DHC marks another milestone

Saturday, February 11, 2012

THERE'S no stopping the Davao Horse Club (DHC) from soaring high.

Now on its 15th year, the long-running group of horse riders in Davao City marked another milestone when it held its induction of officers last January with sportsman-educator William "Butch" Ramirez as the inducting officer and guest speaker.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Andrew Tan, one of the founders of the club, formally took over the reins from Francis "Bong" R. Ledesma as the newly elected president of DHC. Tan was actually serving another term as president as he was already named to the post several years back.

Tan thanked his fellow riders during the affair, which was held at the DHC's new home in Riverfront in Maa. He also vowed to serve them well during his tenure, maintain camaraderie among members and to implement programs that suit their aspirations.

Tan said that aside from the coming 14th Horse Show and Competition this year, DHC will also engage in a tree-planting activity at Eden Nature Park as part of their social responsibility.

"We have lined up several activities for this year, and we will hold our horse show competition as part of the Summerfest in April," Tan said.

Ramirez, in his speech, hailed the DHC for what is has done through the years and for instituting programs not only for the horse riders but also for the entire community.

Ramirez, former chair of the Philippine Sports Commission and now consultant of Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, also encouraged the DHC to come up with scholarship programs for the less fortunate kids of Davao.

After delivering his speech, which was well applauded by the horse riders, Ramirez was conferred honorary member of the DHC and was presented with a horse-designed plaque and a cowboy hat by Tan.

At the DHC, they have this maxim that says: "The family that rides together, stays together." Riding together at all times with their siblings in tow, members of the DHC certainly adhere to this motto.
Since the group was founded back in 1997, DHC remains to be vibrant as ever as its members never ceased to engage in trail rides, hold regular meetings and stage the horse show and competition, which in the longest running event among horse riders in the country.

The induction night was another chapter in the history of the DHC for a new set of officers had stepped forward to accept new challenges ahead.
And DHC--a family-oriented organization--is in good hands with Tan at the helm.