Charras Unidas (CU) participated in all three days of the 2nd Annual International Equestrian Squads from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28, 2024. This event included female group riders from different countries, including Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Palestine, Dominican Republic, and the United States of America (California – Ventura County), alongside squads from the hosting country.
“The Chilean community received us with open arms; they are a beautiful country. Many people came to the event, and they all left delighted”. Stated Juanita Mireles, UC President.
Deborah Rodriguez, CU Board Member and proud mother of five participants stated that synchronized Escaramuza is a Mexican sport that will go down in history as a set of equestrian and cowboy skills and abilities. It’s a highly competitive equestrian sport nationally recognized in Mexico and is now gaining popularity in the U.S. as more Mexican American youth carry on the tradition.
They are remarkably proud of what they achieved as an Equestrian Squad; their hard work and dedication have paid off.
Education is also a priority; It is not easy to keep up with studies and wake up at 6 a.m. to be at practice at 8:30 a.m. on the weekends. Daisy Elena Villegas has been part of the squad since it was founded in 2013. On May 18th, she will graduate from California State Channel Island University with a BA in Psychology.
Charras Unidas is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 and based in Ventura County; they have participants from Little Rock and Sherman Oaks. It promotes respect for diversity, independence, responsibility, discipline, and motivation to work hard. As a result, children can grow to be independent, responsible, team players, reliable, set goals, contribute to family ties, and be open to collaborating with our community. Charras Unidas is a side-saddle equestrian team; eight out of the 16 squad members attended the competition: Camila Ximena Reveles – age 14; Ana Valeria Reveles – age 17; Fatima Andrea Reveles – age 18; Alondra Natalia Reveles – age 21; Alejandra Cecilia Reveles – age 22, Daniella Cervantes – age 16, Daisy Elena Villegas – age 23, and Junita Mirele CU President.
They practice long hours, early morning on weekends, rain or shine. Their love for the culture, dedication to the sport, and empathy for the horses motivate them.
Charras Unidas competes year-round and has participated in various states throughout Mexico, such as Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosi, Queretaro, Jalisco, and Puerto Vallarta, as well as in cities throughout California; they perform annually at the Ventura County Fair.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers the charrería an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a worldwide spectacle.
The dresses are a tribute to the ‘Adelitas,’ women who broke barriers and played a crucial role in the fight for the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), and a reminder to the organization never to forget where they came from.