CHESTER WEBER TAKES THE TOP SPOT ON HOME TURF IN OCALA, FLORIDA AT LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL IN THE FOUR-IN-HAND DRESSAGE
Ocala, Fla. (March 3, 2022) – Chester Weber takes the top spot on day one of competition at the 31st Live Oak International winning the Bridlewood Farms FEI Four-in-Hand Combined Driving dressage phase. With Dana Diemer and her pony Clarwood Mack the Knife taking the win in the FEI Single Pony Dressage phase.
Weber, drove his team to the win with an impressive score of 38.96. The 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) team gold and individual silver medalist, and 18-time US National Champion took the Four-in-Hand top honours with his team that included horses First Edition, Gouveneur, Amadeus and Kadora.
“I’m very happy with how my horses performed out there today. I worked to remain focused so the team could concentrate on the job,” Weber said. “My team is fortunate as they get to stay in their own stalls on the property as this is home for them, but with the tournament set up, the landscape changes and all is new for them. Today was a great day for Team Weber and we’re excited for the rest of the tournament, especially for the marathon on Saturday with always a team favorite.”
Dana Diemer took home the win with her pony Clarwood Mack the Knife in the FEI Single Pony Dressage with a score of 59.22. The first FEI win for the driver pony combination.
“Today was fabulous. I am so lucky I have the most phenomenal pony and terrific trainers. Mac will be 11 this month and is new to the level. It’s a privilege to come back and compete at Live Oak International. The footing is fantastic, it was the perfect day to compete,” said Dana Diemer.
In second place was Deborah Lawrence and Top Secret 53 with a score of 68.99 and in third was Jennifer Keeler and Zeppo with a score of 70.50.
With a score of 52.88 Taylor Bradish won the FEI the FEI Single Horse Dressage with Katydid Duchess.
Taylor Bradish said, “It feels great to finally win dressage at Live Oak International. Dressage has never been our strongest phase, but we have been really working hard to improve it, and it sure paid off. I’m so proud of Katydid Duchess!”
Second to Bradish was Carrie Ostrowski and Gellerduht with a score of 55.32 and in third with a score of 55.64 was Garbriele Grasso with Hendrik.
Winning the FEI Pair Horse was Jacob Arnold with a score of 52.30. The second-place honour went to Paul Maye with a 66.37.
“I was really pleased with the horses today, especially Kenzo. This is only his second dressage test, and he did a super job.” Said Arnold. “Today was not something you generally ask of a seven-year-old horse, but he is so special. I was very pleased with the result.”
The FEI Pony Pair win went to Katie Whaley with a 58.54 and the FEI Pony Team win went to Mary Phelps with a score of 67.20. Margaret Shenker with Heart Land Flash Back was the winner of the Single Horse Intermediate Dressage with a score of 53.12. Second place went to Andy Marcoux and Loretta with a score of 60.74.
Winning the Intermediate Pony Pair Dressage was Roberta Grenno Kanstad with a score of 53.97 and finishing in second spot was Boots Wright with a 54.16 score. Jean Thornton won the Intermediate Horse Team Dressage with a 78.31.
Dressage continues with Intermediate divisions Friday, March 4, ahead of the thrilling Marathon phase on Saturday, March 5. Driving competition concludes with the Cones phase on Sunday, March 6. For high-res photos of today, please visit here.
This unique event is a must see for spectators. In addition to some of the world’s best riders and drivers, this year Live Oak International will feature special presentations by the Grand View Clydesdales. Bigger and better than ever before and with something for everyone, spectators can enjoy the AdventHealth Ocala KidsZone, Audi Gainesville BierGarten, and the Stella Artois Airstream, Live Oak International is one not to miss.
Tickets and VIP packages are available. Visit https://liveoakinternational.com/buy-tickets/ to purchase your tickets.
About Live Oak International
What began 31 years ago as a driving event in Ocala, Live Oak International has grown into a world-class equestrian event. Now run by co-Presidents Chester Weber and his niece, Chloe D. Reid, the tournament is the only in the United States to offer both international combined driving and show jumping at the same competition. As one of Marion County’s largest spectator event, more than 10,000 spectators attend the four-day tournament to watch the exciting competition by athletes from around the globe. In addition to the combined driving and show jumping competition, Live Oak International hosts many hospitality opportunities, and a flourishing vendor area available to the public. For more information please visit www.liveoakinternational.com
For further information: Natasha Beynon – media@liveoakinternational.com – 416.262.8488
