Escaramuza

Being part of an escaramuza team has greatly impacted me as a person. More than a hobby I could call it a life style. I love the feeling of competing, going into the arena and seeing family members cheer for us is such an awesome feeling. When I'm in there all I want to do is win. Some could say that it is a waste of money but if you love it, do it regardless of what anyone has to say. Being part of an escaramuza team is more than looking pretty in those long cultural dresses. It takes time and dedication to the sport. When I first joined the team years ago, I was introduced to a new perspective of the sport in which I have come to love. You learn to trust your teammates and for most your horse trusts you. It takes time precision to be able to synchronize every exercise. If one teammate is late in matter of seconds, tragical accidents could happen. There comes days in which late night practice do not go as well. Our trainer travels hours from outside the country, because perhaps he believes in us. He is really strict in the way he works with us, but we trust his techniques. It is a time consuming sport, but nothing else could give me that great sensation of being inside of the so called "ruedo." I sometimes question myself on how much longer will I ride in the team, and trust me I still have not yet come up with an answer. But you know, from all the things I have learned to love from being in an escaramuza team, my favorite thing has to be- the time spent with my dad. Escaramuza allowed my relationship with my dad to become stronger. I remember being that young girl from the team that could not saddle up because I was too weak and skinny to carry the saddle. My dad saddled for me for many years until I was strong enough to carry the saddle. My dad was always there for me. He took me to practice about thirty-fourty minutes away from home sometimes twice a week. Now that I haul my horse to practice I greatly appreciate him because, oh god it is tiring. There were times in which we would practice up to midnight, and he was always there. My dad was there to help me saddle, haul, shower, unsaddle my horse, etc. My dad was there when we placed poorly and when we got 1st place! He was there to wake up at 5am to get ready for "practica oficial" during competition weekends. My dad was there even when he had to go work weekends, but some how always managed to be at every single competition. I swear that if would have not been for my dad I would be nothing. I would be nothing because he allowed me to realize where my heart belongs. I loved every second of hauling horses to practice, late night eating, and so much more that my dad and I went through as part of an escaramuza team, which I can now cherish in my heart forever. As I continue to grow up, I start realize that everything he did was so I could learn from him and one day be able to do it for myself. He has taught me so much about hard work. Honestly, my dad has always told me that no man will love me like he does, and up to this day I hold his word for it. I swear his rough manly voice does not make up for his sweetness as a father. Escaramuza allowed me to build a bond with my father and that is something I will forever thank god for.

xoxo, -Diana Lopez