Charro Culture - Tomas Carlos And Father

As residents went off to war, college, and greater opportunities, Richland Farms shifted from an agricultural center to an urban equestrian community. The passing down of lessons through generations slowed, and contrary to his father's wishes, Tomas Carlos became an architect instead of a 'Charro'. But when his father fell into a diabetic coma, Tomas began embracing the "Charro" lifestyle. He bought and began racing horses and now joins his father in the Compton's city parade. They now ride proudly together as two true Charros - California style.

Horses Build Community
Richland Farms' community strengthened by common thread of horse culture.

Diabetes & Horse Racing
"It wasn't that I had won, it was that he was proud of something that I had done."

Moving to Richland Farms
"It was very important that we embraced that culture... It gave me an idea of where I came from. You have land, and the land gave you everything you needed."

The Culture of Horses
"You have the equestrian, the Mexican Charro culture, the black cowboy organizations, you have the other riders from the other neighborhoods... that come together as a community. That's big for us here"

The Charro
"You have mom, baseball, and apple pie in the United States, and in Mexico you have Charro's"

Boarding
"The city code says that you can have five large animals... so you have to follow the law"