The Live Oak International combined driving and show jumping event celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. But another 25th anniversary was also celebrated.
Jamaica, who for years was part of Chester Weber’s four-in-hand team, turned 25 recently. A past USEF Horse of The Year and Equus Foundation Hall of Fame inductee, he is one of the most popular driving horses of all time.
The gelded Dutch warmblood was an integral part of seven of Weber’s 12 USEF National Championships and his silver medal at the FEI World Championships.
But before he gained international acclaim, including being immortalized as a Breyer figurine, Jamaica came within days of going to a Belgian slaughterhouse.
The butcher – horse meat is a delicacy in Belgium – passed on Jamaica because he developed a rash and the butcher feared it could be contagious. Jamaica was sold to a horse-drawn carriage operator and was used to transport tourists. But Jamaica was restless and didn’t like to stand still waiting for customers. He was eventually sold to a competitive horse driver, where he performed well enough that a groom recommended Weber see him.
Weber gave the horse a two-week trial and liked him so much he bought him outright. Jamaica’s story spread and his ability at combined driving made him a fan favorite. In 2008, the gelding was named USEF Horse of the Year, the only time for a horse that was part of a four-horse team. He retired in 2011 at age 20.
After his retirement, the trophy awarded to the USEF National Combined Driving Single Horse Championship was named in his honor.
When President Barack Obama visited the United Kingdom in 2011, he presented a pair of Jamaica’s shoes to Prince Phillip, who helped develop the sport of combined driving.
Today, Jamaica spends his days at the picturesque Live Oak Stud in Ocala.
For more information about the Live Oak International, scheduled for Feb. 25-28, contact us today.
