Garcilazos continue long-time La Cherreria tradition at Gooding Pro Rodeo
GOODING, Idaho – The Garcilazo family is made up of showmen – and a show-woman – who not only love to entertain but also have passion for tradition.
It drives them across North America and beyond as they perform incredible horsemanship and other talents that have been passed down from one family member to another via La Cherreria, a skill performed through the generations only by the Mexican charro.
Tomas Garcilazo learned the skills as a youngster from his elders, and he’s passing them down to his own sons, Louis, Gaspar and Ulyesse. Tomas’ wife, Justine, also is involved in the production, and the family affair will be a big part of the Gooding Pro Rodeo, set for Thursday, Aug. 15-Saturday, Aug. 17, with a special “Beauty and the Beast” performance set for Wednesday, Aug. 14. All performances take place at 8 p.m. at Andy James Arena.
“On my mother’s side, they are all charros,” Garcilazo said. “I grew up competing all my life. I picked my skill with a rope and had a vision to develop this with the horses.
“It’s a way of developing my dream. My rope, as a child, was a toy. Now, I develop the artistry with a rope in such an extensive way. It takes time, effort, patience and the (willingness to) develop all the desires to succeed in horse and roping skills.”
Tomas Garcilazo is a third-generation charro, and while the littlest two of their sons are a bit young to step into the limelight, Louis is not only comfortable in the arena but has already developed the talents to be a featured part of the family’s heritage.
“When you bring someone to provide a treat, it’s nice because you contribute something to the community,” said Garcilazo, who has been selected to perform the opening act at the NFR more than a dozen times and has been named the PRCA’s Dress Act of the Year four times. “It’s going to bring more people together.”
That thought is why organizers of the Gooding Pro Rodeo wanted to bring the Garcilazos to town.
“We have the most amazing fans in rodeo,” said Don Gill, the fair and rodeo’s manager. “They are the reason we exist, but they’re also why the contestants continually talk about the Gooding Pro Rodeo. We draw the top cowboys and cowgirls because of the support we receive, and everybody talks about our crowd.
“We want that excitement to continue year after year, so we work very hard to bring in the top talent we can. Tomas has been an incredible performer for decades, and with his family involved in his acts, it just ups the ante for us and for our fans. It’s something they’re not only going to enjoy, but it’s also something nobody wants to miss.”
The Garcilazos present a fascinating display of specialized roping and horses that are as magnificent as the Mexican-style outfits the family wears. Their equine partners shine in the spotlight, a testament to their training, mixed with the care the Garcilazos give them and the raw, athletic talent they possess.
While rodeo is a Western sport, it’s roots trace back to when much of the American Southwest was part of the Mexican territory. It’s that foundation that has been the guiding force for the family. It’s a love affair by which Tomas Garcilazo has built a life, not only for himself but for the next generation.
“Being in the entertainment business, you get to see the different traditions and different people from different personalities,” he said. “When you develop something with passion with your heart and express this on stage, it shows. When I see a performer, when they do these with their heart, it shows right away. I have a lot of passion for what I do, and I hope everyone sees that.”