Photojournalism: Escaramuza Charra
Escaramuza Charra is an all-female equestrian sport where teams ride side saddle, performing synchronized routines to music as part of the Mexican Rodeo. The Reynas del Valle Coachella team, featured here, consists of 8 girls aged 9 to 14.
To learn more, I attended the International Youth Championships in Mexico. This historic and vibrant sport, though lesser known, is costly, limiting access for many. Women originally had to ride side saddle due to societal norms, and today they honor that tradition, wearing attire styled after the women of the Mexican Revolution.
The girls are judged on everything from their intricate costumes to their leather saddles and the precision of their routines, which echo battle maneuvers from the revolution. The team is fundraising for next year's international competition. Please consider donating to help preserve this cultural heritage.
ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHER HOLLY JO
Originally from New York, now based in Los Angeles, Holly Jo graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan with a BFA in Photography and a minor in Art History. After moving to LA, her career expanded to include photography, short-form video, producing, and directing.
With expertise in vintage fashion, film, and history, she excels in creating stylized, cinematic portraiture that brings a timeless, filmic quality to projects, including documentary work. When not working with beauty and skincare brands, she focuses on long-term documentary projects highlighting women, including a 7-year project with a synchronized swimming team and a new project with an Escaramuza team in Indio, CA
DONTATE: www.reynasdelvalle.org
