By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Filipino horse rider Sophia Louie Begre-Lacson turned in an impressive performance on the international stage after capturing a gold-medal finish during the second leg of the FEI Asia-Pacific Rising Star Academy (APRA) in Pattaya, Thailand.
The 17-year-old was the Philippines’ lone representative in the regional development program that features selected riders from various national federations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Lacson topped the CSIY-B Two-Phase class on the final day of competition after delivering a clear round aboard Context 3, one of the horses assigned to participants through the academy’s draw system.
Her victory gave the Philippines its best result of the tournament.
She nearly added another podium finish later in the day, placing fourth in the CSIY-B Jump-Off event against a field that included several home-based Thai competitors.
Despite riding an assigned horse rather than her own mount, Lacson finished ahead of most of the international participants and was the highest-placed foreign rider in the afternoon competition.
The Top 3 positions were all secured by Thai entries.
The strong showing further established Lacson as one of the country’s emerging talents in showjumping and underscored her ability to perform under unfamiliar conditions.
Originally from Negros Island, Lacson developed her skills outside the country’s major equestrian hubs.
Much of her early riding experience came on local ponies, and she advanced through the sport with limited resources compared to many of her regional counterparts.
Her latest achievement marks another step forward in a career that continues to gain momentum on the international circuit.
The FEI Asia-Pacific Rising Star Academy was launched to help identify and develop future elite riders through a series of competitions, training sessions and educational programs conducted throughout the region.
Only one rider from each participating federation is chosen to join the academy.
With her success in Thailand, Lacson strengthened her credentials as she pursues bigger goals, including a potential spot on the Philippine team for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games and other major international events.
Her performance in Pattaya also provided another encouraging sign for Philippine equestrian sports, demonstrating that local riders can remain competitive against the region’s best young talents./ASC, WDJ