A gathering of ranchers and horse lovers

The Cebu Equine Owners, Breeders, and sportsmen Association (CEOBSA) recently hosted the 2nd Kabayo Festival at the Mandaue Reclamation Area.

The three-day fun-filled event opened with a parade of participants on their prancing steeds, followed by the beautifully decorated tartanillas representing the different major sponsors such as The Department of Tourism, the Province of Cebu, the City of Mandaue, the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), Ralph Wines and Spirits, Marco Polo Hotel, Sun*Star, The FREEMAN, and AC Signature.

Guests of Honor were Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia on horseback and entrepreneur Jonkie Ouano who rode on an open carriage with his wife Milanie and daughter Amanda. They led the cavalcade.

The opening ceremony was concluded with brief remarks from the Department of Tourism represented by Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions Edu Jarque who recognized the event's contribution to local tourism, congratulated the organizers and pledged continued support. Shortly after, the bazaar and flea market dubbed as Tabo sa Rancho was officially opened.

The Kabayo Festival attracted members from the different associations that included Cebu, Davao, Ormoc, Malaybalay, Impasugong, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro, Bohol, Dumaguete, Masbate and Tagaytay Highlands.

The activities had various competitions: jumping the barrel, obstacle and oval races with different categories: the expert, executive-45 years and above, auxiliary, youth, ladies and novice.

The festivities culminated with a fabulous fellowship dinner and dance at the Teatro Casino at the Waterfront Hotel. Several unique plaques in the form of a saddle were given to the winners, with the team from Impasugong reaping the most awards.