Award-Winning Charro to Perform at 102nd Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo
Tomas Garcilazo is a third-generation charro (Mexican horseman) who has devoted his life to sharing Mexico’s National Sport of La Charreria—traditional herding that predates rodeo—with the world. He will return to the 102nd Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo, set to take place May 17-19 at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park, to entertain fans at each performance.
Considered one of the finest charros presenting La Charreria today, Garcilazo has the distinction of being recognized by Mexico and the United States Charreria Association with their Golden Spur Award, La Espuela de Oro, for being a voice and ambassador of Mexico’s National Sport.
If you have never seen Garcilazo perform you are in for quite a show. As he enters the arena, you will first notice the beautiful horse that appears to be gliding to the music you hear over the loudspeaker, and then you will see the intricate design of a charro's traditional costume. He will almost instantly begin to spin his rope in never-ending circles that become larger in size until they eventually rotate around him and his horse. Tomas, the charro, and his horse move together to music in an effortless dance of skill and horsemanship as the announcer tells the story of a young boy growing up in Mexico. The boy learned how to trick rope and ride from his father and grandfather and now travels the world as an entertainer and emissary for the art and history of La Charreria.
La Charreria is a national sport in Mexico that dates back to the skills used by horsemen on the haciendas of old Mexico. The first La Charreria events were friendly ranch work competitions amongst the haciendas. Today, it is a national sport that is as much about the rope artistry of the Charro as it is about their horsemanship. Garcilazo often refers to his horses as his family because of the many hours devoted to training and learning to work together. He knows each horse’s likes and dislikes and how they will react to the stage layout or arena where they are performing. Almost as instinctively as he knows the likes and dislikes of his family, who travels with him.
A four-time PRCA (Professional Rodeo) Specialty Act of the Year, Garcilazo spends most of the year on the road, traveling to his performances by truck so he can haul his horses and family along with him. He will be joined at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo by his son Louie and wife Justine to entertain fans.
Garcilazo’s oldest son, Louie, is 10 years old. He is learning the tradition from his father so he, too, can master the skills that will make him a fourth-generation charro. When not charming audiences with his talent and charisma, he can be found helping teach his younger brothers, Gaspar and Ulysse, the same skills their father taught him.
Tomas has performed worldwide, appeared on Broadway with the Tony Award-winning Will Rogers Follies, and been the featured performer for Disney’s Wild West Show in Paris, France. His career highlights include guest performances at the White House and Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Most recently, he won season one of Snoop Dog’s “Go Big Show” on TBS. The entertainment site Talentacap.com highlighted his act as the top act ever seen in a 2022 article about the program, saying, “Tomas ended up winning the first season, proving that passion and emotion can beat even the most dangerous and over-the-top acts.”
Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo fans can see the passionate and talented Tomas Garcilazo and his family perform at a break in the action during each rodeo performance from May 17-19. Don’t miss the chance to see a cowboy who makes his home in Stephenville, Texas, and shares his incredible family legacy.
Visit www.rowellranchrodeo.com to learn more and to purchase tickets. Tickets are also available at the gate on the day of the performance.