Ocala, FL – Combined Driver Pixie Keating draws attention at the Combined Driving Events she competes in thanks to her flashy equine partner, Harley, a 14.1 hand American Paint Horse. Keating and Harley’s flashy looks and star quality helped them capture the attention of the judges at the prestigious Live Oak International CDE, where the duo not only posted their best dressage score to date but also drove away with the Premier Sportsmanship Award due to Keating’s kindness and willingness to help other competitors.

“My key to good sportsmanship is to help other competitors and make sure that we are all kind to each other,” Keating said, adding that she was thrilled to win the sportsmanship award that is sponsored by Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, horse jumps, arena footing and stable accessories. “My navigator and I read the rule book and being kind and helping others is not prohibited.”

In addition to winning the Premier Sportsmanship Award, Keating took home the Dave Portman Perpetual Trophy for sportsmanship, donated by Margo Portman in honor of her husband. “You will never find a competitor as solicitous or as kind to other competitors as Pixie,” said SuSu Schumakerdale, who navigates for Keating. “Pixie wins well and she loses well”

Keating, who lives in Aiken, South Carolina, said she loved competing at Live Oak and that earning their best dressage score to date was the icing on the cake. Keating has been partnered with her 17-year-old Paint mare for the past seven years and said the mare’s striking looks always attract attention. “She was a broodmare and had been raising babies when I found her on a cutting horse farm in Madison, Georgia,” Keating said. “She wasn’t even broke. I wasn’t looking for her but she picked me, so I bought her to drive.”

As the winner of the Sportsmanship Award, Keating drove away with a pair of German-designed Roeckl gloves from Premier Equestrian.
Roeckl Gloves, which are available at Premier’s website and in their catalog, are available in the Regent Glove, an all leather sports design made from buttery soft leather with an elastic wrist and snap. Considered Roeckl’s most comfortable schooling glove, they are also great for driving. The Chester is a German-designed synthetic leather glove by Roeckl that combines style and versatility and features a textured palm and Velcro brand closure.

“Awarding Pixie with the Premier Sportsmanship Award was very special because everyone you talk to mentions Pixie’s amazing kindness and helpfulness to other competitors,” said Heidi Zorn, President of Premier. “It is always an honor to recognize someone who goes out of their way to make their sport better and Pixie certainly does.”

Premier Equestrian is considered America’s leading manufacturer and distributor of dressage arenas. Premier Equestrian supplied the dressage rings for the World Equestrian Games, as well as the dressage warm-up arena, driving arena, driving warm-up arena and the flower boxes and dressage letters. Premier Equestrian also offers GGT Footing, Prostride Horse Arena Footing and ProTex Rubber/Textile Horse Arenas Footing as well as a complete line of horse jumps, gates, fills and jumping poles.

For more information on all Premier Equestrian products visit their website at www.PremierEquestrian.com or call 800-611-6109

Photo: Pixie Keating and her flashy Paint mare Harley drove away as the winners of the Premier Sportsmanship Award during the Live Oak International CDE. Premier Equestrian, a leading supplier of dressage arenas, jumps, and stable accessories, sponsors the Premier Sportsmanship Award and the winner receives a pair of German-designed Roeckl gloves from Premier.

Ocala, FL - With impending storms looming, the fourth and final day of the Live Oak International presented by US Trust featured a difficult cones phase and clear rounds were hard to find. But the best drivers in the US prevailed and two USEF National Champions were crowned based on their incredible three phase performances.

A massive storm held off until the final few drivers, and then the weather deteriorated quickly. Chester Weber and Jimmy Fairclough had the option to wait out the weather, but as they were warmed up and ready, they both decided to drive. The weather got worse so their choice proved wise as the Organizing Committee ended up being forced to cancel the final two classes of the afternoon.

Weber's road to his record eighth USEF National Four-in-Hand wasn't without incident; he used all of his experience to get out of a difficult situation at one of the hazards in Saturday's marathon, the only blemish on another fantastic performance. He then had the only double clear round in the Cones so his final phase in the pouring rain was remarkable.

"Yesterday's problem made it hugely obvious to see that nothing is for sure," said Weber about breaking a record he set in 2009 for the number of national championship wins.

