The Criollo - a little horse, that seems to be a distant relative of the North American Mustang, but with distinct characteristics. 
The undisputed hero of the 'Rural' is without a doubt the horse, specifically the Argentinian Criollo. Descended from Spanish Andalusians, and naturally evolved into a race with it's own characteristics. Here are a few: Strength, Speed, Agility, Intelligence, Stocky and Compact Stature (14-15 hands), Rich Mane and Tail, Occasional Horizontal Stripes on Forelegs, Arched Neck, Strong Bones and Ample Girth - and all colours and combinations imaginable. 
Criollos are working horses, mostly used on cattle ranches. As such they compete in disciplines such as Reining, Cutting, and Argentinian Rodeo (more about that later). 
The reigning Reining Champion at the head of the class. This little guy executed canter lead changes in mid air, whilst turning 180 degrees. 
The horses all have thick tails, which never see a brush or a comb - the hairs are separated and loosened by hand. Thus - no hair loss. It reminded me of my grandfather's advice. He rode with the Cavallery in the First World War, and cared for horses all his life. He used to say: A well groomed horse is a safe horse (every soldier whose life depended on the health and well being of his beloved horse can identify with the need for constant inspection of his horse)
That meant: currycomb and brush (no bath, elbowgrease and no shampoo) to massage the skin and circulate blood - with a white glove test at the end, where the glove was brushed against the direction of the hair. Any dirt - do it all over again.
Never ride a horse with the lightest debris or straw in his tail. That meant: manually 'verlesen' of each tail hair. Verlesen is German for gently untangling the tail and letting the hair fall freely, until the tail is soft, airy and without tangles.
There was a lot of 'verlesen' going on during this show, and the gauchos spent hours curry combing their mounts.
Eager to compete, but calm and relaxed. 
Warming up for the next competition, companionable walk around the ring, with the odd non-competing horse or foal being ponied around for the experience. 
Argentinian Rodeo, a rather humane affair compared to some other versions where calfs are wrestled or roped and jerked to the ground. Two gauchos ride on either side of a cattle chute, a calf charges out and the gauchos jam it at full gallopp between the two horse bodies. This formation, without the calf escaping, is kept throughout the diagonal of the entire arena. A straight cord is laid on the ground to check that the capture is executed in a totally straight line.
Some calfs flee successfully, but most have their couple of seconds of fame before they finish up on a future BBQ.
One of the many magnificient Argentinian Saddle horses. Tall and well built. This horse, and many of his competitors were tested in Free Jumping, i.e. no rider, inside an enclosed oval, and over increasingly higher jumps. Conformation, Gait, Jumping Style, Strength and Willingness were under the Judges microscope.
The gauchos appear to be a sociable lot; there was always conversation, laughter and shared mates (gaucho tea) amongst the competitors.
And the horses seem to be very well 'socialized'. Probably as a result of growing up in large herds in the wide open Pampas.
Some calfs flee successfully, but most have their couple of seconds of fame before they finish up on a future BBQ. 
One of the many magnificient Argentinian Saddle horses. Tall and well built. This horse, and many of his competitors were tested in Free Jumping, i.e. no rider, inside an enclosed oval, and over increasingly higher jumps. Conformation, Gait, Jumping Style, Strength and Willingness were under the Judges microscope. 
The gauchos appear to be a sociable lot; there was always conversation, laughter and shared mates (gaucho tea) amongst the competitors. 
And the horses seem to be very well 'socialized'. Probably as a result of growing up in large herds in the wide open Pampas.Criollos are allowed to be'horses' running free with their companions, instead of being restricted to a small stall, mother foal paddock or field, where they are kept separated from the herd until???
Not many horses were branded in this unusual fashion.
Brushed, groomed and in perfect condition.
No peanut-gatherers in this horse crowd. The Andalusian heritage comes with an elevated head carriage, which makes the horses look proud.
Not many horses were branded in this unusual fashion. 
Brushed, groomed and in perfect condition. 
No peanut-gatherers in this horse crowd. The Andalusian heritage comes with an elevated head carriage, which makes the horses look proud. The Quatro Milla horses (Quarter Horses with separately held competitions) at this show were all trained to 'peanut-gather', that is with their heads and necks drooping so low to the ground that they do in fact appear to look for something in the sand.
Comfortable Gaucho saddle. Note the wide girth, distributing pressure over more of the rib-cage. The furry lot of the saddle is made up of blanket, under-fur, saddle tree, and more fur over the top.
Comfortable Gaucho saddle. Note the wide girth, distributing pressure over more of the rib-cage. The furry lot of the saddle is made up of blanket, under-fur, saddle tree, and more fur over the top.The seat itself is deep (but very wide) and does not leave much room to slither about or get unseated in the most violent maneuvres.
A Macho (Stallion) of the Paso Fino of Peru. These small tireless horses have a pacing gait, which maintains the the horses's centre of gravity almost stationary relative to the forward movement.
A Macho (Stallion) of the Paso Fino of Peru. These small tireless horses have a pacing gait, which maintains the the horses's centre of gravity almost stationary relative to the forward movement.Thus, they are so comfortable, that rider and horse can trot/pace for hours at a speed of about 12km/hour without either tiring the horse nor the rider.
However, some of the Stallion Criollor are also allowed to 'let their hair down'. Most have their mane hair shorn (to facilitate reining work), but their forelocks are allowed to grow naturally. Thus there is no need for man made fly masks, these horses have such a thick hair curtain over their eyes, that no fly dares to crawl underneath.
Kind expression, and a hint of equine intelligence in their dark large eyes.
Remnants of the 'Wild Horse' of ancient times - stripes on their fore legs.
Halter classes, where conformation is under scrutiny. Each horse is also measured as well for height, girth, and bone thickness.
However, some of the Stallion Criollor are also allowed to 'let their hair down'. Most have their mane hair shorn (to facilitate reining work), but their forelocks are allowed to grow naturally. Thus there is no need for man made fly masks, these horses have such a thick hair curtain over their eyes, that no fly dares to crawl underneath. 
Kind expression, and a hint of equine intelligence in their dark large eyes. 
Remnants of the 'Wild Horse' of ancient times - stripes on their fore legs. 
Halter classes, where conformation is under scrutiny. Each horse is also measured as well for height, girth, and bone thickness.Just the kind of horse for me; small, strong, sensible and easy keepers. And to top it all of, they are picture perfect to look at.
The Gaucho - next edition...
