CHESTER WEBER WINS AT LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL IN THE FOUR-IN-HAND HORSE DRESSAGE PHASE
The win puts Weber one step closer to his 20th National Championship
Ocala, Fla. (March 16, 2023) – Chester C. Weber wins on day one at the 32nd Live Oak International tournament taking home top honors in the Bridlewood Farms FEI 3* Four-in-Hand Combined Driving dressage phase. Mary Phelps takes home the win in the Bridlewood Farms FEI 3* Four-in-Hand Pony Team.
Weber and his team comprised of horses Edison, Kasper, Kadora and Julius won with a score of 38.19. The score puts Chester and his team in the lead heading into Saturday’s marathon as he chases his 20th USEF National Four-in-Hand title.
“I’m pleased with the horses; they showed up well today. The two lead horses Kadora and Julius we’ve been working on. Last year they did Aiken and a few big shows and today they showed me in the arena with a lot of atmosphere that they have the potential to be one of the best lead pairs in the world,” said Chester C. Weber.
“Live Oak International can be tricky for our team. When we go away to a competition everything is new for the horses, but here they train on the grounds when we’re home and they are used to their safe haven. When they show up here to compete, they are seeing a city that they haven’t seen before with a lot for them to see. After we completed a bit of the test, the team really settled in and performed well. The jury was truly international and have high standards, which makes me very pleased with the marks I got today. As we head into the weekend, I’ll keep focused on the little details and the big things will happen by themselves.”
Mary Phelps and her FEI 3* Four-in-Hand pony team featuring Al Capony, Bugsy Malony, Kimba and Tony Da Pony are off to a great start at Live Oak International with a score of 60.65 in today’s dressage phase.
“I am very excited with my team’s performance today. This was my teams second time competing at Live Oak International as a Four-in-Hand team and they were happy in the arena, which was my biggest concern as it is a very beautiful and dramatic arena with a big jumbotron. The ponies loved the footing, they loved the atmosphere, and I was very happy with the progress that we are making,” said Mary Phelps.
In second place was Johan Nijs with a score of 65.98 with Casper, Coco Nono, Harry, and Lowland Beacon.
The FEI 3* Pony Pair was won by Katie Whaley and her ponies Clanfair Sunglow and Timmy. The win was clenched with a score of 55.25.
“These ponies are getting better and better and we are on the right track for Europe,” said Katie Whaley.
Taking second place was Yvette Harris with her team of Morwel Amber and Suki with a score of 62.76.
Dressage continues tomorrow with the Youth and the Intermediate Single Pony divisions Friday, March 17, ahead of the thrilling Marathon phase on Saturday, March 18. Driving competition concludes with the Cones phase on Sunday, March 19. For high-res photos of today, please visit HERE. For all of today’s results, visit HERE.
This unique event is a must see for all. In addition to some of the world’s best riders and drivers, this year Live Oak International will feature special presentations by the Budweiser Clydesdales. Bigger and better than ever before and with something for everyone, spectators can enjoy the AdventHealth Ocala KidsZone, BierGarten, and the incredible vendor village. Come out and join in under the beautiful Live Oaks.
Tickets and VIP packages are available. Buy your tickets HERE.
About Live Oak International
What began 32 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 15,000 spectators attend the four-day tournament to watch the 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
