I dedicate the present retablo to Saint Michael the Archangel thanking him, with all my heart, for he always accompanies me at my work as a picador. During all my years in this profession, I didn’t suffer from any grave accident, nor did my horse Sparky. So I feel blessed.

Abelardo Rosas
Apizaco, Tlaxcala

The other day, I was riding my horse El Rayo (The Lightning), when a rattlesnake came out from rocks and scared my horse very much. I thank Saint Philomena for I was able to control my horse that was very nervous, and didn’t fell, and avoided the danger.

Cayetano Hernandez
Durango, Durango

Thank you, Virgin of Guadalupe, for protecting my son Pedro P. of dying when a lighting hit near him so even the land cracked. We dedicate this retablo because for nothing happened with him nor with his horse.

June 14, 1934

The girl Carmelita Solares was riding her horse. Suddenly the animal reared up by seeing a horned vipers and the girl fell down. Her parents thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for nothing happened to her at the fall, and the viper didn’t bite her nor the horse. They offer this retablo as gratitude.

That dark night in November, my family and I had to ride through the cemetery. We got scared as many skeletons, ghosts and dead men appeared to us. They looked threatening. We thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for her protection and because she gave our horse more speed so the dead didn’t get us.

A pretty big black viper came to Saturnino Cardoso, and the horse almost threw me off. I thank.

Guanajuato
October 23, 1938

Virgin of Guadalupe, thank you for hearing my prayers. I didn’t let my sister to meet with Juan because he was known as a womanizer and drunkard. But he wouldn’t listen and decided to run away with him. They sat on a horse. I ran for her and grabbed her arm. The horse jolted and dragged me. A year later my sister came home in despair and with a baby in her arms. Turned out Juan kicked her out.

Paola Salas
Guanajuato, 1949

I thank God with this ex-voto. My horse Colorin got sick. I had to give her medicine, and she almost died. Then I got an idea to give her medicine with a reed tube. My horse got cured, and I’m very happy. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Camilo Chavez, the Miracle ranch
May 25, 1979

The Pedro Ramirez’ father taught him how to ride a horse. But the horse got crazy, and Pedro fell down hitting his mug. He thanks the Holy Child of Atocha with this retablo for he only lost two teeth.

My horse was taken by the nagual, but then he left it. Thanks to the Virgin.

Pancho M. thanks the Virgin of San Juan for saving him from dying when he was kicked in the chest by a horse. In that horrible moment he implored to your honor and now offers this retablo.

Jalisco, 1984

My horse cured me and indicated to me that I shouldn’t drink medicine anymore.

Eliza H.
1971

I dedicate this painting to the Virgin Mary because I got two beautiful horses that get along really well.