18 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 16-22, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com STEVE GRAY World on a Rope Some people say one must climb the ladder to reach the top. But Tomás Garcilazo started there. From an early age, the third-generation charro dreamed of performing at rodeos. Raised in the tradition of La Charrería horsemanship and disciplined in floreo de reata—the Mexican art of trick roping—the Mexico City native was a veteran of parade and event performances even before his teenage years. But rodeo was a calling, and in 1997, he gave his first specialty act at a rodeo—the Wrangler National Finals in Las Vegas. Garcilazo has been back to the biggest of all rodeos every year since. But he returns this year to the California Rodeo Salinas for the first time since before the pandemic. And despite the accolades—he is a member of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, has performed for Mexican presidents and been invited to the White House—Garcilazo’s excitement is evident as he speaks about his appearance. Above left: Tomás Garcilazo is careful about his choice of rope for a performance, checking for weather and other conditions. Above right: A charro is skilled at both ropework and horsemanship. Far left: The entire family travels to events, which means keeping sons Louis, Gaspar and Ulysse up with school projects. Near left and right: Garcilazo performs on horseback as well as on foot. Louis regularly joins his father. JUSTINE GARCILAZO JUSTINE GARCILAZO ANDREA KAUS
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