Escaramuza: The Women Defining Mexican Rodeo on Their Own Terms

For five years, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo has hosted the Escaramuza competition, a breathtaking display of skill, tradition, and cultural pride. As the first major rodeo event in the U.S. sanctioned by the Mexican Association of Charros, this competition isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about preserving heritage, breaking stereotypes, and celebrating the power of women in equestrian sports.

But if you’re unfamiliar with Escaramuza charra, you’re not alone. So, let’s dive into what it is, where it comes from, and why it matters—not just for the equestrian world, but for all women in sport.

What is Escaramuza?

The word escaramuza means “skirmish” in Spanish—an apt name for a competition that sees teams of eight female riders perform lightning-fast, synchronized maneuvers at full gallop. Think dressage meets drill team, but with the added challenge of riding sidesaddle in traditional Adelita-style dresses.

Each routine is meticulously choreographed, blending grace and precision with an unshakable bond between horse and rider. The goal? To execute these movements in perfect harmony, all while controlling powerful horses at high speed.

It’s exhilarating. It’s daring. And it’s steeped in history.

A Tradition Born from Revolution

Escaramuza is more than a sport—it’s a symbol of Mexican heritage and female strength.

Its roots trace back to the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), when Adelitas—female revolutionaries—fought alongside men for independence, often on horseback. These women were warriors, but they were also leaders, strategists, and protectors of culture.

As traditional charreada (Mexican rodeo) evolved into Mexico’s national sport, women found their own place within it. Escaramuza was born as a way to honor the legacy of the Adelitas, allowing women to showcase their riding skills in a sport historically dominated by men.

Since then, it has grown into a fiercely competitive discipline, with teams performing across Mexico, the U.S., and beyond, keeping a centuries-old equestrian tradition alive.

Why This Matters for Women in Equestrianism

While Escaramuza is a celebration of Mexican identity, its impact reaches far beyond cultural preservation—For years, the charreada was seen as a man’s sport, with women relegated to the sidelines. But Escaramuza changed that narrative. It proved that women could ride just as fiercely, just as skillfully, and just as bravely—all while carrying the weight of history on their shoulders.

By bringing this competition to the Fort Worth Rodeo, organisers are not just showcasing tradition—they’re giving a global stage to a discipline that represents strength, sisterhood, and resilience.

Want to see it in action? Check out the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to witness Escaramuza for yourself.