COWGIRL STORIES: Estefania Belmonte

Mar 14

A cowgirl’s story fromMexico to Texas

Meet Estefania Belmonte

Introducing the first cowgirl of our cowgirl series Estefania Belmonte, a high level escaramuza competing in Charrería. Charrería is Mexico’s national sport, a competitive event very similar to rodeo within the United States. Originating from the demands of ranch life on the haciendas of old Mexico, charrería has a deep connection between the athletes and their Mexican heritage. There are several events within charrería including cala de caballo (reining), escaramuza (equestrian-like routines while wearing traditional Adelita attire and riding sidesaddle), bareback riding and trick roping. It is said that the original cowboy originated from the charro.

One hundred years ago, women of the Mexican Revolution performed pre-battle maneuvers on horseback, kicking up clouds of dust to give cover to their male counterparts in combat. Those women came to be known as escaramuzas.

The tradition lives on in the escaramuza charra, an essential component of charrería that has become the national sport of Mexico.

Local charreadas feature escaramuzas as the centerpiece of each event, clothed elegantly in traditional Adelita dresses while riding sidesaddle and performing intricate maneuvers that demonstrate athleticism and equestrian skills.

An escaramuza is a Mexican cowgirl that works in a synchronized team with eight other girls on side saddle doing dangerous crosses, & fast turns. It’s almost a dance on horses.

Estefania has been competing in Charrería since she was 13 years old.

We interviewed Estefania to learn more about her story:

Competing at her first national championship. Guadalajara, Mexico 2005

Bio & Introduction

Born and raised between the border cities of Juárez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas, I`ve built a life that blends two worlds, but one thing has remained constant – horses. My love for them started before I could even walk, growing up in my grandfather`s ranch and riding alongside my father. I got my first horse, Prince at five and by seven I was show jumping. At 13, I transitioned into escaramuza, the women`s equestrian discipline of the Mexican national sport Charreria and have been competing at the highest levels for the last 20 years. Horses have shaped me into the woman I am today, nurturing my confidence, strength and unapologetic fierceness. Today, I celebrate the sisterhood that horses have given me, both in the arena and beyond. Whether we ride different disciplines or wear different styles, at core we are all cowgirls.

Where are you currently located:

Ciudad Juárez, Mexico & El Paso, Texas

“Whether we ride different disciplines or wear different styles, at core we are all cowgirls.”

— Estefania Belmonte

How did you get into the lifestyle & what do you love about it?

Horses have been the heartbeat of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent my childhood between fields of crops and in the saddle. I was the one grandchild that always wanted to be at the ranch and always wanted her birthday parties to be at the ranch – even if I had to wear a dress for the occasion. For the last 20 years, I`ve been dedicated to escaramuza, the all-women equestrian discipline within Charreria, competing alongside my team at state and national levels. More than the sport, horses have given me a sense of identity and have profoundly shaped my character, teaching me discipline, patience and what an unbreakable bond based on trust and respect is. Every horse I have loved and come across has taught me something. The connection I shared with Pitayo, my heart horse for 17 years will always be a part of me – his loyalty and spirit left a lasting impact, reminding me why this way of life is so special. No matter the discipline or our backgrounds, this passion connects us. Whether you are a Mexican charra, an American cowgirl or an Argentinian gaucha we speak the same language – that of the heart.

What does it mean to be a cowgirl?

To me, being a cowgirl is about embodying both strength and heart. It`s about being a woman who is driven, full of determination, and stubborn in the best way – never backing down from a challenge but always standing firm in her values. A cowgirl is tough when she needs to be, yet gentle and noble at her core. She’s decisive, confident in her choices. Above all, a cowgirl is an all-in giver. She pours her heart into everything she does -her horses, her family, her community- because she knows that this way of life isn’t just about riding; it`s about living with passion, purpose and an unwavering love and respect for the land that sustains us and the traditions that shape us.

Competing at the Charras de Acero tournament, 2022.

“A cowgirl is tough when she needs to be, yet gentle and noble at her core.”

— Estefania Belmonte

What advice do you have for cowgirls?

Stay true to who you are. It`s okay try out the many faces of this equestrian world – for they are all unique in their own way. This lifestyle will test you, it will demand resilience, patience, commitment and an unwavering work ethic but it will reward you in more ways than one. Be soft in the way you treat others, especially those whose reins we are holding. Strength and kindness go hand in hand. Trust your timing, trust yourself and most importantly trust your horse – they speak to us if only we listen and let us not forget they too have bad days. Not every ride will be perfect and not every day will be easy, but the lessons in the saddle shape us far beyond the arena. Most importantly, never forget why you ride.

At the Samalayuca Desert in Mexico, 2021.

Where can we follow you on socials?

escaramuza Team Instagram: @raramurisjrz

PERSONAL: @estefaniabelmonte

Kirah King