Weber used the opportunity to put two of his pairs together, but it was the first time he had driven all four in the cones as one team.

"I drove Grumus and Para in the wheel and Horace and Boy in the lead," said Weber. "The first time I ever drove them in the cones was about an hour before they went in the ring."

The gamble proved not to be one, and Weber hopes that the dynamic foursome will be his cones team for WEG.

"My plan has always been to drive them together, but that was a little nerve-wracking," said Weber after a phenomenal performance.

A steely veteran of the sport, Weber has had a lock on the National title for the better part of a decade. He is also the reigning Individual Silver medalist from the 2008 FEI World Driving Championship and, like the rest of the four-in-hand world, has his focus firmly set on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG).

Despite having won eight straight titles, winning on his family's Live Oak Stud is special but it is not easy.

"It's really nice, there are a lot of local people who have watched my drive, they see me driving up and down the road and at the local shows. It's a great community event," said Weber. "But it is a lot of work; I think it's a little confusing for the horses. The rest of your life doesn't stop."

Jimmy Fairclough wasn't going to let Weber take the honors without a fight. Fairclough won the marathon and got within 12 points of Weber. Driving Jane Clark's team, Fairclough had an unfortunate incident in the Cones.

His leaders spooked at the bridge and then slipped badly into the other horse. It then pushed the wheelers into the corner of the bridge and got the railing caught in the carriage, his horses handled it professionally and stood stone still while they freed the carriage. He had 10 seconds added to his time for the repair but then finished his round without further incident and finished only a couple of seconds slow.

"I came around the turn a little fast," said Fairclough. "The leaders looked at the bridge and one went to go and slipped and fell right into the other horse. The rest was really good, after that I was only a couple of seconds late."

Fairclough also has planned his season around this autumn's WEG and was driving a brand new pair of leaders this weekend.

Leased from Keady Cadwell, Uniek and Splash proved their mettle this weekend in all three phases.

"I would rather have it happen here than at WEG," said Fairclough. "This was good except for what happened. That spot was really slippery."

Robin Groves hung on to her spot in the USEF National Single Horse Driving Championship and took the top honors with Thors Toy Truck after a brave driving effort in the Cones section topped off a very professional effort over the three phases.

"It's been a wonderful weekend," said Groves. "I was a little disappointed with the dressage but I was happy with the score. The rest was everything I could ask for."

Groves (Brownsville, VT) was third after the dressage phase, and rocketed to the top after a stellar marathon phase on Saturday and then had one ball down in the Cones. Her three phase score of 139.72 left her with an incredibly narrow lead over Leslie Berndl.

"I had some nerves about two hours before I went when I was out grazing my horse," said Groves. "But I got rid of them; I am kind of cold-blooded that way."

Bred by Lana DuPont who gave the 15-year-old veteran to Groves last year, Thors Toy Truck is a total professional - the Connemara/Thoroughbred gelding was focused and attentive throughout the cones.

"He's a tough little character," said Groves. "He is actually the nephew of Kim (Stover's) horse."

Thors Toy Truck was runner-up in 2009, and he won the National Championship in 2007. Groves hopes for a spot on the FEI World Single Driving Championship team in Patroni, Italy in the late summer, but will head to Southern Pines CDE in two weeks and then on to Garden State to keep polishing her performance.

"It was a really good day," said Groves. "Always there's luck too, it can be your moment and then something changes."

Berndl won the dressage phase with Fritz Grupe's Uminco on Thursday, and 'Travis' was the 2009 National Champion with Grupe. He recently handed the reins to Berndl and the pair has quickly forged a strong partnership. Despite picking up a few extra penalties on the marathon they drove a stellar cones round to add nothing to their score and finish on 140.11 for the three phases.

Brendl has practically doubled her time driving Travis since the competition began. She had driven him five times before Thursday's dressage phase.

"He's a great horse," said Berndl after her dressage test. "He's really sweet."

Kim Stover kept her third place spot in the overall standings with a consistent performance in a very competitive division all weekend. She won the marathon to climb back after the first phase. Laughlin is only nine years old and although he too was somewhat spooky at the bridge, Stover was proud of how he handled the atmosphere and had one time fault.

