By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense athlete Sophia Begre-Lacson had an impressive showing in the national showjumping competition held recently at the Jakarta Equestrian Park in Indonesia.

Begre-Lacson, who also underwent three weeks of training in Indonesia, finished eighth among 39 riders in the 0.95- to 1.05-meter category.

Many of her fellow competitors were professionals riding their own horses or long-time partners, yet Sophia stood out for her composure and quick adaptation on the leased horse, Mopalia.

The weekend prior, she topped the one-meter category at a club-level show, earning first place in only her second week of training.

During her time in Indonesia, Begre-Lacson trained at Jakarta Equestrian in Sentul under Natasha Herjawan, Indonesia’s current top female show jumper.

At home in the Philippines, she trains full-time under Camila Lastrilla-Curto, a former SEA Games competitor and now executive director of the Philippine Polo Federation.

Begre-Lacson is based at Happy Horse Farms Equestrian Centre in Negros, and also trains at Los Tamaraos Polo and Equestrian Center in Manila./ASC, WDJ