Xico, Mexico – On our streets cars and trucks must make way for horses, mules and burros. The fact is anything that can be made mobile may be seen on our streets; bicycles, 3 & 4 wheelers, push carts of all description, cars and trucks, and of course scooters from 50 to 1000+ (cc’s that is). But four legged steeds ride supreme on our calles (streets).

Having owned a few horses in my life time I can relate to their being referred to as “hay burners” or perhaps more accurately as pay burners. We know some folks in Ursulo Galvan that chunk down plenty of pesos to maintain a horse, mule or burro. – A lot relative to their total monthly pot of pesos.

This is horse country. In the nearby city of Coatepec back in the ‘70’s a long time local family of coffee growers and horse breeders sold a white Arabian stallion to then Mexican President José López Portillo y Pacheco. In 1981 just prior to Ronald Reagan’s inauguration Portillo gave the stallion to Reagan.

“Reagan adored his horses and often shared his jellybeans with them right from his hand. His favorite horse – the one with which he is often seen in photographs —- was a white Arabian stallion named El Alamein. The horse was a gift from Mexican President José López Portillo y Pachecho in 1981.”

At a White House state dinner for Portillo Reagan said in his welcoming speech, “… it would be difficult to match the gift that arrived at our ranch shortly before my Inauguration – El Alamein, a magnificent horse, your personal mount. Now, that was more than friendship; you took me into your family.” One for the Gipper I would say.

The Chedraui family (owners of Mexico’s fourth largest retail company) ships their horses around the world for equestrian events. Antonio Chedraui has participated in several Olympics in equestrian events. David Velasco Chedraui is currently El Presidente Municipal of Xalapa (The Mayor).

On the west side of our tri-cities in our town of Xico there is the “Asociacion de Charros de Xico”.
From a 1997 World News story titled Mexico’s charros are a breed apart: “The charros, Mexico’s tough cowboys and rodeo showmen, have long symbolized the ideal of the national character. Brave, self-reliant and proud, they are as Mexicans best like to see themselves.”

The other night arriving at our townhouse we encountered a frenzy of activity at the corner. There the horses not only commanded street privileges but totally usurped them. I grabbed my camera to capture some photos of the horsemen (and women) who were readying for a parade up Calle Miguel Hildalgo with the Virgen of Guadalupe.

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE

If you have horses and wondering about our area – bring ‘em on down pardner. Stay Tuned!