MANILA, Philippines - I admire equestrienne Toni for her love of country and passion for the sport.

The multiawarded rider was once offered by a Qatari sheikh to become a Qatari citizen and join its team. The offer would have meant countless benefits like the best horses, best trainers and a handsome pay.

“But I refused the offer from Qatar, a nation awash with cash,” said Leviste, the only Southeast Asian rider to see action in the Olympic Games (2000 Sydney), World Championships and World Cup Finals. “I’m proud to be a Filipino. I want to serve my country, manong (uncle).

“It’s beyond description to see our flag fly proudly alongside those of other countries during the international events I attended.”

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Leviste’s upbringing is not particularly lowly. She was born 35 years ago to a rich and politically powerful family in Batangas. Still, there is no upper class snobbery in her. In fact, her manners are refined.

Toni always inspires her fellow athletes because she is nice to them. As an equestrienne, she performs at the top of her abilities, yet does not boast of her many achievements.

She started her riding career when she was only eight. At 10, she won a world class tournament in Hong Kong.

Does age matter in equestrian?

“No, manong,” Leviste said, adding that in last year’s Beijing Olympics, a 68-year-old rider competed.

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On her plans for the 2012 London Olympics, she intends to hurdle the lone Games qualifier set in 2011.

“I’m preparing my horse under the tutelage of an expert trainer in Europe,” said Leviste. “That horse is now eight years old and will be 10 by the time the Olympic qualifier gets going. My horse (“Batangas Lady”) would be 11—an ideal age for horses—by the time the London Games are held.”

Her big dream is to win that long-coveted Olympic gold for the Philippines, she said: “That dream is not impossible to achieve.”

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On the forthcoming election for the presidency of the Equestrian Association of the Philippines, Leviste said she is batting for a change in the EAP leadership by backing director and party-list Rep. Carissa Coscolluela, a many-time equestrian team manager and former active rider herself until she became a congresswoman.

Coscolluela is ranged against incumbent EAP president former Rep. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, who is also president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“Change is inevitable, it has to happen for the good of the sport,” said veteran rider Jones Lanza, a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist.

If Mr. Cojuangco read the sign correctly, the defection of many top riders has crippled the EAP already. The unhappy riders said Cojuangco should step down voluntarily and give others the chance to serve the federation.

After all, Cojuangco is already POC president, which is the highest ruling body for amateur sports in the country.