"My mission was to go double clean," said Stover. "I was one second over the time - he didn't like the bridge, but he got over it. He's still young and he's half thoroughbred so with this crowd I had a lot of horse in front of me."

ENDS

For more information, complete results please visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/competitions/liveoak.aspx

For photos, please visit: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/live_oak_2010.aspx

Ocala, FL - An exciting day of marathon driving at Live Oak International presented by US Trust showcased some of the very best in the US vying for USEF National Championship honors for both Single Horses and Four-in-Hands.

Jimmy Fairclough drove like a man on mission - and his perseverance prevailed. Driving Jane Clark's team, the New Jersey driver started out confidently in the first hazard and got better and better as he guided his team around the course. He won the marathon on a score of 90.86, enough for a seven point victory.

"I wanted it to be really forward and smooth," said Fairclough. "And it was all of that. I only had one mistake to mention - this combination is really superb."

Fairclough has a brand new pair of leaders that are being leased from fellow US driver Keady Cadwell: he used them both in the dressage on Thursday, but only drove Uniek today, the rest of his team was made up of his veterans (Charlie Brown, Caletta 5 and Celina 6) - but Uniek fit right in and took command of the team.

"I used Uniek today and I think I had only taken about 10 tree turns with him before the marathon," said Fairclough. "We are getting used to each other."

His route to get to the bridge at the second to last hazard 'The Gulch' was not attempted by any other team. It looked nearly impossible to fit a four-in-hand up the steep hill through such a narrow gap, but Fairclough's execution was perfect.

"The girls in the wheel are so powerful," said Fairclough. "I had to keep the speed and rhythm. In New Jersey it is very hilly so I am used to some hills. I have a lot of power, they are all relatively young horses and they really worked well together. I had enough power so I thought I would go for it."

Fairclough has the next six months to get his team perfected before the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in September, which is the goal for most of the four-in-hands in 2010.

"I don't know his reactions," said Fairclough. "When you have a new quarterback it changes your team."

Fairclough maintained his second place position overall behind Chester Weber (who has won the last seven National titles) but Weber settled for second in the marathon after falling victim to The Gulch. His leaders split a pole coming out of the first gate. Weber stayed calm, and the horses listened to him carefully as he maneuvered them back off the post and on to the correct route. He lost precious time there, but the first five hazards for Weber were textbook.

"One, two , three were fantastic," said Weber. "Going into four I lost my rhythm a little bit, five was again pretty good. At six I had a lot of luck; I am always a big believer that you make your own luck. It is where opportunity meets preparedness. It is about getting to the solution. The horses couldn't back up because the hill was too steep - I am not sure how he got free. We were there for 45 seconds, it seemed like an eternity then we were free and I had to organize and keep going and get them back together."

Horace, a 15-year-old French trotter, was the horse who ended up on the wrong side of the post, and was incredibly clever to right himself.

"After that everything was a little discombobulated," said Weber. "I just thought, 'Ok, no mistakes in seven.' We were there (hung up in hazard six) for 45 or 50 seconds, which is eight or ten points. We knew we were fast in the other ones, so we needed to not have a mistake. Jimmy took seven seconds from us. But it was a challenging day, it was hot and really muddy between the hazards."

Weber was proud of his horses: Rolex, Para and Boy were fantastic, but it was Horace who made all the difference. The thought crossed Weber's mind that not only was the prospect of another National Championship gone, but that the day was going to end at the Gulch.

"He was just fantastic," said Weber of Horace.

Weber's dressage score was enough to keep him in the lead going into Sunday's critical Cones portion of the competition. His two day score of 134.26 left him clear of Fairclough, who is on 146.28.

Kim Stover had a fantastic marathon to win the second phase of the USEF National Single Horse Championship. She drove Laughlin in an impressive effort through the seven hazards on the course designed by Richard Nichol, for a marathon score of 75.1, giving her the marathon victory by 6/10ths of a point. Robin Groves took the overall lead in the Championship, Stover lies fourth - but less than six points separates them.

