Charros, a pillar of Mexican culture, will honor their equestrian traditions this September in the state of Jalisco. More than a form of rodeo, charrería is a way of life and is designated an UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There are numerous activities travelers can participate in to experience a taste of one of Mexico’s oldest cultural traditions.

Charrería, Mexico’s national sport and an UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will take center stage in the state of Jalisco this September when Charros de Jalisco, Mexico’s first-ever competitive charro group, celebrates its 100th anniversary. More than a form of rodeo, charrería is a way of life in Jalisco, originating from Mexico’s herdsmen culture of the 1500s and passed down through generations. Travelers interested in experiencing a taste of one of Mexico’s oldest cultural traditions can participate in the following activities:

CHARRO CHAMPIONSHIP

Guadalajara, Jalisco’s capital city, will host the Charro Championship September 10 – 20 at Lienzo Charro Jalisco arena. During this 10-day competitive event, visitors will have the chance to watch Jalisco’s top charros perform impressive feats including lasso work, horse training, bull riding, and the “El Paso de la muerte” where riders jump from a trained horse to a wild horse at a gallop. Escaramuzas participate in all-female competitions that feature eight riders dressed in traditional attire performing choreographed, synchronized routines, all while riding side saddle.

Read more: Mexico's Charros de Jalisco Celebrates Its 100th Anniversary

by Brittani Moncrease

MEMPHIS, Tenn. When it comes to Elvis, there is no separating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll from his cowboy demeanor. 

Elvis kept multiple horses at Graceland, and horses remain important to the Graceland estate. 

A local former teacher takes care of the horses.

“She’s a chemistry teacher and here she is in the barn. This is what’s so great, I think. Who does that?” asked Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley’s ex-wife.

Who does that? Alene Alexander does. She has worked at Graceland for 38 years now.

Read more: Meet the Former Teacher Who Also Serves as Graceland’s Long-time Horse keeper

by Heather Wallace

Sitting on the unique mix of grass, rock, and sand, I look out in the distance. I’ve traveled the world but nothing before could prepare me for the view. As I sift my fingers through the ground, it strikes me that it likely holds secrets of nomads and travelers. Did they feel the same thing? Were they struck by how small they felt, looking 50 kilometers or so into the horizon as the sun began its lazy descent? Did they feel alone? Or, like me, did they instead connect with themselves and imagine the possibilities?

Perhaps some travelers would be bored, staring at seemingly nothing as they rode the sturdy Mongolian horses for an entire day without spotting another human being.

I look to the south while sitting outside the door of my ger, a large round tent commonly used as a residence by the nomads, at basecamp. The doors always face south or southeast. There, the herders check the traditional horse line and begin to loosen the horses from the line for the evening, giving them freedom to wander and graze in the night. Some wear hobbles and others are haltered two-by-two to prevent them from going too far from camp. If there is water nearby the horses are content to stay close, and I look forward to hearing them outside the ger while I sleep. I make a note to wear my headlamp if I need the bathroom so I don’t accidentally run into one and scare the both of us.

Read more: Girl Forward: A Tale of One Woman's Unlikely Adventure in Mongolia

This horse property maximizes acreage with a thoughtful layout. This dreamy horse property is located in Mercer Island, Washington. The entire five-acre estate was designed by McClellan Architects. The tight semi-urban lot was challenging to work with, but the layout was executed flawlessly. It’s comprised of an arena, barn with adjacent sacrifice areas, a large service and utility garage, a private residence, caretaker’s residence, a play lawn, vegetable garden, chicken coop, service court, sculptural rain garden, and four separate pastures, all enclosed by a perimeter paddock track.

Read more: Tour a Modern Equestrian Estate in the Pacific Northwest

The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA) is returning for the 65^th annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show at WestWorld of Scottsdale. The world’s largest, family-friendly horse show runs Thursday, Feb. 13 through Sunday, Feb. 23 and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators.

“More than 2,400 Arabian horses from all over the globe will participate in this year’s event,” said Taryl O’Shea, executive director of the AHAA. “The competition includes a wide variety of class events where more than $3 million in prize money is offered, as the best of the best vie for the coveted title of Scottsdale Champion.”

Spectators can also browse the amazing Shopping Expo with more than 350 unique commercial exhibitors overflowing with treasures, baubles, bangles and one-of-a-kind beads for every taste and budget. The trade booths will offer everything from lavish jewelry, clothing and works of art, to boots, saddles, gifts and trinkets. Additionally, the international cuisine court will feature more than 50 food vendors.

Families will have several free activities to choose from including ice cream socials, ceramic horse painting, art contests, behind-the-scenes barn tours, educational round pen demonstrations, and the opportunity to meet an Arabian horse.

Read more: Arabian Horse Show Brings $98M Economic Impact to Scottsdale