01/12/2021
November was a quiet month for us. With Baguio being open to tourists once more, it looks like the pony boys finally have a chance to recover from the period of financial difficulty brought on by the pandemic. As a small year-ender Kabalyudung Riders Sol and Bon took to the streets at night and did their own version of the event, where participants are encouraged to walk, run, or bike to local art landmarks. While it was a fun ride, it was also a ride that forced us to reflect on where the pony boy industry of Baguio has gone in the past decade. The ride had to be done at night because these murals are located in high-traffic areas that would be unsafe for the horses during the day. The rapid urbanisation of Baguio City has all but pushed its iconic pony boys and horses to the edges. Access to trails and green spaces has been severely restricted, and the pony boys left with no choice but to ply their trade along busy roads. During festivals like the Panagbenga, the Pony Boys’ Day celebration has been pushed to the end of the line up of events as if they were a mere afterthought, cutting them off from showcasing their culture and skills to a wider audience. Seeing this pattern unfold over the past years has convinced us that in order for the horses of Baguio to thrive, the culture of the pony boys must also thrive and continue onwards. Right now, the best way to offer support to the industry is by renting a horse and riding. But aside from that, it is also important to listen to the stories of these incredibly hardworking people and their equine companions, and to give them space and time to practice their own unique art beyond the hour or two that a customer might spend in the saddle.