"It was a beautiful course," said Stover. "I love when Richard designs. He asks fair questions, they are not a gift but they are not over-taxing."

Stover's nine-year-old Connemara/Thoroughbred cross excelled in the final two hazards where power and stamina came in to play. Stover had plenty of both in Laughlin and was incredibly pleased with his efforts despite heavy ground between the hazards due to all the rain in Florida this winter.

"For whatever reason, he loves the challenge," said Stover."The marathon is becoming his strength - he's getting better on the flat but that is his weakest phase. He's an adrenaline junkie but he is easy to drive because he doesn't pull. It was extremely heavy between the hazards, but as long as the footing is good in the hazards, you don't back off."

Stover hasn't driven at Live Oak in eight years, but she won the marathon on her last visit as well.

Stover had a narrow victory in the marathon because Mary Ruth Marks drove very quickly with Adeszko to be just over half a point on her heels.

Marks lives in Verona, WI and has only been in Florida for a few weeks.

"We came right out of the snow," said Marks. "We've been going up and down the roads and doing circles in the intersections because we have no indoor."

Marks bred three generations of Adeszko's line, and named her 10-year-old German Sport Pony/Arab cross after Henry Adeszko, who was head of the Alaskan Driving Society.

"He's very strong and very handy and very quick," said Marks. "He sees the hazard and he is like 'let me at it.' He's quick to seek out the path you want to put him on; I just have trouble rating the speed."

Marks is third overall, dressage winner Leslie Berndl dropped down to second and with the placings so close, the Cones promises to be influential.

Scott Monroe had the lowest score on the marathon, but missed a compulsory flag after the final hazard which sadly meant that he was eliminated after his great effort.

It was a banner day for the Live Oak event, the management was superb and spectators enjoyed a glorious day of competition which included Intermediate through the FEI level and single ponies through Four-in-Hands.

For more information, complete results please visit http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/competitions/liveoak.aspx

For photos, please visit: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/live_oak_2010.aspx

March 25, 2010


Brendl Leads USEF National Single Horse Championship; Weber Jumps to Lead in Pursuit of Eighth USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Title

By Joanie Morris

Ocala, FL – The Live Oak International sponsored by US Trust kicked off with the FEI dressage on Thursday, and two USEF National Driving Championships bookended the six FEI divisions at the premiere event. Held at Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation, it is one of the featured events on the US calendar and showcased 40 of the best drivers in the United States.

The USEF National Single Horse Championship got the morning started and Leslie Brendl bested 11 competitors in the division. She drove Fritz Grupe’s 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Uminco – who Grupe himself drove to USEF National Championship accolades in 2009.

Brendl (Newcastle, CA) drove a lovely test with Uminco despite having only driven the horse for five days before the competition started.

“I came out here and drove him for three days,” said Brendl. “Then I started driving him again on Tuesday.”
Uminco has a reputation for being excitable in the arena, but Brendl was impressed with how well he kept his composure.

“It was scary because I heard how he can be,” said Brendl. “He can be hot but as soon as we entered he changed, he was all business – he was great.”

The short term relationship of Brendl and ‘Travis’ certainly wasn’t evident during their test: Travis has plenty of movement, and their work was very accurate. They even survived through a small equipment malfunction, when during one of the canter transitions, the curb chain came off the bridle.

“I was just happy with the whole test,” said Brendl. “He was so obedient and he was just there for me.”

There score of 49.92 left them with the lead going into Saturday’s marathon as Uminco works to defend his national championship title.

“He’s a great horse,” said Brendl. “He’s sweet and he loves people.”

Brendl’s strategy for the marathon will be sensible, considering their recent introduction.

“In the first obstacle I will be pretty conservative, to feel how well he extends and comes back. I will keep building as I go and push him a little harder,” said Brendl.

The pair will know each other quite a bit better by Sunday.

Scott Monroe came in to the competition thinking, if he could be second after the dressage behind Brendl, he would be in pretty good order.

He achieved that goal.

After spending quite a bit of time with Brendl to improve the phase he always deemed his weakest – the work, and the cross country trips from his Connecticut base to California, paid off.

