions, she still goes to the ranch to ride. For her, riding is not just about competitions; it is also her passion and a way to destress.
While the women practice, the men – fathers, boyfriends, husbands, brothers – often lasso to pass the time.
Practices can end as late as 1:30 a.m. Many women, including those on Aline’s team, are also full time mothers. They often leave their children at home to practice late hours after work, only to wake up early in the morning to prepare them for school. During competitions, women frequently carry their young children on their horses in the arena between events.