Toni Leviste qualifies two horse-and-rider combinations for 2026 Asian Games 

OLYMPIAN and Asian Games medalist Marie Antonette “Toni’” Leviste has qualified both of her horses, Lacoste 126 and Fanto, for the dressare competition at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, to be held in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026.

The equestrian events will take place at JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo.

Leviste achieved the required Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) through FEI-recognized international competitions in Europe, highlighted by CDI Brno in the Czech Republic on June 5, 2026, and CDI Kronberg in Germany on June 20, 2026.

Under Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) rules, each horse-and-rider combination must independently achieve the minimum qualifying score of 62 percent under international judging panels at FEI-recognized CDI competitions.

Securing the MERs gives the Equestrian Association of the Philippines (EAP) two eligible horse-and- rider. combinations– Lacoste 126 and Fanto–from which to make its final selection on July 15:

Leviste first represented the Philippines at the Asian Games in 1998 in Bangkok, with the equestrian events held in Saraburi, Thailand, and was a member of the Philippine Team that won the silver medal in show jumping at the 2002 Busan Asian Games.

She previously represented the Philippines at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, multiple FEI World Championships and the FEI World Cup Jumping Finals before transitioning to dressage in 2023.

“Representing the Philippines has always been one of the greatest privileges of mylife. Qualifying both Lacoste, my partner at the 2025 Southeast Asian Garnes in Thailand, and Fanto, a horse rescued from the war in Ukraine, for the Asian Games makes this achievement especially meaningful. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey, and I now look forward to continuing our preparations and proudly representing our country once again,” Leviste said.

The 2026 Asian Games will mark Leviste’s fifth appearance at Asia’s premier multi-sport event and her first in dressage.