True of history in general, the above statement by Moore is also true of Charlotte Weber, owner of Live Oak Stud located just west of Ocala, Florida.

Operating the 4,500-acre Thoroughbred farm and commercial cattle operation, Weber has solely guided the fortunes of this magnificent breeding and racing operation since 1995. In these past four decades, Live Oak Plantation’s distinctive black, red and white silks have become a nationally recognized racing symbol.

Through racing efforts at major tracks across North America, Live Oak has built a sterling record spanning the recent accomplishments of Miesque’s Approval, winner of the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs and 2006 Eclipse Award champion turf male, to other top horses including; Revved Up, My Typhoon, Hesanoldsalt, and half-brothers; Solar Splendor and Sultry Song.

The half-brothers Solar Splendor and Sultry Song notably won grade-one races on the same day in 1992 at New York’s Belmont Park.

“I remember the day was Sept. 19 because that’s the same day my daughter got married,” Weber recalled. It was one of the few times Weber could not be in attendance to see her horses run a big race.

The Live Oak “brother act” was repeated in 2006 with Nine-year-old Revved Up and his half brother Miesque’s Approval winning stakes on the same day. On Sept. 9, 2006, eight-year-old Miesque’s Approval brought home the grade-three Red Bank Stakes en route to the Breeders’ Cup, while nine-year-old Revved Up won the Bob Harding Stakes, both races at Monmouth Park. Revved Up’s sire is Sultry Song.

Success at the racetrack is simply a reflection of Weber’s approach to Live Oak’s successful breeding program.

“You try to breed the best to the best,” Weber explains. “If you are fortunate as I am, and you are able to race the horses you breed and give them the time necessary, they will return the investment. I do not want the instant profit or quick returns generated by running horses before they are ready.

“For example, in 2006 Revved Up was eight-years-old and going strong. Miesque’s Approval was a seven-year-old when he won the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

“I run it as a business,” Weber explained, referring to the thoroughbred and cattle operations active upon the beautiful expanse of oak covered land that comprises Live Oak. “It is one of my highest priorities to always be a good steward of the land.”

The Florida environment

From the time significant thoroughbred breeders found their way to Ocala in the 1950s and 60s, the Florida climate has become a siren song for horsemen and young thoroughbred horses on their way to racing greatness. Today, a comfortable majority of the top racing prospects in the nation pass through Ocala to train in its excellent environment.

The quality Live Oak environment and the excellent climate of Florida contribute greatly to the production of world class thoroughbreds. Beneath the spreading canopy of live oak trees, horses benefit from the lush green, nutrient-rich grass covering the gently rolling hills of Live Oak Stud. Romping in the golden Florida sunshine from the day they are born, Live Oak horses grow the strong bones and muscle of thoroughbred racehorses.

“Florida has the absolute advantage of its climate,” Weber said emphatically. “There is no doubt in my mind.”

It is said that the same limestone foundation that underlies Kentucky extends to Florida and underlies the rolling hills of Marion County. In this environment, young foals begin the work of becoming athletes almost immediately upon birth, as they are out and running across spacious, grassy paddocks from the day of their birth. Whereas, horses stabled in harsher climates may be confined to barns for weeks or months at a time to escape freezing elements.

Florida is also noted for its clear, cool spring water which streams out of the aquifers.

A Commercial Training operation

“Live Oak Stud is a public, commercial training operation,” Weber stated. “We are open to the public; we do take clients.”
Client horses receive the same care and attention that has brought grade-one success to Live Oak horses.

Since its inception in 1993, the Live Oak Combined Driving Event has become one of the premier Combined Driving Events in North America. Since 1995, the Event has hosted Selection Trials for both the United States and Canadian Equestrian Teams and in 1998, was granted international sanctioning by the Federal Equestre Internationale.In 2000, a classic car show was added to the Live Oak venue. The car show has grown to over 150 beautifully restored classic cars which are on display throughout the final day of the Live Oak Event. In 2002, Live Oak hosted the Horse Fever auction, which raised over $800,000 for numerous Marion County charities. The 2003 Event has been elevated to a CAIA, the only event of this level in the United States. Due to the success of the Horse Fever Auction, we worked with The Marion Cultural Alliance to host an equestrian art auction to benefit charities in 2004 and 2005.

In 2007 Live Oak partnered with Marion Therapeutic Riding Assoc. and proceeds from admissions will be donated to this worthy cause annually.

The 2012 Event, our 20th Anniversary, will introduce Show Jumping for the first time. There will be a Jumping Speed class Friday afternoon, following Driving Dressage and a Jumping Grand Prix Class following the Driving Marathon Saturday. In addition, Friday evening, The Live Oak International will host the second Horse Fever Auction to benefit Marion County Charities.

The site of the Event is Charlotte Weber's pristine Live Oak Plantation, in Ocala, Florida, one of the South's largest and most extensive Thoroughbred operations, spanning over 4,500 acres.