rejoneadores

Rejoneadores are professional bullfighters who perform in the tradition of rejoneo, a form of bullfighting conducted on horseback. The emphasis is on horsemanship, finesse, and control as the rider engages the bull from the back of a trained horse rather than on foot.

Equipment and technique: A rejoneador works with one or more horses, each selected for specific tasks in the performance. The rider carries long weapons called rejones and a variety of other implements, including banderillas, which are placed into the bull during the course of the act. The horse is protected with armor or protective coverings, and the pair execute a sequence of passes designed to display balance, timing, and precision. A small team, or cuadrilla, often assists with changing horses, positioning, and other tasks during the performance.

Performance context: Rejoneo is practiced in Spain and Portugal and is featured in many of the same arenas as traditional bullfighting. The spectacle demands high levels of coordination between the rejoneador and the horses, as well as careful planning of each maneuver to manage the bull’s movements.

End of the encounter: Like other forms of bullfighting, the performance ends with the removal of the bull from the arena, typically through a killing act performed by a torero; the exact method can vary by regional tradition and the event.

Cultural and contemporary status: Rejoneadores are part of bullfighting’s historical repertoire in Iberia and its legacy festivals. The practice is subject to ongoing ethical and animal-welfare debates, leading to restrictions or bans in some regions while remaining practiced in others.