Escaramuza

In this new publication, photographer Constance Jaeggi explores Escaramuza, the sport of all-female precision horse riding, where teams execute meticulous manoeuvres while riding side-saddle at high speed, wearing traditional Mexican attire. Originating from Charrería--a practice celebrating horsemanship and ranching that originated in 16th-century Mexico-- escaramuza emerged in the 1950s as a formative space for women in a historically male-dominated tradition. Through images and poetry, Escaramuza looks at how the tradition continues in the United States today, and what it means for the identity of its Mexican and Mexican-American female practitioners. The book considers the roles of family, immigration and gender dynamics within escaramuza and Charrería culture in the US, drawing historical parallels to the 'soldaderas' who fought in the Mexican Revolution and inspired the escaramuza tradition. The work combines photographic portraits by the artist, with poetry by ire'ne lara silva and Angelina Sáenz.