Driving his own Bethesda After Dark to second place in his first trip to Live Oak International, Monroe was relieved that the time and effort was rewarded. One mistake, a dropped rein in the one-handed circle, was the only blemish on a performance of which Monroe was very proud.

“I’ve been working with Leslie,” said Monroe. “She had him out there and I flew back and forth. She showed him where his errors are and showed me a better horse. All I wanted to do was be a close second, it’s not his forte.
He’s made his reputation on other things.”

On a score of 52.92, less than three points off Brendl’s winning score, the 17-year-old Black Morgan gelding excels in the second two phases, and is a veteran of two previous World Championships team. Monroe travelled south for the first time with the hope of making his third team.

“He’s been at this level for 10 years,” said Monroe. “It’s a credit to his personality and his breed. He’s a real fighter.”

The competition is fierce for spots on the US squad for FEI World Single Horse Driving Championships which will be held July 28-Aug 1, 2010 in Patroni, Italy and Monroe knew if he sat out the winter he might be left behind.

“Usually I do two or three events up north,” said Monroe. “But with the competition being tougher I had no option if I wanted to make the team.”

Weber Leads USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Championship: Aiming for Eighth Title

There has been a lot focus on the Four-in-Hands in 2010, as they will represent driving at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games this fall in Lexington, KY. Many of those vying for a spot on the US Team were going head-to-head at Live Oak both to catch the eye of the selectors but also for National Championship bragging rights.

Chester Weber, who has won seven consecutive National titles, made it very clear that winning the eighth was his mission when he scored 36.86.

“They’re good old horses,” said Weber. “That’s the same group that I drove at Reisenbbeck when I broke the World Record. They’re just good. I don’t think the two leaders have been beaten since May of 2006.”

Those leaders: Grumus and Rolex, know how to win.

Weber has the confidence that if he doesn’t make a mistake in the dressage ring his horses are fantastically reliable.

“Three of them are 13 and one is nine, so they are experienced good old horses,” said Weber of his team, Boy and Para backed up the leaders at the wheel.”
Weber was the individual Silver medalist at the 2008 World Championships and is a force both in the US and in Europe.

His dressage test just looked effortless and his four horses appeared to match every stride. His circles and shoulder-in were accurate and obedient, setting a very high standard.
Weber is looking forward to a marathon course that walks as tough as anything the American group has seen so far in 2010.

“The marathon looks more technical than the last two shows, which is good for experienced drivers like Jimmy and I,” said Weber. “It’s been getting built up (over the season) which is quite good.”

Jimmy Fairclough was going to ensure that Weber didn’t get too far ahead. Teammates from the 2008 World Championships, they go head-to-head regularly. Fairclough’s score of 55.42 rewarded an effort that was quite good, especially considering he has only driven the leaders for six or seven days.

“They were great today,” said Fairclough. “There is a little learning curve. They are experienced, they’re not tricky. We are just getting used to each other.”

Fairclough drove Jane Clark’s team which includes Keady Cadwell’s pair in the lead – they have been leased for the season.

“They went really well,” said Fairclough. “There were a few mistakes, I need to work the loose ends out.”

Fairclough isn’t sure what his plan is for the marathon, because the course is more technical, he will take Friday, as a practice day, to make up his mind. Uniek and Splash are the two new leaders and Fairclough’s beloved two mares, Caletta and Celina 6 were the wheelers.

“We have the day off tomorrow to do send some testing,” said Fairclough. “I’ve had one day at home with them in the hazards. When it’s a little more technical it’s nice to have one in the front you know.”

Other results included:

FEI Single Pony
Rochelle Temple 45.95
Phyllis Grupe 50.94
FEI Pair Pony
Jennifer Matheson 47.36
Katie Whaley 66.69
FEI Pony Teams
Lisa Stroud 55.04
FEI Pair Horse
Misdee Wrigley Miller 47.62

ENDS

For more information, complete results please visit: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/competitions/liveoak.aspx.

For photos, please visit: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/live_oak_2010.aspx.

Ocala, FL (March 15, 2010) – The Live Oak International Combined Driving Event, the premier driving event in North America that attracts competitors from around the world, will host the Single and Four-In-Hand National Championships during the 2010 competition, March 25-28. Held at the picturesque 4,500 acre Live Oak Plantation in Ocala, U.S. Trust returns again as the title sponsor and thousands of spectators are expected to attend.

