Interview with Graceful Female Equestrians: Stunning Images Highlight Their Vibrant Tradition
In the realm of Mexican charrería, a range of equestrian feats executed by skilled horseback riders, female participants have consistently garnered attention. Women riders organize into teams to compete in the escaramuza. In this exclusively female event, they perform choreographed synchronized movements and tricks set to music, infusing their own imaginative flair into each step.
The intricate visual appeal of these events, along with the dedication required to create a refined performance, captured the interest of Swiss-born photographer Constance Jaeggi, who documented a series of striking portraits of U.S.-based escaramuza teams. As she delved into her research and connected with the riders, Jaeggi transcended the performance and glamour, uncovering narratives surrounding immigration, family, legacy, gender, and tradition within this cultural sport.
The escaramuzas—the term used for both the riders in a team and the competition—adorn themselves in vibrant and elaborate traditional attire embellished with silk, beads, or colored sequins. Each ensemble is complemented by a petticoat and sash tied in a bow at the back. Their hair is frequently styled in a low bun or ponytail, secured with a matching bow, all topped with a stylish sombrero.
As a recognized national sport of Mexico, escaramuza has shattered barriers. Teams are emerging across North America, advocating for female empowerment and inclusivity.
We had the opportunity to converse with Jaeggi regarding her photography journey, the charm of the escaramuza tradition, and her aspirations for what audiences will glean from this project. Continue reading for My Modern Met’s exclusive dialogue with Constance Jaeggi.
How did your photography journey begin?
My photography journey commenced after relocating to the U.S. from Switzerland to pursue university studies and a competitive horseback riding career. My passion for horses ignited in my early teens, leading me to western style riding. After that, I aimed to embody the cowgirl spirit. While studying in Texas, I became increasingly involved in the western community, particularly in cutting, which is somewhat related to the North American rodeo scene.
My connection with horses has significantly shaped my life. My experience as a competitor and rancher in Texas revolved entirely around horses. Throughout my college years, weekends and free time were predominantly spent on horseback. I traveled extensively on the competition circuit, and after graduation, I committed myself fully to my competitive endeavors.
Eventually, I felt an urge to visually explore horses and my bond with them. Having grown up appreciating visual art, this pursuit felt almost instinctual. I didn’t deliberate much; I simply grabbed a camera and began photographing. This endeavor satisfied a part of me that had remained unaddressed, deepening both my connection and comprehension of horses. I was intrigued by the ancient human-horse dynamic and its influence on our present relationship with these animals. Photography provided a means to explore that curiosity and express myself in a new way.
When did you first learn about escaramuza? What attracted you to it?
I had an initial awareness of escaramuza due to my involvement in the western riding community and its inclusion in our local Fort Worth Rodeo. I had been creating work that examined the concept of the “cowgirl” broadly but hadn’t immersed myself in the escaramuza world until the Cowgirl Museum in Fort Worth approached me to create a series for an upcoming exhibition.
My primary attraction lay in the bond between women and horses, alongside the extraordinary beauty inherent in the tradition—the dresses, the gracefulness. However, as I started researching, I discovered a deeply rich and complex narrative associated with the community participating in this sport in the U.S. I was captivated by the historical ties to the soldaderas, women who fought during the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920, and how their image, intertwined with mythology, inspired the development of this modern tradition. As I began photographing and conversing with the escaramuzas, their unique stories took precedence in my thoughts. This sport encompasses much more than mere aesthetics. It involves cultural preservation, the search for belonging, family and tradition, as well as issues of gender norms and immigration. I recognized the significance of this project, given all these layers.
Who are the women in the series? How did you get in touch with them?
The women featured in the series are escaramuzas from various parts of the U.S. I began by photographing teams in Texas, gradually extending my reach to teams in Washington state, Idaho, Oregon, Colorado, California, Georgia, Arizona, Iowa, and Illinois. Initially