Celtic Spotlight: Senior Liz Brizuela

For senior Liz Brizuela, horseback riding isn’t just a hobby – it’s a lifelong passion tied deeply to her culture. Liz participates in escaramuza, the national women’s sport of Mexico, which combines horseback riding, teamwork, and tradition.

Liz’s journey with horses began almost as soon as she was born. “I was first put on a horse when I was just a few weeks old,” she said. “My dad owned horses and it was something he always loved.”

She began competing in escaramuza in sixth grade, participating in both team and individual competitions. After joining a team for younger girls, Liz began taking the sport more seriously and continued developing her skills over the years.

One of Liz’s favorite parts of the sport is the bond she builds with her horse and the progress they make together. This year, she faced a new challenge when she started working with a young horse that had never been trained in escaramuza.

“It took several sessions to desensitize him and teach him my team’s routine,” Liz said. “It wasn’t the easiest process, but in the end I felt a real sense of accomplishment.”

One of her proudest moments came when she traveled to Texas to compete with her team in the U.S. national competition. The experience was intense but rewarding.

“It was very stressful and tiring, but we exceeded our expectations,” she said. “The countless practices and all the traveling back and forth were worth it.”

For Liz, escaramuza is more than a sport – it’s a connection to her heritage. The tradition dates back to the 1950s and was created to honor the Adelitas, the women who fought in the Mexican Revolution.

“Escaramuza is important to me because it ties me to my culture,” Liz said. “I feel proud knowing this sport is such a big part of my life.”