Wright Park Riding Circle
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The reason I love Baguio is because I can ride a horse and explore the mountains and hills of the Philippine Cordilleras on any given day!
One of my earliest childhood memories is of a pony ride at Wright Park during one of my first few visits to Baguio City, when I was about 6 years old.
I remember that it was a pretty large black horse that was a little frisky that I first rode and what an adrenalin rush (could not have known that then) it was for me to ride like the wind, or even just to commune with nature and interact with one of the most magnificent creatures on earth!
I remember that in the early 1970s, an hour on horseback was just Php5.00, which was about a day's wages in the Philippines!
Of course the rates almost four decades later have changed, and there are other riding areas in the City of Pines, but the most popular venue for horseback riding for visitors and locals alike is still Wright Park Riding Circle in Pacdal.
Let me tell you more about one of my favorite places in the Summer Capital of the Philippines -- and some tips and tricks about enjoying an exhilarating ride on horseback for you and members of your family.
Wright Park or Ride Park?
Wright Park is located right across The Mansion (the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines) with the beautiful, and much photographed Pool of the Pines. Wright Park Riding Circle is the flat and wide triangle below it where 200 horses are available for hire.
Little kids often refer to the riding area as "Ride Park" because of the horses of course -- after all, they have no idea who Luke E. Wright is, after whom the park is named (you can read a bit about him at Americans and Baguio City if you like).
This is the riding area for beginners.
Parents prefer to treat their young children to a hour's pony ride here, where they can be observed, photographed and videoed althroughout.
There is an inner circle for walking horses and an outer circle for the running horses. Only pony boys are allowed in the Riding Circle, parents and yayas (nannies) will just have to use zoom lens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Riding Circle, although it is part of Wright Park should only have horses, riders and guides in the riding area, while everyone else must watch using the viewing decks and benches.
I once actually screamed (yup, screamed) at a yaya who was in the riding area pushing a stroller with her ward in it, half a minute from getting trampled upon by a bunch of horses and riders, to "GET OUT OF THERE!" Did she actually think that a ring filled with horses was a promenade for babies in strollers?
Accredited Pony Boy Guides
Usually the horse owner himself, or his employee, will watch the horse and rider at all times. He can lead the horse, walk alongside it or ride behind the child for the latter's protection and enjoyment of a faster ride. The pony boys are experienced handlers, as their fathers were before them.
Oh, and by the way, please don't take the 'boy' literally -- most of the Pony Boys are grown men, some are grandfathers even!
The grooviest and nicest Pony Boy I would recommend is Scott. He knows how to take care of his customers -- looks more like an Indian than a cowboy, by the way. (Update: Scott has recently been elected president of their association)
The more seasoned Pony Boys are Adonis and Julius. These men have large horses that run well.
The Pony Boys are professional -- they do not cheat you, they keep the correct time as far as your hour is concerned. As a default, I would recommend you choose the older and more experienced ones. They usually own the better horses, too.
Should you tip the Pony Boys after a ride?
They will never say no to a Coke, or maybe some ice cream, or even cheap lunch at Cowboy's Haven. But tipping is up to the customer and definitely not required.
I just usually extend my hours at Wright Park Riding Circle by 'interviewing' the Pony Boys and talking for a few more hours about horses. Building a relationship with them as a regular customer ensures that they offer you the best rides every time!
Oh, but I don't want a fast horse for my child! Oh there are many "walking" horses, too. Choose a horse that is proportionate in size to your child. It would be better if you asked around first or observed other riders before choosing one. You can also read one of my early articles Ponies With Pink Hair at Baguio Insider.
Many enjoy exploring the hills of Baguio City on horseback. A regular one hour trail ride is very common, especially for young adults.
Now that most Baguio roads are fully developed, a lot of the trail rides are accessed via paved roads. It is essential to take a guide along with you to take you there, and more importantly, to be around to help the riders and horses along the way.
- Baguio Horse Trails are a great way to explore the different mountains, hills and valleys in the City of Pines, ideal for teenagers and young adults
taking your child on their first pony ride in the Summer Capital of the Philippines. @Baguio InsiderCopyright © 2003 - 2009. All Rights Reserved. GoBaguio! Your Complete Guide to Baguio City, Philippines
How much does an hour on horseback cost these days?
I remember that in the early 1970s, an hour on horseback was just Php5.00, which was about a day's wages in the Philippines!
Three decades later (2009 rates), an hour on horseback will cost you about Php300.00 -- still cheap considering how much it costs to maintain a horse (ever hear the phrase "eats like a horse?"), still about a day's salary for minimum wage earners.
Still cheap compared to the Php500 they charge in other tourist destinations in the Philippines, like Tagaytay or Subic, where horse rides are offered, too. And yet the temperatures here are way cooler -- perfect for exploring the surrounding hills of Baguio or just riding around the Riding Circle.
Horses in the Philippines cannot usually take the heat of high noon but in Baguio City, horses can be ridden at all hours of the day!
