Seventeen-year-old Filipino showjumping athlete Sophia Louie Begre-Lacson delivered an outstanding performance for the Philippines at the second leg of the FEI Asia-Pacific Rising Star Academy (APRA) held in Pattaya, Thailand, from June 15 to 20, capturing first place in the morning competition and finishing fourth in the afternoon’s jump-off class.
Representing the Philippines as the country’s sole rider in the prestigious regional development program, Sophia competed against some of Asia-Pacific’s most promising young equestrians in the Academy’s CSIY-B competitions, her mother Antoinette Begre-Lacson said Monday, June 22.
The final competition day featured two classes: a Two-Phase CSIY-B in the morning and a CSIY-B with Jump-Off in the afternoon. Riding Context 3, a horse assigned through the Academy’s horse allocation system, Sophia produced a faultless and confident performance to secure first place in the morning class, earning the top podium position for the Philippines.
She followed up with another strong round in the afternoon’s competition, finishing fourth. Notably, the top three placings were claimed by Thai riders competing on their own horses, making Sophia the highest-placed international rider, and one of the top performers of the day aboard a borrowed horse.
The result marks another milestone in the young athlete’s international career and reinforces her standing among the region’s rising talents.
Sophia’s success is particularly inspiring given her unconventional path to international competition. A proud Negrense who grew up on Negros Island, she developed much of her riding foundation on local ponies, and was largely self-taught during her early years. Without the advantages often available in larger equestrian centers, she relied on determination, hard work, and a relentless commitment to improving her skills.
Today, she continues to prove that athletes from grassroots backgrounds can compete successfully on the international stage.
The Asia-Pacific Rising Star Academy was created by the FEI Regional Group VIII to identify and develop future elite riders through a year-long series of training clinics, educational workshops, and international competitions across the region. Only one rider from each participating National Federation is selected to take part in the program.
Sophia’s selection to APRA and her success in Pattaya represent important steps toward her long-term goal of qualifying to represent the Philippines at the 2027 Southeast Asian Games and other major international championships.
As she continues through the remaining legs of the Academy, Sophia carries with her not only the Philippine flag, but also the hopes of aspiring young athletes across the country who dream of proving that dedication and perseverance can overcome even the greatest obstacles.*PR
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