Hooves Echoing on the Lang Biang Plateau
The powerful hooves of horses, guided by barefoot riders, have become a distinctive cultural symbol of the K’ho ethnic community living at the foot of Lang Biang Mountain, Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward, Lam Dong Province. Beyond preserving indigenous cultural identity, the horse-riding tradition contributes to tourism promotion and plays an active role in maintaining grassroots security and public order.
The Unique Bareback Horse Racing Festival
For generations, the sound of horse hooves has been deeply embedded in both the daily life and spiritual world of the K’ho people in the Lang Biang highlands. Gently patting the back of his horse named Rambo, Mr. Kra Jan Truik, Head of the Lang Biang – Da Lat Equestrian Club, shared: “Here, children as young as eight or nine already know how to ride horses. In the afternoons, they often ride along the hillsides and race each other for fun. Despite being close household companions, these horses roam freely in the wild, making the process of taming them a task that demands both skill and experience.”
Rambo and rider Kra Jan Truik are familiar names frequently announced at bareback horse racing competitions formerly organized annually by Lac Duong District (now Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward). With the strength of semi-wild horses and riders trained from an early age, the pair has consistently secured top positions in these races.
Over many years, Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward has maintained the Bareback Horse Racing Festival as a unique cultural feature. The event not only preserves ethnic traditions but also attracts large numbers of visitors from across the country.
According to Mr. Cil Poh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward, preserving cultural heritage while promoting tourism development is a long-term strategic priority. Alongside the Central Highlands gong culture, the ward aims to develop the bareback horse racing of the K’ho people into a National intangible cultural heritage and a signature tourism product. This effort helps promote the image and tourism potential of Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward and Lam Dong Province, associated with the brand “Da Lat – A miraculous convergence from fertile land.”
Hooves Resonating in Community Life
Today, bareback horse riders not only compete in annual races but also serve as a grassroots force supporting security and public order. In late November 2025, the People’s Committee of Lang Biang – Da Lat Ward officially recognized the Lang Biang – Da Lat Equestrian Club, comprising more than 20 active members.
In addition to training and performances, the club cooperates with local authorities and tourism service providers to offer horseback riding experiences for visitors, thereby promoting the people and natural beauty of the Lang Biang highlands.
Notably, club members also assist in forest fire prevention, firefighting, and search-and-rescue operations. Thanks to their familiarity with forest terrain, they can access remote areas more efficiently, transport water and equipment, and support emergency response efforts.
Although newly established, the Lang Biang – Da Lat Equestrian Club has actively participated in training, community engagement, tourism promotion, and local security activities. The club’s formation not only preserves traditional culture but also contributes meaningfully to maintaining public order and strengthening the movement of “All People Protecting National Security” from the grassroots level.