In the Coachella Valley in California, home to the famous music festival, a group of young female equestrians are taking part in a sport that pays tribute to women’s history.
Training on a ranch in Indio Hills, the group of ten young girls aged between seven and twelve years of age ride in what is called the lienzo, a round arena, performing synchronized movements and patterns similar to dressage quadrilles or the RCMP Musical Ride.
Three major differences set these girls apart from those other equestrian sports. For one thing, the routines are performed without music. For another, the riders all ride sidesaddle. And last but not least, did we mention they’re under the age of 12?