Mikayla's BCC entry

Every time I think I'm done with contest posts another one - or two or three or four - pop up that are just too good not to share. Case in point, this excellent Excellence in Performance entry by Mikayla Herrera. Thank you, for sharing Mikayla. And to everyone else, keep them coming! I am happy to continue showcasing contest entries right up until the winners are announced!

The Making of Dulce

by Mikayla Herrera

This is my second year entering the Best Customs Contest, and I chose the Performance Excellence category to highlight a lesser-known discipline, Escaramuza, which is the only women’s event in charrería, Mexico’s national sport. 

Inspired by revolutionary women who played vital roles in the war, teams of women perform synchronized routines side-saddle on horseback.

Due to school and work, I couldn’t create eight separate costumes and models as a full Escaramuza team requires. Instead, I focused on the “punta,” a maneuver where two riders execute a precise sliding stop in a marked arena box, contributing to the team’s score.

Customizing the model was the easiest part. 

I started with a Roxy body and transformed her into the sliding horse I envisioned, named Dulce, painted as a striking dapple grey. 

Crafting the tack was more complex… 

I skived and dyed leather, hand-strung a cinch, and designed a saddle tree and stirrups in Blender, which I then 3D printed, as premade options weren’t available.

The rider’s dress posed another challenge. 

I used Swiss batiste, a thin cotton, to ensure the ruffled design laid flat so she could sit on the dress. With my mom’s help, I dyed and crafted the dress. I also pieced together and flocked the sombrero myself. 

Over a few months, Dulce and her rider came together beautifully. I’m incredibly proud to have showcased a vibrant piece of women’s history through my artistry.

Congratulation, Mikayla. This is a fantastic set-up, and can I just say how much I love the sombrero? Good luck in Kentucky!