The XXIII 'Juan Alda' Memorial Equestrian Tack Contest took place at the Málaga Fair on August 18, with Helena Barbosa as the winner in the female rider category.
The Málaga Fair experienced one of its most traditional events on August 18 with the XXIII 'Juan Alda' Memorial Equestrian Tack Contest, which brought together dozens of participants for a day dedicated to the world of horses. The competition, part of the festive program on Tuesday, once again highlighted the female rider category, one of the most unique due to its particular riding style.
In this discipline, riders position themselves in a special saddle and keep both legs on one side of the animal, which requires careful balance throughout the course. Stability becomes an essential aspect, and for this, the saddle includes the corneta, a piece where participants rest their feet in case of any unexpected reaction from the horse or mare. They also carry a whip, which is used to guide and direct the animal during the ride.
The jury, composed of Rocío Pérez and Juan Jesús Guerrero, evaluated not only the ride but also the relationship between the rider and the animal, the overall presentation, and the elements of the tack. Clothing is also part of the evaluation, as are the stirrups and other visible components, since the ensemble is understood as a unit.
Winners of the four categories
The contest awarded recognitions in four categories, including adult and children's categories. In the female rider category, the winner was Helena Barbosa, while in the children's category, the award went to Jimena Villegas. Francisco Luque Millán and María Infantes Muñoz were distinguished in the side-saddle category, and Carin Ruiz Díaz topped the rider classification.
The mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, attended the event and participated alongside other authorities in presenting several awards to outstanding individuals. The institutional presence underscored the importance of a tradition that gains more prominence each year in the festive calendar of the capital, which this year features nearly 200 shows throughout the city.
For equestrian enthusiasts, the 'Juan Alda' Memorial has established itself as an unmissable event within the Fair, and the next edition, the twenty-fourth, is scheduled for August 2027.
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