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Nathan Clendenin // Brand Journalist

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

#rapa

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During a break, young participants compare their physiques.

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

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

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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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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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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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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.

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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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.

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

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