The XXIX Gorbea Foothills Horse Exhibition proved successful, defying initial storm forecasts. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the Sarragoa field in Ondategi from early morning to celebrate local livestock, traditions, and products. The event, featuring activities for all ages, reaffirmed Ondategi's role as a showcase for the Gorbea foothills' livestock in Álava.
Activities officially commenced at 10:00 AM, allowing early attendees to view various mountain horses, sheep, and goats. Concurrently, stalls offering crafts and agri-food products also drew interest.
A highlight of the day was the II Álava Competition for Basque Mountain Horse, held from 11:00 AM. This event, introduced last year, once again brought together breeders from Álava.
Organized by the Álava Equine Breeders Association (Asgaequino) in collaboration with the Zigoitia Town Council, this edition featured twenty farms. Animals competed across seven categories: one and two-year-old colts, three-year-old colts, stallions, one and two-year-old fillies, three-year-old fillies, mares with foals, and mares without foals. Following several hours of evaluation, awards were presented.
While the competition captured the attention of horse breeders and enthusiasts, the fair continued to offer attractions for everyone. From 11:30 AM, younger visitors enjoyed inflatables and children's games.
Herri kirolak (traditional Basque rural sports) and euskal dantzak (Basque dances) also played a significant role. The Oketa group presented a demonstration and workshop, while the Oketa Alai group from Zigoitia livened up the fairgrounds with a Basque dance performance.
Throughout the morning, visitors moved between the animals, stalls, and various activities. The absence of rain allowed the fair to proceed smoothly, with the Sarragoa field once again serving as a meeting point for breeders, local producers, residents, and families.
The day concluded with the awards ceremony for the Basque Mountain Horse competition and a tasting of foal meat.
