by Rynaldo Stoltz

Created on: June 29, 2009

What is Charreada?

Charreada is a Mexican developed type of rodeo that is based on the working practies of charros. Charreada was born just after the Mexican revolution when the charro traditions were slowly busy fading away. A Charreada is suitable for both men and women and consists of 9 events. Unlike in America, these are not timed events, but rather an emphasis on the style and skill of a charro.

1. Cala de Caballo

Also known as reining. In this event, the charra will give his horse various commands to demonstrate the horse's training and his ability.

2. Piales en Lienzo

Also known as heading and heeling. In this event, the horseman will charge after a wild mare, using a lariat to catch him by the hind legs. Points are awarded for the distance that was needed to stop the mare.

3. Colas en el Lienzo

Also known as steer tailing. This event is very similar to the American bulldogging, except that the rider does not dismount. The charro will ride along the left hand side of the bull, wrap it's tail around his right leg, and tries to bring the bull down in a roll while riding alongside him. Points will be awarded according to time, technique, and roll.

4. Jineteo de Toro

Also known as bull riding. Unlike the American style of bull riding, the bulls used in charreada are smaller. In this event the rider will ride the bull untill it stops bucking. Completing this, the rider needs to dismount and land upright. Both hands may be used in this event and points are awarded according to technique.

5. Terna en el Ruedo

Also known as team roping. In ths event, three charro's will attempt to rope a bull. The first charro will rope the bull by it's neck, the second charro will rope the bull by it's hind legs, and the last charro will tie the bulls' legs together. This is a timed event in which only 6 minutes are given and points are awarded according to technique and time.

6. Jineteo de Yegua

Also known as bareback riding. This event is very similar to the American bronc riding. The charro will ride a wild mare with a bull rope. Two hands may be used in this event.

7. Manganas a Pie

Also known as forefooting. This is a timed event in which only 8 minutes are given. The charro will be on foot while trying to rope a wild mare by it's front legs and cause it to fall and roll once.

8. Manganas a Caballo

Also known as forefooting on a horseback. This event is similar to normal forefooting. The charro will be mounted on a horse while trying to rope a wild mare by it's front legs and cause it to fall and roll once.

9. El paso de la Muerte

Also known as the pass of death. In this event a charro will ride bareback, with reins, and attempt to leap from his horse to the bare back of a wild horse. The charro then has to ride the wild horse until it stops bucking. This is a very dangerous event as the charro can skip the pass and end up under three other mounted charro's.

It's said that charreada is a dangerous sport and every year cattle and horses are killed during these events.

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