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| Proud daddy, apprehensive daughter |
We were delighted to be invited to attend the Fourth Annual Cabalgata (Parade) of the Montubian people in the rural village of Samborondon last weekend. We went with my former law partner Steve Vogel and his wife Jane, who were visiting from New Mexico. A huge gathering of over 5,000 horses and cattlemen from the entire southern Ecuador region, showing off their horses and their ranching prowess. Montubians are an officially recognized ethnic group of mixed race indigenous persons in Ecuador's coastal region; they take pride in their rural lifestyle and country culture. They were very welcoming to us outsiders, offering to let us sit on their horses and pose for silly pictures! We even got to ride in one of the vehicles that doubled as a parade float----it was a blast!
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| They start riding young |
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| Buddies for 46 years, never done a rodeo together! |
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| Santiago is a city businessman M-F and weekend cowboy |
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| Instant kinship |
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| Ornate horse decorations |
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| Very ornate |
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| Well groomed steeds |
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| Family fun |
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| Yes, 5,000 horses and riders! |
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| Jane and Steve in the Ruta de Azucar float |
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| A lifelong passion |
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| Yes, 5,000 horses and riders |
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| A parade queen |
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| Each riding club and region had unique uniforms |
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| These New Mexicans felt right at home |
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| Welcome to Ecuador's Equestrian Capital! |
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| Schoolkids watching the parade from the playground |
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| Could've been in the 505! |
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| Gorgeous horses |
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| Silver harnesses and wooden saddles |
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