At first, there was fear. Tiny hands trembled as they reached out to touch the warm, gentle coat of a horse. But then came trust, followed by laughter, confidence, and a sense of freedom that only a ride through El Kabayo Horseback Riding’s scenic trails could bring.
This is the story behind Equine-Assisted Therapy, a community initiative championed by Dr. Rocelle Tantingco-Manalo, head of the Community Service Committee of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (Angeles Chapter). During the 17th Annual Horsefest on November 22, 2025, Dr. Rocelle shared how this program is transforming lives:
“After ten sessions, the children are no longer intimidated. Caregivers testify they’ve become more expressive, less prone to tantrums, and more communicative. Their moods improve. Even their posture and muscle coordination benefit from the slow, rhythmic movements of the horse. We tend to believe horses have healing power,” Dr. Rocelle said.
These sessions, held weekly at El Kabayo Horseback Riding, serve children from Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, a home for abandoned children with disabilities, and other Persons With Disabilities (PWD) groups.
Each visit begins with gentle introductions: stretching, patting, and massaging the horses, before progressing to saddle climbs and short rides. Over time, fear turns into joy, culminating in a trail ride and a small graduation ceremony.
The initiative’s theme says it all: “Horses Healing People.”
Disclaimer: Equine-assisted therapy is not yet a licensed or formally recognized practice in the Philippines. These sessions are made possible through the generosity of El Kabayo and dedicated volunteers according to Dr. Rocelle Tantingco-Manalo.
Dr. Rocelle hopes this therapy will one day be formally regulated, making it accessible to more people ncluding those struggling with mental health challenges.
Heritage Meets Healing
Every hoofbeat at El Kabayo carries a dual rhythm: one of healing and one of heritage. At the 17th Horsefest, this truth resonated deeply as Clark Development Corporation President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera reminded the participants that Clark’s identity is inseparable from its horses:
“The horses and Clark should go along together because the horses started and discovered Clark. They have played a very vital and significant role in its history. For that, we congratulate our supporters and aficionados. Keep on riding, let’s have the horses in our minds and in our hearts,” she said.
Her words bridge tradition and compassion. Horses are not only symbols of history, they are agents of healing, offering therapy that restores confidence and joy to children who need it most.
Every hoofbeat carries both heritage and hope. For generations, horses have shaped Clark’s story, and today, they help shape lives. Join us in keeping this legacy alive—share this story and help turn compassion into action.
Visit El Kabayo Horseback Riding
Address: 4350 Gil Puyat Ave., corner Panday Pira Ave., Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Contact: 0917 704 4028
Email: clarkelkabayo@yahoo.com
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