Prepare to be amazed! GOST Books is set to release Escaramuza, a captivating exploration by Swiss photographer Constance Jaeggi, delving into the world of all-female equestrian teams. These teams perform breathtaking, synchronized maneuvers while riding sidesaddle in traditional attire. But this is more than just a visual spectacle; it's a story of heritage, identity, and empowerment.
Jaeggi's journey took her across the United States, where she documented this vibrant Mexican tradition. She didn't just capture images; she recorded the stories of the women who make up these teams. As an outsider, Jaeggi collaborated with Mexican-American poets Ire’ne Lara Silva and Angelina Sàenz, who crafted prose in response to her photographs. The forthcoming book, Escaramuza, will showcase their poetry alongside Jaeggi's stunning visuals, creating a rich tapestry of narratives surrounding this unique tradition.
Escaramuza has its roots in charrería, Mexico's historically male-dominated national sport. Think of it as a blend of aesthetic performance and athletic prowess, originating from cattle ranching. The escaramuza discipline emerged as a space for female participation. The costumes and routines are inspired by the Soldaderas or Adelitas, the courageous women who fought in the Mexican Revolution between 1910 and 1920. Each team consists of eight riders, executing intricate patterns at high speed, all while riding sidesaddle, which presents a significant challenge.
Jaeggi, herself an experienced horse rider, was initially drawn to the sport's visual appeal. The traditional Victorian-era dresses are incredibly colorful and detailed, making the performances a true ballet on horseback. But she soon found herself captivated by the riders' stories. A central theme emerged: the role of immigration in shaping the sport within the US. Many riders expressed a feeling of not fully belonging, stating, "not feeling Mexican enough when traveling to Mexico, but not feeling American enough at home either."
And this is the part most people miss... These women dedicate themselves year-round to perfecting their skills. They care for their horses, train relentlessly, endure long drives to competitions, and manage their budgets to cover gear, tack, and outfits. Over two years, Jaeggi traveled to Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, capturing a culture that bridges contemporary Mexican-American identity with the legacy of the Mexican Revolution's female freedom fighters.
Jaeggi emphasizes the importance of the women's gaze in her portraits, stating, "My portraits seek to amplify empowerment, and I believe the subjects’ gaze to be central to this. The women confront the camera and own the spaces that they occupy. These choices are significant, as I’ve photographed the escaramuzas within the landscape that, historically, has been the privileged domain of the white male. Given this, escaramuza may be said to represent women’s reclamation of that space, of their right to coexist within it, and to refuse to be confined to the domestic sphere. For all its tradition and formality, I believe that escaramuza is a powerful force for the disruption of established gender roles in charrería.”
Escaramuza by Constance Jaeggi, featuring poetry by Angelina Sáenz and Ire’ne Lara Silva, is published by GOST Books and is scheduled for release in December 2025. The book will be 350x282 mm, comprising 128 pages and featuring 50 images. It will be available in hardback with an ISBN of 978-1-915423-96-2, and a signed edition will be available with the ISBN 978-1-915423-97-9.
Controversy alert: Escaramuza challenges traditional gender roles within the context of charrería. What are your thoughts on the significance of this shift? Do you believe this tradition is a powerful statement of female empowerment? Share your opinions in the comments below!
