Hey, There are Horses in the city!

CEBU, Philippines - CEOBSA started in 1997 as a means for horse breeders in the island to help each other. The following year they started the Kabayo Festival, which today has transformed into the mega horse-riding event, an activity with the potential to be an international sporting event.

Horses in the city?

Well, yes, this should not be something new with the dozens of tartanilyas plying the Carbon and Tabo-an markets. But aside from these, there are horses in the city and there is a group of horse riding enthusiasts who are trying to elevate horse riding into a sport, a pastime, and an alternative lifestyle for Cebuanos.

During the recently concluded Governor’s Cup, I was able to corner the president of the Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders and Sportsmen Association, Mr. Eduard Loop. His group is responsible for the annual competition together with the Office of the Governor of Cebu. From a humble competition attracting horse breeders and enthusiasts across the island, it has expanded its reach to get participants from neighboring places like Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, Ormoc, Bohol and Negros Oriental.

CEOBSA started in 1997 as a means for horse breeders in the island to help each other. The following year they started the Kabayo Festival, which today has transformed into the mega horse-riding event, an activity with the potential to be an international sporting event.

Aside from the Governor’s Cup, the group also holds trail rides every Sunday. This, he said, has developed into a family affair and has helped young kids to engage in horse riding as a sport. He said that they have already trailed the whole of the province from North to South, and have even crossed to neighboring Leyte.

Eduard said that kids as young as five can start to learn riding a horse. As a sport and as a leisure activity, horse riding helps develop grace, balance and showmanship. It is no wonder why in the past, royalties are fond of riding horses and have developed several sports centered on one’s ability to maneuver the royal steed, like fox hunting and polo.

He revealed that aside from competition, their group is also involved in improving the breeding stock of horses in the province. “Most of the horses we have here are now of higher breed,” he said.

Eduard advices those who want to engage in the sport of horse riding, to first get to know their horses. “You have to ride your own horse. You have to develop a bond with your horse. Horses are very suspicious and they get uneasy when they don’t know the rider,” he said.

He said that a mature horse would best fit a novice rider. “Have someone who has experience with horses to introduce you to the horse,” he added.

He also said that membership to a club would be beneficial. “The other members can help you and you can learn from them,” he said.

CEOBSA currently has a stable in Sudlon, Lahug where some of the members lent their horses for others to use. “Our goal is to open it to the public so that people can learn about horses,” Eduard enthuses. At present though, the grounds are still exclusive for members based in the city and wanting from time to time to experience freedom riding their horses.

CEOBSA is open for membership. Interested individuals may reach the group’s Vice President, Mr. Neslon Tudtud at 09227962344.