Charro On The Road Becomes Texas Hall of Famer

A man silhouetted standing on top of a horse, swinging a rope. A man silhouetted standing on top of a horse, swinging a rope.

Tomas Garcilazo has spent more than 35 years perfecting and performing the timeless art of Charrería, a tradition that embodies the soul of Mexican heritage and horsemanship. His journey began as a young boy, first picking up a rope at just four years old. By the age of nine, he performed for a Mexican presidential candidate, sparking a dream to use his skill and craft to get to know the world.

A man wearing a sombrero and traditional Charro attire putting on a jacket in front of a horse and standing next to a horse trailer. A man wearing a sombrero and traditional Charro attire putting on a jacket in front of a horse and standing next to a horse trailer.

When Tomas first came to the United States, his goals were simple—stay for a year, save enough money for a car, and return home. But as he began performing in rodeos, he realized that his journey was only beginning. Touring with the legendary Antonio Aguilar ignited a passion for reaching new heights, which led him to perform on Broadway, in Disneyland Paris, and as part of the iconic Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

Tomas traveled across Europe, captivating audiences with his skill and dedication to his craft until a chance meeting with a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) executive opened the door to a new chapter. He was invited to perform at the Opening Ceremonies of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, where his talents were recognized and celebrated on one of rodeo’s biggest stages. From there, Tomas earned his PRCA card and now tours across the United States, proudly representing the legacy of the charro in arenas and rodeos nationwide.

A man and son practicing the art of Charrería. A man and son practicing the art of Charrería.

Tomas’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and respect for tradition. His story echoes the values of Tony Lama boots—crafted with care, rooted in heritage, and made to last. Tomas honors the history of his craft while paving the way for the future. He carries the weight of generations of charros who came before him, a tradition spanning more than 500 years, and he is determined to ensure it is not lost to time.

For Tomas, family is at the heart of everything he does. His greatest pride comes from sharing his passion with his children and performing alongside them. Through teaching his son, Louis, the same skills passed down through his family, Tomas is committed to preserving Charrería for the next generation, blending old-world values with modern performance. Whether he’s in the arena, under the bright lights of Las Vegas, or on a quiet ranch, Tomas Garcilazo embodies the spirit of a charro—resilient, proud, and deeply connected to his heritage. His story reminds us that with vision and determination, even the simplest dream can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.

A man and boy wearing traditional Charro attire, holding ropes and standing next to each other. A man and boy wearing traditional Charro attire, holding ropes and standing next to each other.

In 2024, Tomas Garcilazo was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the art of Charrería and his international acclaim as a performer. Over the course of his career, Tomas has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious 4-time PRCA Specialty Act of the Year award. This Hall of Fame induction solidifies his legacy as a proud ambassador of Mexican horsemanship and highlights his commitment to preserving his cultural heritage while inspiring new generations of charros.