Wilfredo Riera (1982-2019)

Photographer
    
The culture of youth tail riders
Location: Caracas
Nationality: Venezuelan
Biography:       Wilfredo Riera is a freelance photographer from Venezuela. He joined the documentary and photojournalism one year program at The International Center of Photography in New York in 2013.  His work has been published... MORE
Public Story
The culture of youth tail riders
Copyright Wilfredo Riera 2024
Updated Mar 2018
Location Barquisimeto
Topics Animals, Documentary, Photography, Sports


The "Coleo" is practiced and followed in many places of Venezuela. Consists in pulling the bull's tail to make fall the animal. Cowboys have three minutes per round to do it how many times they can. Starting in 1547 in the Spanish conquerors century now is also practiced in Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Brazil, Panama and USA.


Coleo: Introducing the Venezuelan passtime documents the activity is one of the most important spots of practice this located in Barquisimeto City, in the west part of Venezuela. Horses, bulls, mud and speed transform the three minutes round in an extremely dangerous track with religion icons always to protect the cowboys in the middle of the confusion and adrenaline boost. Practiced mostly by men, now is very common for women and teenagers who look for a tougher activity. They play it for prizes in cash and for a good ranking in the national tournament. Its adherents are asking to the National Government to declare it national sport and part of the Venezuelan cultural traditions. The "Coleo" is practiced in the 23 Venezuela states.

LinkedIn Icon Facebook Icon Twitter Icon
11,273

Also by Wilfredo Riera (1982-2019) —

Story

Venezuela's Protest

Wilfredo Riera / caracas
Story

Holy Weeek

Wilfredo Riera (1982-2019) / Caracas
Story

Hometown of Faith

Wilfredo Riera / Barquisimeto
Story

Future star

Wilfredo Riera / Barquisimeto
The culture of youth tail riders by Wilfredo Riera
Sign-up for
For more access