Horses are brave, beautiful, and bold. They are also depicted in various forms of art, such as paintings and sculptures, symbolizing power, wealth, and valor. Their symbolic importance in art mirrors the vital roles they have played throughout human history.
FROM WARFIELDS TO QUIET STABLES
From the dawn of time, Horses have played an important part in civilization: carrying brave knights on their backs and marching into battle alongside them; transporting medicine and food across great distances in a timely manner; fueling the rise of agriculture, where Horses were key in ploughing fields and delivering produce from farm to market before it could spoil; and perhaps their most significant contribution: transporting people.
Horse-drawn carriages remained the most popular mode of transportation from the late 17th century until the early 20th century. Some far-off provinces and cities across the globe still use these carriages to this day.
HORSES IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
A while back, my team and I were given the opportunity to collaborate with Zoobic Safari for a photoshoot that showcased the beauty of animals, one of which was Horses. We all jumped at the idea, and our team traveled to Subic for the shoot.
Known for their brave and valiant nature, Horses deserve to be seen in a different light – a gentler one. Our team brought two female models to capture the image we wanted to portray: femininity and gallantry. We chose to have them wear gowns and heels instead of the traditional jodhpurs and riding gear.
It was just after a strong summer rainstorm when we did the photoshoot. The soil was wet, and we had to travel deeper into Zoobic Safari – an area off-limits to the public – to reach our location.
MOUNTING EXCITEMENT
The caretakers gave us a brief introduction to the Horses we were working with that day. Their names were Casie and Maise, two stunning 13-year-old native Mares.
They then provided a short briefing about the location and outlined the areas where we were permitted to shoot. The entire expanse was massive. The photography team conducted a quick ocular inspection of the site, noting the key spots we wanted to use.
Meanwhile, the models received final touch-ups from our hair and make-up artist. Once everything was ready, we deployed our photography gear, and our two models, Ayu and Laura, mounted the Horses.
THE BEAUTY OF FLEETING TIME
The ladies were natural riders, albeit not professionals. The Horses, a bit agitated at first due to the storm, could still smell the dampness in the air. Thanks to the calm nature of Ayu and Laura, the Horses gradually became in tune with their riders.
As the creative director and main photographer of the shoot, I told the girls to let the Horses lead. I wanted to capture candid moments along the paths the Horses chose, while also ensuring the girls stayed alert in case they strayed too far from the perimeter.
With the help of our incredible team, we captured stunning photos that showcased the raw beauty of Horses trotting freely in their natural habitat with riders who effortlessly connected with the rhythm and energy of their steeds. It reaffirmed my belief that Horses and humans share an unspoken bond, even when meeting for the very first time.
Overall, our photoshoot was a success. We captured not only the spirit of the Horses and their riders, but also the quiet beauty of the landscape beneath an open afternoon sky.
It was, without question, one of our most unforgettable adventures: etched in light, motion, and memory.
PARTNERS, NOT SLAVES
The kalesa is a traditional two-wheeled, Horse-drawn carriage introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. It served as a common mode of public and private transportation throughout both the Spanish and American periods.
Although kalesas continue to be used for transportation in remote provinces, in Metro Manila they are mainly maintained as tourist attractions.
In tourist areas across Metro Manila as well as other popular destinations, it has been reported that many kalesa owners today rarely provide proper care for their Horses. The official Department of Tourism guidelines clearly state that each kalesa may carry only two passengers and one kutsero (coachman) per ride.
Despite this, Horses are often forced to transport six to eight people – not including the kutseros – under the scorching sun at various tourist spots. Concerned citizens have also reported that certain owners resort to beating their Horses to make them move when tired rather than allowing them to rest, all in pursuit of greater earnings.
Concerned citizens have also reported that certain owners resort to beating their Horses to make them move when tired rather than allowing them to rest, all in pursuit of greater earnings.
MUTUAL GAINS
While I do not advocate for the complete removal of Horse-drawn carriages as a form of transportation or tourist attraction since such an action might lead to even worse consequences for the Horses, including being abandoned or slaughtered (Horses, unlike smaller animal companions, require considerably more space, food, and care), I believe in fostering a mutual, symbiotic relationship between humans and these animals.
The solution I can currently think of for both the Horses and their humans is to limit the number of passengers and increase the price of the kalesa ride. Instead of a group of six, limit the passengers to two. If there are children, perhaps allow up to four, depending on the Horse’s size and age.
This way, not only will kalesa rides become a more exclusive experience, but they will also help keep the Horses healthier and allow them to live longer. In return, the owner can still maintain the same revenue without putting the Horse’s health at risk.
LUXURY, NOT NECESSITY
Yes, people will likely complain about the increase in prices. At the end of the day, rides are not necessities. They are a luxury. Even in the old days, only the middle and upper class could afford them. They were a symbol of status and privilege.
If you can’t pay for it, then don’t ride.
On the other hand, kalesa owners should be given incentives for taking better care of their Horses. For example, free or heavily discounted services from farriers and equine veterinarians could be offered to kutseros. Government agencies can also distribute free equipment, such as harnesses, hoof picks, or grooming kits.
These measures would not only help improve the health and well-being of the Horses, but also make the owners more invested in their care, ultimately giving local tourism a boost.
This photoshoot would not have been possible without the dedication, creativity, and support of the following individuals: Adrian Maurice “Maw” Juniosa (photography assistant), Angel Therese Esteban (fashion designer), Sean Piérre Pelayo (fashion stylist), Lauren Norma Dalao (make-up artist), and Joseph Ian Cabrera (hair stylist).
Special thanks to Mitchelle Moreno and Ma Luvim Manzano Macabale for their financial and moral support.
