Strong handsome features in a lightly tanned face. Eyes that flash passionately. A mouth quick to describe his feelings, his ideas, his life. Four years before, Federico and I met over the internet. Around us, fans applauded and cheered when scores were announced.
Loyalty is expressed for favorite teams often made up of family members.
But regardless of team loyalty, applause and energetic music reward any excellent performance. Superb form and stylish flair are factored into the intricate scoring system for each event. However perfection in execution or score is nearly impossible to achieve at either the individual or the team level. The heroic urge links the competitive charreada to the historic role of the charro as national symbol, gentleman, patriot, and equestrian sportsman. Each charro performs in traje or costume.