See stunning images of female equestrians inspired by the Mexican Revolution
A Swiss photographer and horse lover became fascinated with escaramuzas, who practice a colorful and historic sport to connect to their heritage.
“It’s elegant and powerful—and also kind of dangerous,” says photographer Constance Jaeggi, describing escaramuza charra, an all-female Mexican rodeo event popular in communities across North America. Riders known as escaramuzas sit sidesaddle in colorful dresses inspired by fighters of the Mexican Revolution. In teams of eight, they perform veritable ballets on horseback—frequently at a gallop. Growing up in Switzerland, Jaeggi adored horses and learned to ride at age 14. Nearly two decades later while living on a Texas ranch, she competed in equestrian contests and became fascinated with escaramuzas, seeing them as kindred cowgirls. After traveling the United States to interview and photograph them, she began to see how the sport offers Mexican American women a sense of connection to their heritage.
(Mexican traditions live on in California through female rodeo performers.)
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- What would the world look like without mosquitoes?What would the world look like without mosquitoes?
- Social media loves to villainize dolphins. Here's why it's wrong.Social media loves to villainize dolphins. Here's why it's wrong.
- How did wolves evolve into dogs? New fossils provide cluesHow did wolves evolve into dogs? New fossils provide clues
- This unorthodox method is saving baby parrots from extinctionThis unorthodox method is saving baby parrots from extinction
- A deadly disease that affects cats big and small found in U.S.A deadly disease that affects cats big and small found in U.S.
Environment
- ‘Corn sweat’—and other weird weather phenomena—explained‘Corn sweat’—and other weird weather phenomena—explained
- A sea tornado sank a yacht. We might see them more often.A sea tornado sank a yacht. We might see them more often.
- How billions of dollars are revolutionizing ocean explorationHow billions of dollars are revolutionizing ocean exploration
- Where to go stargazing in Chile according to a local astronomer
- Paid Content
Where to go stargazing in Chile according to a local astronomer
History & Culture
- Did Babe Ruth really ‘call’ this legendary home run?Did Babe Ruth really ‘call’ this legendary home run?
- The real history behind the legend of China's Monkey KingThe real history behind the legend of China's Monkey King
- How new technology transformed the American workforceHow new technology transformed the American workforce
- This secret Civil War sabotage mission was doomed from the startThis secret Civil War sabotage mission was doomed from the start
- This rare burial site reveals secrets about the Sahara's lush pastThis rare burial site reveals secrets about the Sahara's lush past
Science
- Why some say tennis is 'the world's healthiest sport'Why some say tennis is 'the world's healthiest sport'
- Your body ages rapidly at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.Your body ages rapidly at 44 and 60. Here's how to prepare.
- How do gold nuggets form? Earthquakes may be the keyHow do gold nuggets form? Earthquakes may be the key
- Astronauts getting stuck in space is more common than you thinkAstronauts getting stuck in space is more common than you think
Travel
- These are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto regionThese are the must-see sights of Italy's Veneto region
- A guide to St John's, Atlantic Canada's iceberg capitalA guide to St John's, Atlantic Canada's iceberg capital
