EL TERCIO DE VARAS

During the Tercio de Varas or picks you will see two picadores or mounted lancers ride into the ring while staying close to the fence. Their horses are patted and blindfolded and the men have their right legs encased in steel armor for protection. Each picador is armed with a long lance which has on its end a small steel spike.

This stage is performed by inducing the bull to charge the horse. While this occurs the picador uses its lance to penetrate the hump of muscle on the bulls neck.

After the bull has received three picks, drums and trumpets sound and the picador ride out, while the bullfighter draws the bull's attention.