Mexican traditions live on in California through female rodeo performers

Part sport, part celebration of history and cultural heritage, this story highlights the power and resilience of Mexican American women who participate in the only all-female rodeo event, or “charreadas”. Known as “escaramuzas”, these women were heroes in the Mexican Revolution, disorienting the Spanish by kicking up dust on horseback. Photographer Natalie Keyssar followed one team, the Flor de Gardenia, for this story, documenting their grueling practices, enormous skill and pageantry in competition. Our goal for this story was to celebrate these women, highlighting their skill and dedication through Natalie’s vibrant style in stills and motion.