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Nathan Clendenin // Brand Journalist

Photojournalist, Storyteller, Entrepreneur, Husband, Dad, Lover of Clouds.
Soli Deo Gloria.

A Rapa Das Bestas

Year

2005

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Throughout the year, residents of small towns throughout Galicia, Spain go to the mountains and gather wild horses for the Rapa das Bestas. These centuries-old events – where horses’ manes and tales are trimmed – evolved from a tradition of caring for the animals and keeping them cool in the summer. Legend has it that all the wild horses are descended from two that were released as a gift of thanks to Saint Lorenzo in the sixteenth century. Now, hundreds of villagers and visitors alike come to annual Rapa celebrations throughout the summer. This story was part of an international multimedia project in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, completed in 2005 called, The Ancient Way.

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Visitors to the annual Rapa das Bestas see the action and enjoy the carnival atmosphere. In 2005 more than 4,000 people came to the tiny village of Sabucedo, Galicia

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The horses are brought down to the ring through a line of people along the path. Despite their size and strength, the wild horses are easily herded by raised arms or a stick.

A Rapa Das Bestas - Galicia, Spain

The Spanish horses that are used to gather the wild herds are much larger than the Galician wild horses.

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Men from Quireza mark one of their foals after it has just been captured from the wild.

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The Rapa is about caring for the horses. Shaving the hair began as means of keeping the horses free from bristles and spines found out in the wild.

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Horses owned by individuals from the town are marked with a brand. These horses still live in the wild with the horses of Saint Lawrence.

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Each year the new foals that belong to Saint Laurence are marked by cutting one ear. Brothers Franciso and Samuel Miguez (left to right), along with Antonio Cabada and Samuel

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A foal stands by its mother after being marked as for Saint Laurence.

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In a good year the villagers bring down as many as 600 horses. This year more than 300 were gathered for the festival.

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Jorge Pereiras, left, and Miguel de Cuinha, right, help tackle a horse before it is shaved.

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Sabucedo native Xose Manuel Touri–o, takes control of a horse so it can be shaved.

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Noemi Vazquez receives shouts of affirmation from the crowd after taking control of the horse. Women are applauded when they join the others in the ring.

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Alberto Carama–o takes a break from the ring. For many the wild horse is a cultural icon, representing a way of life that involves dirt, grit and strength.

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Packed into the ring, the horses buck and bite for their own territory.

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During a break, young participants compare their physiques.

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Andrea Sabaris-Carmuega, left, her boyfriend Cristobal Reboredo-Abilleira and Jesus Cochon represent a new generation of Rapa enthusiasts.

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Eligio Garcia-Lopez sits in the dirt after tackling a horse. He later received stitches for a gash above his eye.

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JosŽ de Figueroa looks for the next horse he will tackle.

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Angel Souto-Outon cools off as officials at the Rapa of Amil spray down the extremely dusty ring.

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After a full morning and afternoon of corralling wild horses, these men take a break to share stories over barbecued ribs, cold beer and soft drinks.

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Boiled octopus, a traditional food served with olive oil and salt, is served to thousands of hungry enthusiasts at Rapa celebrations all over Galicia.

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Jose Fernandez, left, and Jose Ricoy get rowdy during a meal at the Rapa in Amil.

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Jacobo Telledo-Vicente cares for his horse while others rest during the afternoon heat. Many spectators bring their own horses to the Rapa to ride.

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Francisco Miguez, right, tells participants where to find some horses.

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Long ago, the hair cut from the horses was sold to make wigs and violin bows, among other things. Today the hair has no practical use, but continues to represent a long tradition of which the people are still very proud.

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After many days of festival, the town slowly returns to quiet and tranquility.