The Vaquero Gathering, Hosted by APHA, Set to Premiere in Forth Worth Stockyards
PHJ release by: Steven Hayes
The inaugural Vaquero Gathering, hosted by the American Paint Horse Association, is set to make history in the Fort Worth Stockyards October 8-10, 2021.
This weekend takeover of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards highlights the contributions and pays homage to Mexican Charro traditions. Stockyard’s visitors will delight in the traditional sights, sounds and culinary experiences that make Texas and this historic location a tribute to our vaquero heritage. Events will include horsemanship clinics, three horse show performances in the Cowtown coliseum and a Vaquero (Mexican) Food Truck Competition to assure visitors will relish this first-time event and find something special for all.
“This inaugural event showcases the important role that early native and Mexican vaqueros played in the early trail drives that started right here in the Stockyards. The APHA has international partnerships in Mexico, Brazil and Latin America that will have an opportunity to learn of our local history and fully recognize the constant presence of Charros and Escaramuzas that keep the sport growing across the US and right here in Fort Worth this October,” said APHA’s Executive Director Billy Smith.
The event will kick-off with the first of three bilingual performances detailing the Charro’s early days, ranch vaqueros and present-day competitors. Shows will feature participation of the very popular Escaramuzas, or side-saddle riders that have captured the hearts of young girls seeking to maintain these important family traditions. Sunday’s events begin at 10 a.m. with a bilingual horsemanship skills clinic by renowned trainers and local Paint Horse champions. The clinic will be open to the public in the Cowtown Coliseum prior to the matinee performance.
“We are proud to share our national treasure, precious history and culture with the international visitors of the Stockyards. The APHA has important relationships and a strong presence in Mexico; and we are proud that Mexican Charreria will be celebrated at this historic venue,” stated Francisco de la Torre, Cónsul of México. UNESCO declared Mexican Charreria Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016; and is also Mexico’s national sport.
Friday’s events begin with the first of three daily performances that tell the story of the early days of the Mexican vaqueros, charros and history of the Escaramuza during the Mexican revolution. Also at noon, Saturday’s performance will highlight the transfer of Mexican charro skills to ranch vaqueros and the celebrated horse traditions of that period. Sunday’s performance will be at 2 p.m. and will be a historical compilation of the first two time periods as a celebration of the present-day Vaquero and Charro. All three Vaquero Performances will be held in the Cowtown Coliseum.
The three-day event has received welcome support and partnership with the Mexican Consulate, Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Federación of Clubes Zacatecanos. We are proud to have Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages as the event’s title sponsor.
Visit www.vaquerogathering.com for a full list of activities, to purchase tickets, or for more information. Contact Steven Hayes at (817) 222-6432 or shayes@apha.com with questions. Follow us on Facebook @vaquero.gathering2021.
About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.