“Since this is the year of the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, we are excited about hosting our largest field ever of Four-In-Hand horses,” said Susan Gilliland, event director. “We should have three foreign drivers and at least 11 or 12 competitors from the United States, all vying for a spot on the U.S. WEG team. It should be very exciting.”

Chester Weber, the reigning U.S. National Four-In-Hand Champion, will return to defend his title. Weber and his team have won the championship a record seven years in a row. Gilliland said three Four-In-Hand team members from the U.S. will be chosen for the WEG team and up to six individuals as the United States is the host country.

“In addition to the U.S. Four-In-Hand Championship, Live Oak will also be hosting the Single National Championships and those drivers are all hoping to secure a spot for the World Championships which will be held in Europe later this year,” Gilliland said.

The upcoming event marks the 18th year for the Live Oak International, known for offering not only exciting carriage competition but also entertainment and shopping. Gilliland said tailgaters will have the chance to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the exciting marathon cross country course as well as enjoy a trade fair, a classic car show, a coaching exhibition and a 5K and 10K run on the final day, sponsored by the Marion County YMCA.

“Just like last year, the proceeds from the event will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association,” Gilliland said. “We hope for another successful year!”

A competitor’s party will also be held Saturday night, with cocktails courtesy of GREY GOOSE Vodka. Weber will award a special Equilite Performance & Conditioning Award during the party, with the winner receiving product from Arenus, makers of animal health products and supplement blends including Sore No More®.

Lexington, KY—For the first time since its inception more than 15 years ago, the thrill of the driving competition at this weekend’s Live Oak International world class qualifying competition will be captured on tape and later broadcast to equestrian enthusiasts internationally at a date to be announced in the near future. This comes as a result of an agreement between the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) which grants the exclusive filming and broadcast rights of the highly acclaimed driving competition to HorseTV.

“Live Oak International has risen to a class all its own. It is simply one of the best driving events you’ll find anywhere in this country,” said John Long, USEF Chief Executive Officer. “With this exclusive rights agreement, HorseTV has the opportunity to elevate the scope and attention of a world class competition with an already loyal following. HorseTV certainly brings the needed expertise to the table and we very much look forward to their presence at the competition as well as their resulting productions.”

“HorseTV prides itself on being the first and only multi-media network dedicated to showcasing equestrian news and entertainment programming across a wide scope of events, breeds and disciplines worldwide,” Chairman Bernard Uechtritz said.

“We are proud to provide our support of the FEI and USEF, as we continue to expand the awareness and interest of equestrian sport and lifestyle beyond the vertical equestrian audience and also into the mainstream,” said Uechtritz. “We are confident that this exclusive rights agreement and the resulting programs will not only serve to properly document Live Oak International, but also to figuratively transport the competition and its scenic Ocala venue to equestrian enthusiasts, and ultimately, offer a gateway of interest to mainstream audiences everywhere.”

For more information about HorseTV, visit www.horsetv.com.

Live Oak International will serve as a selection trial for the USEF for the 2009 FEI World Driving Championships. This prestigious event takes place from March 19-22 in Ocala, Florida. For more information, visit www.cailiveoak.com.

Cincinnati, OH ? Jamaica, one of the most talked about horses of the year with his slaughterhouse to silver medal story, was named the 2008 Farnam© Platform© Horse of the Year at the recent United States Equestrian Federation’s Annual Meeting. Jamaica’s owner, Chester Weber, had a lot to celebrate during the awards ceremony as Jamaica won the highest horse honor in the industry. Jamaica and Weber received a standing ovation when the winner was announced. In addition, Weber was recognized as a 2008 Equestrian of Honor and won the Becky Grand Hart Award and his Four-In-Hand team won the Year End Combined Driving Championship.

“It’s a great chapter in Jamaica’s amazing story,” said Weber, “Of course Jamaica’s career isn’t over as I am hoping he will be one of my superstars during the 2010 World Equestrian Games.”

