Camel judging report from the BBC

[llama_farmer]

The BBC is currently running this piece: How do you judge a camel beauty contest? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8506946.stm) Covering the al-Dhafra Festival in the UAE.

I'd be quite interested in experienced judges' comments and comparisons on their judging methods.

[Patrick]

I resent how the media and the uninformed often refer to animal exhibitions simply as "beauty contests". Thankfully the reporter at least included some good quotes from the participants which explained what they are looking for and why in a good camel, but still he doesn't get that they are comparing form to function, for a purpose other than just what he incorrectly interprets as "beauty".
I doubt that there are many experienced camel judges outside of the middle east. Many experienced camel keepers can "judge" an apparently healthy camel, or one that is sound, and will probably be able to perform what it is he wants, usually breeding or riding, but as we don't have near enough numbers or organization, consistency in type, nor any written standard to describe the ideal animal, any judge of camels in the western world is likely to be very subjective.

[kjay]

The BBC is currently running this piece: How do you judge a camel beauty contest? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8506946.stm) Covering the al-Dhafra Festival in the UAE.

I'd be quite interested in experienced judges' comments and comparisons on their judging methods.


Thank you for posting this article. It is one of the best pieces on the al-Dhafra Festival that I've seen, and I've been following this festival since its beginning. One of my fondest desires is to spend some time there in order to learn more about the judging methods and the camels.