Sunday, January 05, 2003
Weekend Cowboys
By Therese Y. Manulat
There are no rolling pastures crawling with herds of cattle to be lassoed in Cebu. But to this group of horse lovers, they bond together to ride, exchange horse talk and compete in games that test their horsemanship.
On weekdays, they are business people, employed and definitely not earning their living working in the fields like true cowboys. Some have kept their horses in their backyards, some on their farms, others have boarded them in stables for rent. But once the weekend draws, they don boots, jeans, groom their horses and ride off into the sunset à la The Lone Ranger. Some with much vigor, as if a rodeo is happening in the next town.
They have organized themselves into the Cebu Equine Owners and Breeders Association (Ceobsa). Some of the active members are Anton Quisumbing (founding president), Jake Mendez, Jun Minoza, Thaddeus Fernan, Bernard Alegrado, Dido Aviles, Fred Veloso, Glen Lim, Jimboy Hernandez, Bado Yu, Noel Godinez, Nelson Tudtud. The lady diehards are Candice Gotianuy and Lourdes Manulat, who both have built cozy stables for their four-legged wards. Occasionally joining the group is Michele Lawrence-Abalos, a British certified horseriding teacher. There are also others who, in their numerous endeavors, have ceased to play their cowboy roles
They have roamed the hills of Liloan, Talamban, Busay, Bogo and even Leyte. There, they met other horse aficionados who challenged them to race. So off they go to race, to see who is the fastest horse-man tandem.
They do obstacle course, oval and barrel racing. They play games like pole bending, ring race, relay race and beer drinking while on horseback. Their enthusiasm must have rubbed off on other horsemen from Davao, Bukidnon, Masbate and Negros, since they too, have joined in the friendly races and games, often hosting these events in their provinces.
Come Jan. 18, Saturday, horse-lovers from Cebu, Ormoc, Davao, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro city, Negros, Masbate, and guests from Tagaytay will compete in the Thadeo Z.Ouano Horse Competition at the Mandaue Reclamation Area. Ceobsa hosts.
May the best horse and man win!
(January 5, 2003 issue)
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