Jamaica, a 17-year-old Warmblood, was headed to a slaughterhouse in Belgium years ago before being rescued and used as a tourist carriage horse. After Weber bought him, Jamaica found his true calling in life as a Four-In-Hand Combined Driving horse.

“More than a decade ago when Jamaica was on his way to the slaughterhouse no one could have predicted he would be named the 2008 Farnam/Platform ?USEF Horse of the Year,” said Weber. “He was instrumental in helping me win a Silver Medal in the Four-in-Hand Combined Driving competition at the 2008 FEI World Championships in The Netherlands. With this honor Jamaica has earned his place in history.”

As part of Weber’s team, Jamaica not only helped Weber capture the Silver Medal at the FEI World Championships but also helped Weber’s team win the Four-in-Hand National Championship title ? six years in a row.

As part of his USEF honor, Jamaica earned a 39-inch bronze sculpture which is on permanent display at the USEF headquarters in Kentucky. The sculpture was commissioned by well-known equine artist Alexa King, and Weber received a replica.

During the USEF awards ceremony, the rest of Weber’s team ? and Jamaica’s teammates ? were honored with the Year End Championship for Four-In-Hand Combined Driving. Weber’s horses who were honored were Rolex W, Jamaica, Boy W and Para. Weber’s driving horse Senate took fifth place.

Photo: Chester Weber (center) holds a replica of the bronze sculpture awarded to his horse Jamaica, who was named the 2008 Farnam© Platform© Horse of the Year. Weber is joined by Farnam’s Senior Vice President Chris Jacobi (left) and USEF President David O’Connor.

Ocala, FL – U.S. Trust has taken over the reins as the title sponsor of the annual Live Oak International Combined Driving Event, a premiere carriage driving event which attracts competitors from all around the world. Held at the picturesque 4,500 acre Live Oak Plantation in Ocala, the four-day event will run March 19-22, 2009.

The upcoming event marks the 17th year in which fans will flock to Live Oak for a fun-filled weekend of carriage driving, entertainment and shopping. The event allows thousands of spectators to watch drivers of singles, pairs, and the challenging four-in-hand driving. The competition is also a selection trial for the United States Equestrian Federation for the 2009 FEI World Driving Championships.

As the new title sponsor of the prestigious event, U.S. Trust’s Cynthia Van Heyde, Vice President and Private Client Advisor said, “U.S. Trust is pleased to sponsor the Live Oak International Driving Event. As an institution that creates unique financial opportunities for our clients, U.S. Trust understands the importance of supporting unique cultural opportunities that benefit the communities in which we do business. We are delighted to support Live Oak’s efforts and congratulate them on another fine season.”

Susan Gilliland, director of the Live Oak event, is equally pleased. “We’re thrilled to have U.S. Trust on board as our sponsor,” she said. “They’re an energetic group and very fun and I’m happy that Live Oak is partnering with them.”

As one of the country’s largest carriage driving events, the Live Oak International Combined Driving Event features the exciting marathon driving competition which even offers tailgaters the chance to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the course. Proceeds from the event helps to benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. In addition, world-renowned horse trainer Pat Parelli will be on hand to demonstrate his natural horsemanship techniques. And there will even be a little horsepower on hand for car buffs as Live Oak will continue its tradition of hosting a classic car show on the final day. Added to the 2009 Event Sunday is a 5 and 10K run sponsored by the Marion County YMCA.

Fans will also get the chance to watch four-in-hand driver Chester Weber in action. Weber is the World Four-in-Hand Driving Silver Medal Winner and the Six-Time National Champion, winning his sixth victory at the Live Oak event last year. Weber, who calls Live Oak home, is a force to be reckoned with in driving and a thrill for spectators to watch.

For more information on U.S. Trust Bank of America Private Wealth Management call 1-800-940-2212 or visit their website at http:www.bankofamerica.com. 

Beesd, The Netherlands- U.S. Four-in-Hand Driving Champion, Chester Weber, has finished an extraordinary strong summer campaign in Europe by winning the dressage phase of the World Driving Championships in Beesd, The Netherlands. With a win and a strong marathon behind him, Weber attacked the last phase and won the Individual Silver Medal. This is the first time an American driver has won an Individual Medal with a Four-in-Hand at a World Championship.

