Charreada a lane wide by long leading into a circle in diameter. In the opening ceremony, organizations and participants parade into the arena on horseback, usually accompanied by a mariachi band playing "Marcha Zacatecas". This signifies the long tradition of Charros being an auxiliary arm of the Mexican Army. The short charro jacket is remniscent of that worn by members of Villa's Army. The "charreada" itself consists of nine scoring events staged in a particular order for men. Unlike rodeos, most "charreadas" do not award money to the winners as charreadas are considered an amateur, rather than professional sport. Prizes may
Charreada used. In comparison, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) reports an animal injury rate of less than one percent in its sanctioned US rodeos. However, The Charro Association notes that the PRCA only sanctions about 30 percent of all US rodeos, Unsanctioned rodeos may have higher abuse and injury rates, and the ASPCA notes that rodeo practice sessions are often the location of more severe abuses than competitions. Likewise, anecdotal reports suggest the worst charreada abuses in the USA occur at events held in small venues with little public notice, and the deepest concerns are directed these unsanctioned events. The