Gerardo "Jerry" Diaz
Charro

Gerardo "Jerry" Diaz comes from the exciting world of Mexican horsemanship and rodeo. He is a true charro (pronounced Cha 'ro). Charros are skilled Mexican horsemen whose origins date back to the 17th century. They developed customs, dress, music and equestrian skills later borrowed by the American cowboy and are skilled in horsemanship, bull riding, horse and steer roping and trick roping. Diaz makes his living following the grand tradition of this heritage in Mexico. He performs his specialty act at rodeos around the country and produces his own Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza. Thanks to the pageantry and excitement of his production, he has been invited to bring his show to Denver's famous National Western Stock Show and many other prestigious events around the country. The charro's strict code of honor includes chivalry, high ethics, expert horsemanship and dedication to family and charro traditions. Diaz embodies all these qualifications. He has earned the Federation of Charros' Golden Spur Award for his outstanding contributions and commitment to the charro tradition. Famed for his expertise with the maguey rope, Diaz is a crowd pleaser. Unaided by swivels or gimmicks, he spins the rope with ease while on foot, riding or standing atop his horse. He's also an accomplished singer and recording artist and has released a compact disk titled “Charro de Corazon” (Charro from the Heart).

Diaz started his charro career in the early 1980s and has been a success ever since, bringing his talents and show to Western events such as the San Antonio Stock Show, the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo, the American Royal in Kansas City, Mo. and many other venues. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Diaz traces his charro roots back four generations and is recognized among the most skilled professional riders in the world. His father, Don Jose “Pepe” Diaz, is a charro and master horseman from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Don Jose “Pepe” Diaz trained horses for the family of Mexican president Lazaro Cardenas and was featured in the Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Showmanship runs in the Diaz family, and Jerry Diaz continues the tradition with great success. He has been recognized as a super star in this country and has appeared on PBS's National Education Services, on ABC's Good Morning America and on numerous programs on Telemundo and Univision. He's been written up in the AQHA Journal, Time and Newsweek. Diaz is one of 100 performers to be inducted into the "Trail of Fame.”

2008 Show Recap/2009 Schedule