The article highlights the unique tradition of escaramuza, a female-only equestrian event within Mexican charrería where women perform synchronized horseback stunts in ornate traditional attire. Swiss-born photographer Constance Jaeggi, who has a deep personal connection to horses and Western riding, was drawn to this vibrant tradition and its rich cultural layers, including themes of immigration, family, gender, and legacy. Through her portraits of U.S.-based escaramuza teams, Jaeggi reveals the sport’s role in cultural preservation and female empowerment beyond its visual beauty.

Jaeggi’s project involved extensive research and collaboration with the escaramuza community across the U.S., incorporating poetry based on interviews to amplify the riders’ voices. The resulting exhibition at the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth showcased not only the striking images but also the personal stories behind the tradition, resonating emotionally with the participants. Jaeggi hopes viewers will look past the aesthetic to appreciate the deeper narratives of belonging, resilience, and identity embodied by these women and their equestrian art.