"Winning the dressage was very special to me as I broke a world record in Riesenbeck and then broke my own record at the World Championship," said a broadly smiling Weber. "It was great, I am so privileged to be able to work with such a spectacular team of horses and people."

His fired up team of KWPN geldings hit their stride in the dressage performance scoring a record breaking 32.13 penalty points. In spite of two heart-stopping moments when a Dutch military jet flew very low over the arena twice, Weber's team never broke concentration. "It surely added impulsion and engagement to the performance," said Weber shaking his head. The USEF National Champion clearly impressed the judges and was firmly in the lead of the provisional standings after the first dressage day.

An elated Weber signaled out two of his horses, "Jamaica, my lead horse, and Para, a wheel horse, worked hard all three days. My 17 year-old Jamaica gets the MVP from me. He has been in dressage at four World Championships and has two wins, one second and one third to show for it. And there he was, fresh and bucking before the prize ceremony on Friday!"

Navigators Olof Larsson and Taren Lester were with Weber turn for turn and step for step throughout the entire competition. Their dreams were on the line as they steadied the carriage through hazard 2, the treacherous C turn and the deep-water hazards at 3 and 7. But once again Team Weber proved itself a synergetic engine when the clock started.

Preparing for the Marathon has become a major part of Team Weber's training. Koos de Ronde has been an invaluable source of help in conjunction with Michael Freund's coaching and mentoring. Weber has clear goals for the future.

Two gold medals in Kentucky in 2010, team and individual. He has two strapping four year olds ready to take over the responsibilities of joining the Weber Team. Will Jamaica be able to compete at 19? "Time will tell," Weber smiled. "I wouldn"t put it past him."

This 2008 World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship was highly significant in the history of the sport of combined driving. 90,000 spectators surveyed the perfectly organized venue during the five days of intense competition. Weber has represented the USA in seven Word Pair and Four-in-Hand Championships enthused, "The atmosphere in Beesd was fantastic, it was like the World Equestrian Games or even better!"

Driving is the oldest known competitive equestrian sport and became an FEI discipline in 1970. The Four-in-Hand World Championships are held every two years, with every second edition coinciding with the FEI World Equestrian Games.

The last World Driving Championship was held in Aachen, Germany during the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Beesd proved a wonderful venue for the 2008 World Driving Championships, but Chester Weber is already looking forward to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Photo: Chester Weber (USA) Ijsbrand Chardon (The Netherlands) and Boyd Exell (Australia) salute the competition in a one, two, three finish at the 2008 World Four-in-Hand Driving Championship, held in Beesd, The Netherlands.

FTC auction has banner year

The 16th annual Florida Thoroughbred Charities (FTC) fundraising auction that took place at Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation in Ocala on March 19 raised $122,140, a 75 percent increase over last year’s gross of $69,410.
 
“I would like to thank Nadia Sanan Briggs, president of FTC; Nancy Chaffey, our administrative assistant; and our staff, along with Joe Shanks and the Hilton Hotel for catering the event, as well as Charlotte and Chester Weber of Live Oak who hosted the event this year, and many other volunteers who contributed to the success of this charitable event,” said Richard E. Hancock, executive director of FTC.

FTC would like to thank the following Florida Thoroughbred breeders and continuing supporters of the FTC auction:
 
Adena Springs South for contributing stallion seasons totaling $34,300, along with the Sunshine Millions race day package (valued at $4,300), for a total of $38,600.
 
Mari Hulman George, chairman of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, for providing the Indianapolis 500 package ($10,000), as well as the Brickyard 400 package ($9,500); these gifts totaled $19,500.
 
George Steinbrenner for donating his World Series package ($7,700) and the Yankees Old Timer package ($4,200), for a total of $11,900.
 
Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc., is the charitable arm of the Florida Thoroughbred industry, since 1990 has raised more than $3 million for charitable organizations within the Thoroughbred industry, Ocala/Marion County and the state of Florida. Funds are raised through annual fundraisers which include the Live and Silent Auction, Stallion Season Auction and Golf Classic.