Toasting the noble horse

The obedient and noble horse, known to be one of the earliest surviving animals, was once an important factor in directing the course of history. Shakespeare expressed the esteemed value of the horse in the play Richard III, when the king of England cried out: "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!"

Definitely overstated by today's standards, but there are still a number of dedicated horse lovers who avidly and enthusiastically gather their horses for show and competition.

One such group is the Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders and Sportsmen Association, (CEOBSA) which was formed in 1997 by a group of enterprising horse owners who enjoy trail riding and camping in the hills of Cebu. A few years later, CEOBSA, spearheaded the founding of the Philippine Horsemen's Federation in 2001 composed of different horsemen's associations from Davao, Ormoc, Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro and Tagaytay Higlands.

From this group evolved the "Philippine Horsemen's Circuit" of which Cebu is the first leg. Each leg is supported by their respective provincial and local government units.

Recently CEOBSA and Travelvision, which is managed by the energetic Jenny Franco, sponsored the first Kabayo Festival. The Guests of Honor were Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia, Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano and his wife Linda, and DOT 7 Director Dawnie Roa,

The event, which was supported by the Province of Cebu, the City of Mandaue, Cebu Board Walk, the Department of Tourism and NAITAS, included a horse racing competition dubbed as "The Governor Gwen Garcia and Mayor Thadeo Ouano Cup". It also featured a bazaar and flea market called "Tabo sa Rancho" where tourism establishments and local government units displayed and promoted their products.

One of the most colorful events was the Parade of Tartanillas which were beautifully and artistically decorated with flowers, ribbons and shells. One of the judges of the competition was TF Executive Editor Marlinda Angbetic Tan. Badian Island Resort and Spa, The Southwestern University and the Marriott Hotel won first, second and third best decorated tartanillas respectively.

The festival culminated with a fellowship dinner at the Teatro Casino, Casino Filipino, at the Waterfront Hotel, highlighted with the powerful performance of US-based Fil-Am singer Stephanie Reeve.