Placing banderillas is part of all young matadors training. Some do it well but "El Fandi" is one of the most spectacular! He is so good at it that it is rare that anyone writes about his ability with the capote/large cape or the muleta, the small one although he is accomplished with both.
The photos in this post were taken in the ganaderia/bull breeding ranch of don Javier Sordo Madaleno Bringas, "Xajay." The ganaderia is situated near the pueblo of Tequisquiapan in the central Mexican state of Queretaro.
The tentadero/testing arena of Xajay sits below and in front of a huge tree and as most tientas are at mid day, it leaves the arena at times in half shade, half sun. Which, makes it complicated for the photographer.
The day these photos were taken, "El Fandi" was testing a novillo, a young bull to see if it would serve as a semental/seed bull.
In the photos you will see the beauty and nobility of the animal, his commitment. His head is down and he's leading with his horns. And, you will see the temple/timing of "El Fandi's" movements with the cape and muleta, always keeping the cloth just beyond the reach of the animal's horns.
Saludos,
Morgan
