Charro Shares Family Passion with Rodeo

By Ted Harbin / Photo Courtesy of Charro on the Road

His silver mane and tail, along with his golden coat, has brightened any arena or stall he has entered.

Hollywood is a 24-year-old stallion owned by the Garcilazo family, who showed the beautiful palomino in ways only they could. Though he’s retired since the 2024 National Finals Rodeo, he remains a stunning symbol of equine elegance.

The credit for much of that beauty goes to Justine Garcilazo, who manages Charro on the Road, a family-run business that shares “the beauty of Charreria and the richness of cultural connection through performances across the country,” Justine Garcilazo wrote on the business’ website.

The rodeo entertainment-based business was begun by Tomás Garcilazo, Justine’s husband who won his first PRCA Dress Act of the Year honor 19 years ago. That same year, Tomás and Hollywood performed at the NFR for the first time. A third-generation charro, Tomás has been a central figure in carrying on a family and Mexican tradition.

More importantly, though, he is now sharing the stage with a fourth generation. Rodeo entertainment is no longer just the Tomás Garcilazo show; it’s a family happening. Justine and their oldest son, 12-year-old Louis, are part of the act, not only showing their own horsemanship skills but also the pageantry that comes with Mexican culture.

Justine, though, isn’t Mexican. She’s French and speaks Spanish and English fluently. In addition to being an incredible horsewoman – she fell in love with the animals as a child – she is also a well-considered manager, handling the business side of the act. Oh, and she’s the official mane-and-tail caretaker.

“Grooming is my therapy,” she wrote. “I perform alongside mis charros in the arena, sharing our family’s story, strength and love through each ride.”

The family includes two younger sons, Gaspar and Ulysse. Gaspar is like most 5-year-olds and isn’t sure if he’ll utilize that Garcilazo charm in the act. If Ulysse’s passion for horses continues, he might just be the next member of the family standing atop a horse with a rope in his hands.

That is the heart of the Garcilazo family and the Charro on the Road business. Rodeo is their avenue, but their spirit is driven within their own tribe and within the extended family they share with others in the business.

Inside the arena, they possess incredible talent and display it with beauty and grace. Outside might be where they shine, though. Tomás and Justine Garcilazo are raising boys to be outstanding young men in three languages.