Meet Alejandra Piña, founder of an all-woman Mexican rodeo team

For Alejandra Piña, riding horses isn't a hobby. It's her way of honoring her Mexican family history and culture while paving the way for a new generation of charras — women horseback riders — in Iowa.

Piña is the founder of Escaramuza Quetzalli, a team of 11 Des Moines metro women who compete in escaramuza charra, the only women's event in charrería, the national sport of Mexico similar to rodeo that celebrates skill, athleticism and horsemanship. They ride side-saddle in choreographed routines, moving with precision, speed and grace while donning custom colorful dresses.

The pageantry aspect remains one of Piña's favorite parts of the equestrian sport.

"There's always a vanity part of yourself — the outfits, the sombreros," the 30-year-old Pleasant Hill resident said.

Piña said