SAN ANTONIO – There is a new entertainer at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo this year, bringing generations of talent and tradition to the rodeo arena.
Charros are expert horsemen and rope trick specialists. Tomas Garcilazo is bringing that expertise to San Antonio and performing for the first time at the Stock Show and Rodeo.
"They accept me ... the reception is so nice, so I (have) to give my best," Garcilazo said.
Garcilazo worked on his rope trick craft during the early part of his career. He has performed all over the world, including Paris, the White House twice, Broadway and in 46 states. He started performing with Linda Ronstadt when she was performing Spanish songs during a musical.
He was approached by an executive about bringing his show to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. He put together his roping talents with his horse training and riding talents for nightly shows in Vegas.
He has now gone to the National Finals Rodeo 18 times and started going to rodeos and horse shows all over the country.
"It's a passion to develop the show. It is what I love to do," Garcilazo said.
Combining all those talents was not easy, especially twirling the rope while on the horse, either sitting or standing on the saddle.
"It takes a lot of time to under the rope, the twists and untwists," Garcilazo said.
He uses a rope that is about 65 feet long. Enough length to get around him and his horse.
He has several horses he has trained for the show. One in particular is a pure quarter horse, a 14-year-old named Hollywood. Its mane is long and gray, almost reaching the ground -- one of the signature trademarks.
Garcilazo said his horse is not a tool of the trade but a partner in the performance that only work together with "the communication, the trust and even the confidence of being one and the bond."
Garcilazo will perform every night during the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo.