A family tradition of growing up with horses

By Kayla Razon

One of the horses at the family ranch representing years of tradition passed down through generations.

For some families, many traditions center on holidays or recipes. For Ivan Cocolan, tradition lives in the farm of hooves, baby chicks, early mornings, and the quiet bond between humans and horses. 

Cocolan is the youngest of seven siblings who grew up surrounded by animal responsibility and a strong sense of family connection. At the center of it all are horses, a passion that started long before he was born.

“We started owning horses because of my grandpa,” Cocolan said. “And then the tradition got passed to us.”

What began as his grandfather’s interest became something much bigger: a shared lifestyle that shaped each generation of the family. Now, even with siblings ranging in age up to 23, the tradition continues to influence their daily lives.

As the “baby” of the family, Cocolan has had a unique experience. While his older siblings helped build and maintain the tradition, he grew up living on the farm. From a young age, being around horses was not something special or occasional; it was just simply normal.

Though normal, it comes with lots of responsibility. Caring for horses requires time, effort, and consistency. Feeding and cleaning, even maintaining their horses, are part of their day-to-day routine. It’s not always easy, but for Cocolan, it’s definitely worth it.

“Horses aren’t just animals to us,” he explained. “They’re part of the family.”

The connection goes beyond just riding and spending time with the horses, which provides a sense of calm and focus. It’s a break from the fast pace of everyday life and a chance to reconnect with something more grounded.

Being part of such a large family also helps keep the tradition alive. With seven siblings, responsibilities are often shared, and knowledge is passed down naturally. Despite being the youngest, Cocolan doesn’t feel left behind. Instead, he sees his role as carrying the tradition forward. Watching his older siblings grow up with the same experiences has given him a sense of pride and motivation.

“It’s something I want to keep going,” he said.

Family traditions often fade over time, but for the Cocolan family, horses remain a constant. They represent more than a hobby; they symbolize history, unity, and identity.

As Cocolan continues to grow, one thing is clear: the legacy his grandfather started lives on. And as the youngest member of the family, he may one day be the one passing it on to the next generation.