Despite Dangerous Stunts, Young Girls Set to Keep One of the Oldest Equestrian Traditions Alive With ‘Once in a Lifetime Opportunity’

Embracing the cherished value of traditions and the indelible importance of legacies, a determined group of young girls hailing from San Ysidro and Bonita have fervently upheld a time-honored Mexican equestrian sport in the vibrant city of San Diego.

Ten exceptional girls are poised to ascend to the pinnacle of competition, etching their names in the annals of history as they forge a groundbreaking path in an extraordinary all-female Mexican equestrian endeavor. With each stride, they redefine the boundaries of possibility and celebrate the enduring spirit of their heritage.

Trailblazing American girls rewrite history in Mexican equestrian tournament

In a historic moment, the regional Olympics of Aguas Calientes, Mexico, will witness the participation of the first American team in the revered Escaramuza Charreria. When interviewed by CBS8 the participants showed their excitement and said, “Honestly when I heard about it, I was in shock, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.” Another one said, “My dad was a rider, and I would go to the events and it’s important to me to let him know I can also do that too.”

Expressing her excitement one rider said, “ Personally I was really excited, and I was in shock.” Aptly carrying the legacy forward, these extraordinary girls aspire to honor their family’s rodeo heritage. Their pursuit to make their fathers and grandfathers proud resonates as they embrace this all-female Mexican equestrian sport, rooted in tradition and spanning decades. The highly anticipated Olympic event is on June 1st. Notably, their pursuit resonates with the storied history of Equestrians at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

Equestrian Triumphs in Mexico 1968

In the hallowed grounds of the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, a stage was set for history to be rewritten. Equestrian competitions, featuring mesmerizing team and individual events in show jumping, eventing, and dressage, bore witness to a unique challenge. At an altitude of 2,300 meters, the athletes discovered a demanding environment, necessitating weeks of acclimation for their equine counterparts.

Read More: “He’s Been a Part of My Life for Over 10 Years”: Horse Back Rider Walks Down Nostalgic Lane Upon Saddening News

In the 1968 Summer Olympic Games, the competition witnessed the participation of 125 entries from 18 nations, including 22 women. These nations comprised Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, the German Democratic Republic (GDR), France, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, the Soviet Union, Switzerland, and the USA. Notably, the youngest participant in the event was Yevgeny Kuzin from the Soviet Union, aged 20 years, while the oldest rider was Lorna Johnstone from Great Britain, aged 66 years.

Now, in the pursuit of sponsors, a new generation of equestrians aspires to carry on this illustrious legacy and shine at the upcoming Olympics.

Watch This Story: Top 10 Moments of Olympic Sporting Spirit