The previous days the aloitadores –as the association’s members are called- bring the herds closer, and on Friday, they and volunteers bring them down to the arena or curro. The association president, Pulo Vicente, explains that the horses are very nervous while they are locked and kick frequently. Therefore, it can be dangerous for the aloitadores.
After that, the Rapa starts. People from Sabucedo respect the old tradition of three aloitadores with bare hands. The first one jump over a horse and ride it; meanwhile, a second one pull it from the tail and operate him, avoiding hitting the walls. Afterwards, at the right time, the third one jumps beside the horse, enclose its head with his arm, and covers its eye. Finally, the first one jumps down on the other side, does the same technique with the other eye, and immobilise it. They do it without tools or ropes, man versus animal. But the beasts are strong, hence the aloitadores should repeat the same operation several times.