México a Caballo in Mérida 2026: The International Cabalgata and Horse Care on the Route

México a Caballo cabalgata Mérida: what happened this week

The 12th Asamblea Nacional de México a Caballo ran in Mérida, Yucatán, from Oct. 1 to 4, 2026, and it closes with the International Cabalgata on Sunday, Oct. 4. The ride was announced to leave Rancho Las Veletas in Hunxectamán, Umán, at 9:00 a.m. and finish at the comisaría of Chalmuch, in Mérida.

Here is the program as reported by local press:

• Oct. 1-2: training sessions. On Oct. 1: equine first aid, induction to the caporal and mayoral roles, and the federation's internal rules. On Oct. 2: natural horsemanship (doma natural) and first aid for people.
• Oct. 3: the national assembly of the federation, at the Centro Cultural Olimpo.
• Oct. 4: the International Cabalgata, with refreshments, raffles and artistic performances at the finish.

One outlet reported a 10:00 a.m. departure (and gave different days for the assembly and the ride), while the organizers' announcement and another report say 9:00 a.m. on Oct. 4. We have not seen attendance figures or a ride report, so we won't give any. If you are going, confirm the time with the organizers.

What is a cabalgata federation and assembly?

A cabalgata is a group ride, often tied to a fair, a saint's day or a community celebration. We cover the tradition in What Is a Cabalgata?, so here we focus on the structure behind it.

México a Caballo is a federation of local riding associations. Reports say 55 associations are affiliated and four more were joining at this assembly, with contingents from more than a dozen Mexican states and a group from California.

An assembly is where those associations meet to vote on membership and review internal rules. This one also trained members as ride organizers, the caporal and mayoral roles that lead and manage a group on the road.

The host was Asociación Mérida a Caballo A.C., working with Yucatán riding groups and the Ayuntamiento de Mérida. Its leader said protecting animals and riders is a priority for the federation.

Yucatán's riding culture

Yucatán's horse life runs through haciendas, ranches and the vaquería, the traditional fiesta with dance, bullring and ranch heritage. See What Is a Yucatecan Vaquería? for that side of the story.

Riding in the peninsula also means heat and humidity most of the year. That is why water and shade are the heart of safe ride planning here.

Mexico has many other group rides worth comparing, such as the Rancho Arriba cabalgata in the Dominican Republic, a very different scale of event.

How to prepare a horse for a long trail ride

A group ride is not the day to find out your horse is unfit. Start two to three weeks ahead.

1. Build fitness gradually. Add distance and time at a walk and trot, with hill or varied terrain if you have it. A horse that has only done 30 minutes in an arena should not do hours on the road.
2. Check hooves. Ask your herrador (farrier) to trim or reset shoes about a week before. Look for loose shoes, cracks, bruising and thrush smell. Read how often a horse needs a farrier.
3. Check fit. The saddle, cinch and bridle should leave no pressure points. Run a hand along the back and girth area after every training ride, and see our tack and equipment guide.
4. Practice in company. Horses that have never been in a crowd need exposure to others, noise and flags first. Our safety guide covers handling basics.
5. Check the body. Know your horse's normal temperature, pulse and breathing at rest, so you can recognize a problem. See health basics.

On the route: water, rest and heat

Organizers said hydration points would be placed for horses and riders. Even so, carry your own water and a bucket or sponge.

• Offer water at every stop. Let the horse drink whenever it wants, and offer again after the ride.
• Plan rest stops. Dismount, loosen the cinch, check the back and hooves, and stand in shade when you can.
• Walk the last stretch. Come in at a walk so the horse cools down gradually rather than stopping suddenly.
• Cool smartly. Sponge the neck, chest and legs with water, and keep the horse moving gently in the shade.
• Watch for trouble. Heavy or slow-to-recover breathing, stumbling, a dull look, refusing water, no sweat on a hot day or colic signs mean stop and call a vet.

Riders need the same care: hat, sunscreen, water and breaks. Children should ride only ponies or horses that are calm and have an adult nearby, as in Horse Safety for Kids.

Courtesy rules for group rides

• Keep a horse's length from the one ahead, and do not pass without a clear word.
• Tell the group before changing pace or stopping.
• Mark a kicker with a red ribbon on the tail and keep it at the back.
• Stallions, mares in heat and young horses may need extra space. Tell the organizers beforehand.
• Close gates, pick up trash and thank people along the route.
• Never ride impaired, and never ride an exhausted horse just to "finish."

What to do and watch next

Watch the federation's and Mérida a Caballo's official channels for any ride report and photos. We will not state results until the organizers publish them.

If you want to join a cabalgata in your area, contact your local riding association. Ask about the route length, water points, vet or first-aid support and rules for children, then use the checklist above. For first steps, see Get Started.