The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame will present “Escaramuza, The Poetics of Home” from June 12 through Sept. 12, 2026, showcasing a photographic exploration of Mexican American identity, tradition and womanhood.
The exhibition centers on escaramuza, a traditional Mexican equestrian discipline performed by teams of eight women who execute synchronized riding patterns at a gallop. The practice traces its roots to the Mexican Revolution, when women rode horses to defend their communities. Today, it is both a competitive sport and a form of cultural performance art.
The collection features recent work by Swiss-born photographer Constance Jaeggi, whose project documenting escaramuzas earned recognition in the 2024 LensCulture Critics’ Choice Awards. Her portraits highlight women who embrace their heritage through the sport while navigating identity across cultural boundaries.
The exhibition is complemented by original poetry from Ire’ne Lara Silva and Angelina Sáenz, whose works reflect themes of family, gender and belonging within the escaramuza community.
“The Cowgirl Museum sought Constance Jaeggi to participate in this exhibition, and I believe many will find her art both arresting and beautiful,” said Associate Executive Director Diana Vela. “Constance traveled to several states to capture these authentically unique portraits of women who celebrate an important part of their Mexican culture through the sport.”
Jaeggi described the project as a journey into the personal narratives of her subjects.
“Photographing these remarkable women has been a journey of profound discovery,” she said. “Our collaboration aims to empower and amplify the voices of these women, and questions what it means to be Mexican, what it means to be American, and what it means to be a woman.”
Founded in Fort Worth, the museum honors women of the American West who have demonstrated leadership and achievement in fields including ranching, rodeo, art and education.
