Unlike rodeos in North America, which involve roping and individual stunts, Chilean rodeo is always done in pairs. The two huasos - dressed in full traditional costume with their flat chupalla hats, colourful mantas (short capes) and gleaming spurs - must work in perfect co-ordination. Their horses, called 'corraleros', are specially bred for the sport and are highly trained.
The object of the sport is to guide the calf around the arena and stop it by pressing it against three padded cushions on the curved outer wall. Points are awarded depending on which part of the calf touches the cushion - pressing the shoulder or hip scores highest. The huasos use only body weight and very subtle leg movements to guide their horses; using the reins too roughly loses points.
Rodeo Chileno takes place in a special arena called a medialuna - a half-moon shape that gives the sport its distinctive curved course. Medialunas are found in towns and villages across rural Chile. A rodeo event called a 'championship' brings communities together for an entire weekend of competition, music, food stalls and cueca dancing.
The huaso tradition - including the horses, costumes, skills and values - is considered an important part of Chilean national identity, particularly in the rural central valleys where the sport is most popular. The championship final, held each year near Rancagua, draws tens of thousands of spectators and is broadcast on national television.