The Coleadero

I was fortunate to be invited to a Colas en el Lienzo, or Coleadero (Steer Tailing) similar to Rodeo bull dogging except that the rider does not dismount. Out on a ranch in Leon County Texas I drove to a homemade arena where the contestants and family gathered. The Vaqueros will ride alongside the left side of the bull, wraps its tail around his right leg, and tries to bring the bull down in a roll as he rides past it.

The young ladies of the festival are the judges and will give out ribbons and banners for their success. At larger Coleaderos the prizes can be saddles and assorted riding tack. A band was there playing an upbeat rhythm for an exciting background atmosphere. What I enjoyed was the western “Vaquero” apparel they wore like the Sombreros, chaps, boots, and spurs. Even the horses could be wearing some flashy tack too. It reminded me of the way car guys show off their machines at the shows. There was a stand selling food and drinks with others hanging tack and spurs made from the leather crafters.

This sport has it’s dangers like being pulled off your mount which I wittnessed but did not have the camera on him, maybe next time. It was the family atmosphere that was the most enjoyable to see. Many would back the truck up to the fence and use the pickup bed for their personal stands. Please enjoy the pictures of this little known sport and for more visit my page, https://michaelwilliams.smugmug.com/Vaqueros/.

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