Fotocrônica: Cavalgada

There are some times of the year that remind me how very much I live in a South American version of Texas. The annual rodeo (cavalgada) is certainly one of them.

Everyone busts out their cowboy best. Me in my lovely maxi sundress stuck out like a sore thumb (someone could have warned me–Boots!I love boots! And an opportunity to wear boots in Brazil! When does that happen?) I know now. Daisy duke shorts and cowboy boots for the girls. Oversized belt buckles, boots, plaid and/or embroidered shirts for the boys. Ten gallon hats for everyone.

Grab a Skol and a spot on the railing to watch. It’s Rodeo Time, everyone!

(Note: click on any image below to begin a slide show of the photos)

The Barrel Racing trials were a big favorite. Horses and riders careened through an obstacle course to achieve a top time without touching any barrels.

The Marching Contest judged the horses’ skill in keeping a set pace and step. It was clear that some of these horses were worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Horses rode among the crowd.

Sometimes the riders were surprisingly small.

Rural transportation: Old meets new.