IT'S all systems go for the staging of the 18th Davao Horse Show and Competition on November 24 and 25 at the Davao City Stables and Horse Park in New Lanzona Subdivision, Matina Aplaya, Davao City.
Project director Alyssa Gonzales, who guested at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at The Annex of SM City Davao on Thursday, November 15, said some 200 participants from nine horse clubs in the country are expected to join along with 150 horses.
Since this year's event serves as the final leg of the Philippine Horsemen’s Federation (PHF) Competition Circuit for 2018, she said key organizers, the women officers of the Davao Horse Club, are preparing a lot of fun and surprises for the riders and spectators.
"Mas daghang pakulo kay mga young ones ang nag-spearhead (There are lots of fun because this year's event is organized by younger DHC members). We added a pageant event, the Mr. and Ms. Davao Horse Show Contest, among others, to make it more unique aside from the drill team and halter class competitions and the barrel, oval and obstacle races," Gonzales, who was accompanied by Monica Chu whose two-year-old child is also seeing action in the tournament, said.
She, however, said the host club is not keen on winning trophies. "We are holding the show for camaraderie and fun for everyone. We ride horses not for winning."
Chu, for her part, said categories are novice for beginners, intermediate for more advanced, expert for highly-skilled riders, ladies and royal for 45 years old and above.
She said, "There will also be an executive category for invited guests from other countries and other places."
The free admission horse show and competition, Chu added, is for families to enjoy.