Powerful horses dart around a circular arena, narrowly missing each other. Their riders sit sidesaddle in flowing dresses, guiding their galloping mounts through intricate patterns as mariachi music fills the air.
Welcome to the sport of escaramuza charra.
The Florecitas del Desierto, an eight-woman riding team ranging in age from 10 to 34, are Southern Arizona's only team to compete professionally in the charreada, or Mexican rodeo.
The sport of escaramuza charra celebrates the traditional and patriotic role that Mexican women played in history.
The colorful cotton skirts the riders wear are 19th-century-style to represent the Mexican Revolution era. With three layers of ruffles and lace, and a starched petticoat, getting dressed can take as much time as performing the routine.
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"There is an art to getting dressed because of all the layers," said Dalia De La Cruz, 28, as she donned her costume for a dress rehearsal, using her horse's trailer to shield her from passers-by.
The sport is also a showcase of the women's skills on horseback as they perform intricate patterns — fans, crosses, passes and spirals — all at full gallop.
"The whole balance thing with the horse and saddle, it's hard. When they are at full speed and trying not to hit each other, it's a rush that gets to you," said Yamel Sanchez, 20, the team's captain.
The oldest member, Denys Marquez, enjoys the reaction from the fans.
"It's synchronized swimming on horses. It's all about precision and timing," she said. "When everything falls together, it's a high. It's an adrenaline rush.
"You want to get that ooh and aah from the crowd," Marquez added while trying to keep her horse, Snickers, from breaking into a run.
Trainer Elaine Garayzar has been with the team since it began six years ago and thinks it's an important tradition to keep alive.
"Mexican rodeos are more of a showmanship of your skills, unlike the timed events of the American rodeos," she said as dirt from the horses filled the air. "We are trying to bring it back in the States and parts of Mexico."
"If you go into Sonora, the sport of the charreada is gone," said Elaine's husband, Gilbert Garayzar.
The team practices twice a week, for a total of about 10 hours a week. With families paying most of the bills for travel, it's a costly sport but one that seems worth it, said Florie Altamirano, whose daughter Brianna, 15, is one of the riders.
"It's an expensive sport, but it's also a very gratifying sport," Altamirano said as she watched her daughter practice in a makeshift arena at 885 W. 26th St.
"It's her turn to shine, and she likes what she is doing. What else could I ask for?"
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