Tomás Garcilazo has carried the proud legacy of Mexico’s national sport, Charrería, to arenas
across the world. Born in Mexico City, Garcilazo first picked up a rope at the age of four. By age nine, he was already performing at major events, including a breakfast exhibition for Miguel de
La Madrid during his run for the Mexican presidency.

Charreria is an equestrian sport that showcases skill and grace and dates back to the 16th century in Mexico.

After moving to Fontana, Garcilazo began performing in local rodeos and shows,
leading to tours with Mexican singing legend Antonio Aguilar, a role in Broadway’s Will Rogers Follies, and international performances with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in Disneyland Paris.

In 1997, he debuted at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, later becoming the longest-running specialty act in NFR history.

Throughout his career, he’s earned numerous honors, including four Professional Rodeo Cowboy Assn. Specialty Act of the Year awards, La Espuela De Oro (The Gold Spur) from the Mexican and U.S. Charrería Assn., and induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2024. Beyond accolades, his mission remains educating audiences worldwide about the artistry, discipline, and respect for horses that define Charrería.

Whether on the global stage or close to home, family is central to his mission. Garcilazo’s son
now introduces him in front of thousands, underscoring that Charrería is more than just a sport;
It’s a heritage.

Recently, Garcilazo chatted with the University Times about his history and passion for Charrería.

You picked up a rope at just 4 years old. What made you start learning Charrería?

I’m a fourth-generation Charro [Mexican cowboy]. This heritage comes from my mother’s side. We grew up close to them, and with that influence, we picked up the sport.

At nine years old, you performed for a presidential candidate in Mexico. What was that
experience like for you?

My uncle was the instructor of the Charros Assn. in Mexico City, and they requested a few kids to perform for [presidential candidate] Miguel de la Madrid… After that performance, I had my vision to someday do what I’m doing now. But I never thought that dream would come true.

How did moving to the United States impact your life as a Charro?

Here is where I developed my life professionally… I was a kid. I had that ambition [to be a
performer]. After being in Mexico, I took a year to come to the United States. I was in
preparatoria (high school) and I took a year off of school to come… and to see what I could do
or learn, and I did what I did.

Charrería is Mexico’s national sport and a tradition with more than 500 years of history.
How do you explain its significance, and to people seeing it for the first time, what would you tell them about the sport?

Well, I’m an ambassador of the Charrería of the United States, and I think all over the world. My
mission is to provide and to preserve the roots, the tradition, the culture [and] the way of life. For
example, when people see me, what do they see? They see something cultural, something
beautiful, something that can pass on to the next generation.

Family seems to be a central part of your story. What does it mean to pass this art down
to your children?

For me, it’s important for my kids to know my roots… and to [pass down] my skill and heritage.
It’s important if we don’t want this to die, because with modern days it’s tough, but we have to
keep this history current in some ways. My son is 11 years old. He has pretty good skills with
the horses and the rope, and now he’s even introducing my act.

You’ve received many honors. How did those recognitions feel, and what do they mean
for the legacy of Charros worldwide?

I’ve been earning this on my own with my family. I’ve been in the business for 28 years,
PRCA. Plus, I’ve been competing since I was a kid. So, I’ve been spending all my life on this,
and when you receive all these honors or recognitions, you look back and say, ‘Well, I earned it
with pride, sincerity, [and] honesty.’