Gallant men and their trained horses continue this Mexican tradition
By Patricia Ann Talley, Editor
I have attended several events and parades in Mexico featuring magnificent horses and their riders. WOW! I was captivated and enchanted. (I liked the horses too!) My curiosity about these handsome, gallant men and their animals led me to conduct some research about the history of the horse events.
First, a little Spanish:
- Horse = Caballo (Ca ba yo)
- Horserider (Cowboy) = Cabalgante ; plural, Cabalgantes
- Horse parade = Cabalgata
Los Caballos – The Horses
Ranching, rodeos, and horse riding are traditional in Mexico. Many areas in Mexico are still agricultural. Ranches with horses and cattle are found in many outlining areas of the cities. The horses require a lot of care, grooming and training. They are simply magnificent!
Los Cabalgantes – The Cowboys!
Some people have an image of Mexicans in a “sombrero” riding on a mule. But, the “Cabalgantes” are horse owners and trainers; they are refined gentlemen who are passing this tradition to future generations. (I completely enjoyed conducting an interview!!)
The Cabalgata (Horse Parade)
The Cabalgata is a procession or parade of horseback riders. Often, the procession re-enacts an important historical event or it can also be a pilgrimage. Many Cabalgatas involve ceremonial entries into and departures from towns and villages. The Cabalgata is also a traditional ceremony to open many rodeos.
Historical Re-enactment: Cabalgata Binacional Villista
Each year in February and March, the Cabalgata Binacional Villista commemorates the invasion of the United States by Pancho Villa’s men on March 9, 1916.
The first event took place in 1999 and followed the same route that Pancho Villa used. Hundreds of riders, called “Villistas” participate every year and have often been joined and accompanied by American riders.
Every year in my hometown of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, the “Cabalgantes Unidos de Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero” (The United Horse Riders’ Association) hosts a festival and parade. Participants come from throughout the state and as far away as Guanajuato.
Zihuatanejo photographer Al Doerkerson captured these fantastic photos of this event.
I also took photos. I enjoyed watching the kids learn about this tradition.
And, these horses can dance!