ANCHERA
A FUNCTIONAL AND DECORATIVE ACCESSORY FOR THE HORSE'S HAUNCHES
The anquera is an outstanding accessory for the charra saddle, designed to cover the horse's haunches and contribute to its training, specifically to prevent the horse from "rabeen" or excessive tail wagging. This element is fundamental in the process of accustoming the horse to different stimuli and sounds, being essential in its advancement and handling.
A distinctive feature of the anquera is the presence of "coscojos" or "noisemakers" on its underside. These small pieces of metal function as rattles, emitting sounds that help familiarize the horse with the noise, thus promoting greater calmness and stability during training.
Beyond its functionality, the anquera is also an accessory of great elegance and artistic value. It serves as a canvas where the artisan saddler can display his mastery, creating pieces that harmonize perfectly with the saddle and the attire of the charro. The decorative details on the anquera not only reflect the craftsman's skill, but also add an additional level of distinction and style to the equestrian ensemble.
The ANCHERA has its roots in the Middle Ages. Originally, it was designed as part of the equestrian armor used by knights to protect the horse's haunches in combat and tournaments. "This medieval piece protected the horse's haunches and the rider in battle" (Boydell Press, "The Medieval Horse and Its Equipment, c.1150-c.1450").
Over time, this piece was adapted to the needs of the field and was incorporated into the charro saddle, retaining its protective function and acquiring distinctive decorative elements. The anquera was also used by the Dragones de Cuera in New Spain, "who employed these pieces as additional protection during military campaigns" (García, "Los Dragones de Cuera y su Equipamiento en la Nueva España").
According to classical equitation expert Jean-Claude Racinet, "tail control and noise are crucial aspects of a horse's training, significantly influencing its behavior and performance" (Racinet, 2001). This principle has been maintained and adapted in Mexican charrería, where the anquera has been integrated as a key piece both for its usefulness and its decorative capacity.
The evolution of the anquera reflects the rich tradition and adaptation of historical influences in the practice of charrería.
References:
Boydell Press. "The Medieval Horse and Its Equipment, c.1150-c.1450."
Fondo de Cultura Económica. "La Charrería: Origin and Evolution."
3. García, Juan. "Los Dragones de Cuera y su Equipamiento en la Nueva España."
4. Racinet, Jean-Claude. *Other Horsemanship. London: J. A. Allen, 2001.
5. Anaya. "Weapons and armor: Knights and castles in the Middle Ages."
Antonio Gegundez
EN 
ES 
ZH 
FR 
DE 
IT 
KO 
JA 
PT 
TR 
NL 
HI