Horses & Hogs roared back bigger and better in 2026!
By Vicky Moore
(SACRAMENTO)
Horses & Hogs 2026 brought hundreds of employees together for classic cars, motorcycles, local vendors and food, drawing a record crowd and more than tripling attendance from last year’s event.
An estimated 650 people attended this year’s lunchtime event, compared with about 200 in 2025.
“Last year, we had 10 vendor tables, about 18 cars and one bike,” said Kristina Guzman, co-organizer of Horses & Hogs. “This year, we had 38 cars, nine bikes and 22 vendors.”
A spotlight on what makes employees unique
“This kind of event allows employees to see what their co-workers’ passions are outside of work,” said Paaras Puri, who coordinated the car show for Horses & Hogs. Puri said the classic cars are employee-owned, belong to a local car club with an employee member or are courtesy of the California Automobile Museum.
The food at Horses & Hogs was also a hit. Free pulled pork sliders and ice cream scoops were provided by event sponsors. Coordinated by Fonte Lideros, local small businesses offered samples of spicy marinades and sauces and Jamaican beef patties, while also showcasing jewelry and flowers.
Several employee resource groups (ERGs) hosted tables with information on membership and activities. “The intent of this event is to show who we are as humans beyond our roles as employees,” said co-organizer Matthew St. Amant. “It enhances the culture within UC Davis Health.”
“It’s just fun to see everyone come out,” said Paul Georguson, who works in supply chain at UC Davis Health. This was his second year at Horses & Hogs. “I met some people from other departments I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.”
2026 Winners
A tie was awarded for Best Employee and Best in Show.
1964 Impala, owned by Lopaka Gaspar, Data Center Services Supervisor, IT
1971 Datsun 240Z, owned by Alex Davidson, IT Facilities Info Sys Analyst, IT
For the Hogs division, judges awarded the following:
Blue striped Harley Davidson Road Glide, owned by James Flemings, Medical Center Stores, Stores and Receiving
For the non-employee winner, by almost a unanimous vote:
1956 Buick Century owned by Carlos & Bernice Espinoza, and brought to us by Good Intentions Car Club
Looking ahead
“Usually, ideas start at the Sacramento medical center campus and spread to the auxiliary sites,” said Guzman, who would like to see Horses & Hogs move in the opposite direction and pop up on the medical center campus, too.
Horses & Hogs started with a “little spark” between organizers Kristina Guzman and Matthew St. Amant.
Guzman encourages employees to share their ideas, no matter how small. “You never know how big it might become.”
