“The event was established when a group of people gets together and only wanted to do a trail ride. Then, every year that we get together, we eventually turn it into an event, into something that everybody would enjoy.”
15 years ago, a group of horse aficionados had to ride together galloping in the open terrains of the Clark Freeport Zone.
These same people have gathered in the same area through the years, until the time when the annual gatherings of these equestrians turned into the long-running Horse Festival.
El Kabayo Horse Festival exists as a vibrant celebration to honor the significance of these remarkable animals in today’s world, whether for the equestrian community and the tourism industry.
Situated in the Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, this annual festival invites horse jockeys, families, and spectators to experience a two-day of thrilling event, the last of which was held last November 18 to 19, this year.
In its 15th year, El Kabayo Horse Fest aims to bring together a wide spectrum of riders and non-riders to enjoy horse-related activities and competitions along with a market bazaar.
The first day of the El Kabayo Horse Fest was attended by Sheriff Gabby, Rina La O, Helen Nicolette Henson-Hizon, Atty. Agnes Devanadera, Yvonne Cu, and DOT3 RD Richard Daenos.
A parade took place headed by the Troop 485 Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America and Baguio Highland Riders. In addition, El Kabayo horsemen gave a quadrille show, captivating the crowd with their choreographed dressage rides and incredible stunts.
Horse Fest Activities
The Horse Fest attendees had the option to compete in a variety of activities, such as the Hunter Jumper Event, Surprise Game, Jump O’ Rock Game, Barrel Weaving Game, and many more. Diverse horse jockeys from young children to adults participated in the said competitions geared out in their spectacular cowboy attires that blares their eagerness and competence.
Rina La O said, “If you are not necessarily a horse activity participant, you can be a spectator and you have leisure riding. So, you can have a short 15-minute ride or 30 minutes.”
As part of El Kabayo’s motto, “There is something for everyone,” leisure horse riding is available for the non-jockeys who desire to learn horseback riding by its team of experts and trainers. Beyond this learning-based recreation, riders also have the chance to feel one with nature while galloping around the greenbelt area of Clark.
Rina La O also highlighted the further objective of the event, “We always push the locals, SMEs, because we want to support small and medium enterprises here in Pampanga.”
The Festival also strives to promote SMEs of the province by incorporating a market place that features various food and commodities. As a matter of fact, around 10 local businesses participated in the bazaar showcasing their products varying from Kapampangan Sisig, Tusok-tusok, Siomai and Siopao, to Kebab and Takoyaki to satisfy the crowd’s hunger and thirst.
El Kabayo has its facility designed in a facade recreating the old western town where they can dine at a ribs & steak restaurant and take a break at the coffee shop.
Meanwhile, on the last day of the event, El Kabayo Trail Ride took place in the morning and leisure horse riding is available throughout the rest of the day.
El Kabayo HorseFest 2023 is set once again echoing hoofbeats all over the serene grounds of Clark. Beyond the excitement of gathering horses and riders, it’s a festivity that welcomes diverse people of all backgrounds and inspires them to reconnect to these incredible animals and to the nature. | Julianna Egenias and Ryan Ishi Cuevas | Photos by Nelson Gonzales • CLMA Pampanga