VETERAN rider George Walter Misa of Davao Horse Club made a successful comeback this year, clinching two impressive victories at the 2nd Kalivungan Festival National Horse Show & Competition held in Kidapawan City from August 25 to 27, 2023.
Misa emerged champion in the challenging obstacle race and finished third in the barrel event of the royal category for 50 years old and above.
Misa returned to the competition scene after a hiatus from out-of-town events.
For the past two decades, he has consistently won in the Philippine Horsemen Federation (PHF) Competition Circuit. His comeback journey began in April in Malaybalay City, where he secured back-to-back third-place finishes in the obstacle and barrel Races, both prominent races in the PHF.
He continued his winning streak with a second-place finish in the barrel race in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, in late April, followed by a silver medal in the obstacle race in Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur, in June, culminating in his recent triumph in Kidapawan City.
Another noteworthy rider from the Davao Horse Club, Banjo Dobliano of the Tan Stables, placed second in the barrel race in the auxiliary division.
The Davao Team, representing various divisions, featured the Tan family members: Andrew (executive division) and Rachel (ladies division), Dr. Anli (novice) and Dr. MJ (ladies), Kobi (expert) and Chase (youth division), along with Dr. Ben Montanez (royal).
A total of 198 horse riders from across Mindanao participated in the competition, representing teams such as the Cagayan de Oro Horsemen Association, Misamis Oriental Horsemen Association, Manolo Fortich Horsemen Association, Malaybalay Horse Club, Horsemen Association of Impasugong and Valencia, Agusan Surigao Horsemen Association, Socsargen Horsemen Association, the South Central Horsemen Association, and the Davao Horse Club.
It was sponsored by the provincial government of Cotabato and hosted by the South Central Mindanao Horsemen Association.
The next and final event on the Philippine Horsemen Federation's calendar for this year is the Davao Horse Club's 21st Horse Show & Competition, set on November 10 to 12, 2023, in Davao City. PR