Sixteen-year-old Filipina showjumper, Sophia Louie Begre Lacson, delivered an impressive series of performances over the past month, highlighted by a national championship title and an international podium finish, further cementing her reputation as one of the Philippines’ promising young riders.
Competing in the Newcomers Division of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) National Championship Series, Begre Lacson began her campaign Feb. 21, earning second place on Ceres during the opening leg of the competition.
She then participated in the first leg of the FEI Asia Pacific Rising Star Academy (APRA), held from Feb. 23 to March 1, at Thai Polo and Equestrian Center in Pattaya, Thailand. Riding the leased horse Imagine De Barbereau, Begre Lacson finished third place in the culminating CSI competition, marking a strong international result among top young riders from across the region.
Returning to the Philippines, Begre Lacson continued her momentum at the second leg of the EAP National Championship March 7, where she claimed first place in the Newcomers Class aboard Silver.
The series concluded March 14 at Alabang Country Club, where Begre Lacson secured the overall Newcomers Championship title for the EAP National Championship Series. While both of her horses encountered difficulties during the final leg and were unable to complete the course, her strong performances across the earlier rounds were enough to secure the championship.
The competition also marked an emotional milestone for the young rider. Silver, at 20 years old, delivered multiple wins and the second-leg victory, and will retire and return to Negros, where Begre Lacson’s riding journey first began.
Meanwhile, Ceres, whom she trained herself, proved as a promising, new partner for the young athlete. The EAP National Championship Series was Ceres’ first-ever competition, making the results even more notable.
Both Silver and Ceres hail from Negros Island, underscoring Begre Lacson’s long-standing commitment to showcasing the potential of locally-bred and trained ponies.
Begre Lacson, a Grade 12 student and a member of the Philippine youth showjumping pool, continues to pursue her goal of representing the Philippines in future international championships, including her dream of qualifying for the 2027 Southeast Asian Games.
Her recent achievements — combining success on the national stage with a podium finish in the APRA international program — reflect the steady rise of a rider, who began her journey training largely on homegrown ponies in Negros, and is now competing among the region’s top young talents.
As Silver begins a well-deserved retirement and Ceres gains valuable experience, Begre Lacson’s journey continues with the same mission that has defined her career: proving that Filipino riders and local horses can compete and succeed in this sport. ||
