2016 Rural Exhibition
THE DIFFICULT
TASK OF JUDGING
by Delfín Uranga
Judging polo ponies is very complex, particularly
at exhibitions where judges are asked to mount
all the horses. Therefore, aside from their knowl-
edge, they must also be physically up to mount-
ing 70 horses in one day. This is very important
because when mounted they get the feel of the
horses and perceive things that are not possible
to perceive from the ground. It is also important
for those who trained the horses for so long with
dedication, effort and cost, since it is gratifying
for them that the judge should mount their ponies
and be able to give them their feedback. We also
require that the judges have the capacity to put
across the reasons for the decision at the judging,
and so be able to teach and make the decision
taken public and transparent.
At this last Palermo exhibition, so special since it
was the 150th. Anniversary of the Rural Associa-
tion, not only did the judges mount the 70 horses,
but did so in an arena which due to bad weather
made conditions extremely difficult and adverse.
There are very few who selflessly leave all they
have to do to come and pick up this gauntlet. For
all these reasons, I wish to thank and congratulate
Gastón Laulhe, Héctor Guerrero and Benjamín Ara-
ya on behalf of the AACCP, for the manner in which
they carried out this difficult task as judges.
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Benjamín Araya:
“Fortunately we understand each
other very well and can agree
easily over horse selection”
How do you feel to be chosen once again as
judge at the rural exhibition?
The truth is that I am very proud to be among the
judges chosen for the Rural Exhibition. I wish to
thank the AACCP for always placing their trust in
me, and I shall always be there when I am needed,
because apart from the selection of horses which
is one of my passions, it is always fun.
What is your opinion of the level on the Central
Arena?
Year after year the quality of the horses improves,
from their level of fitness; sensibility; manage-
ment… and it is very good that all breeders may
have the chance of coming to present their pro-
ducts at such an important venue as is La Rural.
And how do you get on with the other judges:
Héctor Guerrero and Gastón Lauhlé?
Fortunately we understand each other very well, and
find it easy to agree on the selection of the ponies.