Mi Hermana

Escaramuza in English means “skirmish” and is an all-female sport within charrería – the Mexican equivalent of rodeo.

It consists of highly choreographed equestrian dances and is inspired by las adelitas of the Mexican revolution, female soldiers who would ride with the men acting as decoys on the battlefield, performing intricate skills on horseback.

Their involvement continued throughout 1910-1920 armed revolt that not only resulted in the end a 30-year dictatorship in Mexico and the establishment of a constitutional republic but the transformation of Mexican culture.

Years later, in 1953, women were officially allowed to compete in charrería for the first time, a previously male-dominated tradition that was often passed down from father to son. It was also the year that women gained the right to vote in Mexico.

The escaramuza competitions now run yearly from February to November. The participants ride side saddle and perform tricks with their horses at great speed, while wearing traditional adelita-styled outfits in homage to the women who took up arms against oppression more than a century ago.

For more check out the rest of Owen Harvey’s photo essay here.