What is Charreria?

Answer 1

"Charreria is the national sport of Mexico. It is a distinct style of horsemanship, which evolved during the time of the hacienda system. The sport requires bulls to be caught and thrown down via their tails. With the fall of the hacienda system, the charros were determined to keep their traditions alive. In 1921, they established the Asociacion Nacional de Charros. Charreria was the inspiration for the Mexican and American type of rodeo. The present charreada, or Mexican rodeo, is performed in a circular arena. Sportsmen wear the charro costume during the performance. At least two teams fight off against each other. The Mexican rodeo is made up of several events, with nine male events and one female event. Winners do not receive any money, but occasionally, prizes, such as saddles, are given out.

Charreria

Charreria The male events start off with the Cala de Caballo, or the Test of the Horse, where the horse's abilities are demonstrated. The charro orders the horse to mount, dismount, do turns, slide and walk in reverse. Another event, the Roping of the Feet, requires the charro to catch a wild horse by its hid legs using a loop. In the Arena Bull Training event, the charro rides on the bull's left side and tries to off balance the bull by wrapping its tail around its leg. The Bull Riding event requires a charro to not fall off the bull while the bull tries to throw him off. The Team of Three event involves three charros roping a bull by the neck and legs, while the third charro ties its feet. The Bareback on a Wild Mare event requires a charro to ride a mare with a rope. In the Roping on Foot event, a charro on foot has to rope a wild mare while it is being chased around by other charros. This is similar to the Roping from Horseback event, only the charro is riding a horse while trying to catch the mare. Finally, the Pass of Death event, involves a charro on horseback leaping to the back of a wild horse without reins, while the wild horse is being chased around by other charros. The only women's event is the Escaramuza, or Skirmish, where several women perform various riding techniques. There are different arenas where you can watch charreria. Popular charreria arenas include Plaza Mexico in Mexico City and Plaza de Toros Nuevo Progreso in Guadalajara." (aboutmexico.net)

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