PH equestrian team banks on experienced riders at SEA Games 2017

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine equestrian team is aiming to bounce back from a medal-less 2015 run as it competes in show jumping and dressage at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from August 22 to 28.

Newly appointed secretary general of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) Karen Concepcion is confident about the lean team’s medal chances.

“Our medal chances for each of the events we are entered in are quite strong and our athletes have been training hard leading to the SEA Games and we wish them well and all the best,” she told Rappler via e-mail.

Toni Leviste, Joker Arroyo, Chiara Amor, and Colin Syquia are the team for show jumping, while Ma. Angelica “Ina” Ayala is listed for dressage.

Both Amor and Ayala were at the 2015 Games in Singapore. The 19-year-old Amor returns with more experience, which Concepcion hopes will lead to success.

“In 2015 we took a different strategy in the desire to give younger and very committed athletes a chance for SEA Games participation. Admittedly it put a lot of pressure on them as well, but we were aware of the risks,” she explained what difference in approach the EAP made for these Games.

“This year 2017, we have a very, very experienced team of good riders and horses. The directives for this SEA Games are very strict and different.”

Although strong foes are to be expected, Filipino riders are maintaining a mindset focused on enhancing their own performances.

“Our riders are all tough competitors who always aim to be the best without comparing with others,” Concepcion said.

“Our Philippine riders push themselves and train hard for any challenge they may face on the days of competition. This kind of thinking has brought us more success than making comparisons.”

Future plans

Concepcion, a rider herself who is still competing in dressage, assumed the position of the EAP’s secretary general in June after serving as corporate secretary, in what she described as a smooth transition that “has not been disruptive in any way in our preparation for the SEA Games.” She replaced Steven Virata, who resigned that same month.

Some of the short-term activities of the EAP during Concepcion’s early months in the position include “seminars (in) which international experts from the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) will be arriving in Manila this coming September to develop future National Officials in dressage.”

Concepcion plans to address challenges in the sport that include accessibility for various equestrian clubs to participate in EAP events and – like plenty of sports in the Philippines – increasing awareness that would lead to support.

One way to get the attention needed is through organizing events locally such as the World Jumping Challenge set for the middle of October until November as well as the World Dressage Challenge, also happening this November.

The events, endorsed by the FEI, also serve the purpose of giving exposure and experience to Filipino riders “without having to transport their horses abroad.”

“Looking forward,” Concepcion said, “we at the EAP will continue supporting our Equestrians by continuously hosting more competitions, events such as seminars and clinics, and listening and keeping an open mind to the concerns and ideas of our Philippine Equestrian Community.” – Rappler.com