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Where It's At
Rodeo is the traditional national sport of Chile.
Early every autumn since the 1950’s the rodeo championships
is staged in the country. The rodeo is a unique occasion in
Chile, being one of the few events that is authentically Chilean
and one that dates back to colonial times.
Rodeo is similar to Spanish bull fighting in that it is considered
a true test of a man’s masculinity. Kitted out in cowboy
hats, leather boots, silver spurs and Clint Eastwood style
smocks the Chilean cowboys, more commonly known as huasos,
take the sport extremely seriously. For the rest of the nation
it's more of an excuse for a party and plenty of pisco or
red Chilean wine!
Cowboys
Most huasos belong to families where competing in rodeos is
a way of life and a skill passed down from father to son,
learning the art of precise and skilful cattle manoeuvres.
Traditionally two mounted horse riders of pure Chilean race
must work in a pair. Their aim is to stop a young roaming
bull in three consecutive attempts by ramming the animal into
soft barriers on opposite sides of the ring they are competing
in. A points system is devised depending on what part of the
bull’s body the huesos come into contact with (for example
three points are scored if they hit the ribs, no points if
they make contact with the head).
For the competitors and spectators an equally important aspect
of rodeo is the huesos' dancing skills. Huesos are
crowd pleasers and so they must demonstrate nifty footwork
astride their horse as they perform a festive national dance
named the cueca. These skills coupled with their ability
to shunt the bull in the right places all contribute to who
will be the champion huaso, judged by an independent jury
in the stands.
Rights and Wrongs
While the Rodeo is certainly quite a spectacle for the foreign
visitor, it is clearly not for animal lovers. Chilean anti-rodeo
protesters are ashamed that part of their country's image
is so closely associated with what they believe to be an inhumane
and out-dated sport. Both animals involved are mistreated.
Whilst the horse receives blows to the ribs from the spurs
most of the bulls that are used are purposefully young and
under-developed and they suffer fractures and haemorrhages
during the sport. |
