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Jose Antonio Huerta is a charro, or practitioner of the traditional Mexican art of charrería, which includes rope tricks and horse and cattle work. Huerta grew up in a rural village in Jalisco, Mexico, where his family made a living from farming, raising cattle, horses, donkeys, pigs, and chickens. Huerta was tasked with the cattle and horse work and thus developed a passion for charrería. His father and grandparents’ supported his efforts to learn the tradition. Huerta especially enjoyed watching community charrería presentations, not only for the spectacular displays of artistry but also for the emphasis on community and celebration of Mexican culture and history. After moving to the United States, Huerta was able to find an instructor and a community of charros with whom he has been performing since around 2005. Charrería is the national sport of Mexico, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the 1500s when horses and cattle were introduced to the Americas for transportation and food supply. Charrería encompasses eleven events involving horsemanship, cattle work, and sophisticated rope work. In November 2012 and in June 2013, Huerta earned the Oregon Charro Association’s Champion title for Heeling in the Team Roping event. Huerta has performed in many local celebrations and competitions and often teaches charrería workshops around the community. Huerta appreciates charrería’s ability to create a sense of community and shared history. “The added benefit of practicing charrería in the United States is the feeling of bringing a part of the Latino cultural history to Mexican Americans, especially to youth.” Huerta is a 2013 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program awardee with Oregon Folklife Network.