Ocala, Florida – March 9, 2019 – Live Oak International provided a picturesque backdrop for an exhilarating marathon day for two USEF Combined Driving National Championships. Chester Weber and Steve Wilson positioned themselves as leaders of the Advanced Four-in-Hand and the Advanced Pair Championships, respectively. The excitement continued through the afternoon as Tracy Fenney won the $35,700 CSI3* Longines World Ranking Competition.
Weber had a dominating performance across all seven hazards with his team of Amadeus, his 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood; Hendrik, his 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood; First Edition, his 10-year-old KWPN; and Gouveneur, his eight-year-old KWPN. The FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018 individual silver and team gold medalist carries 164.57 points into the final cones phase as he aims for a record 16th USEF National Championship title.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the horses. The team of horses did a fantastic job and really tried their hearts out. I drove a new combination in the lead, First Edition, whom I had all last season, together with a horse named Gouveneur,” Weber said. “Gouveneur was a little shocked by the crowd, but he grew as the course went and got better and better, so that was really nice.”
Weber’s 2018 gold medal teammate, Misdee Wrigley-Miller, skillfully piloted her team of Bolino D, her 13-year-old KWPN; Calipso 86, her 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood; Daan 8, her 14-year-old KNHS; and Saco, her 20-year-old KWPN to second place. Despite a last minute change to her team, she made quick work of the track to finish with 186.14 points.
“I did not have my same marathon team that I had at WEG. Part of it was by design and part of it definitely was not. My normal right-wheeler is no longer with me, so I had to turn to my old man, who is 20-years-old. I said, ‘Saco, Sorry old man. You’re up again.’ And he just absolutely delivered for me today,” she said.
Lisa Stroud kept hold of third place with Willow Star LLC’s Dutch Warmblood gelding team of 14-year-old Anesco 4, ten-year-old Enzo, eight-year-old George W and 18-year-old Ulco on a two-phase score of 204.91.
“I enjoyed all the hazards, I always do here. This is a combination I haven’t driven a lot, and they really rose to the challenge. I was really pleased with them. I had a great day,” Stroud said. “This is the best event in America and I love being here!”
Steve Wilson took over the lead of the USEF Advanced Pairs Combined Driving National Championship after a brilliant performance. A new pair for Wilson, Favory Fantom, his 12-year-old Lippizaner, and Favory Fáraó, his 17-year-old Lippizaner, finished the marathon phase with a score of 183.71.
“I always love competing here at Live Oak. It’s the most challenging course in America,” he said. “This was the first time I had driven this pair together. Initially they didn’t look like they’d make a great pair, but they worked really well together. They worked hard for me, and I was really pleased with the results.”
Drivers take on the nail-biting cones finale Sunday to determine the final results.
In the afternoon, the record crowd of more than 8,000 moved from the hazards to the main arena, where Tracy Fenney put the burners on for a win in the $35,700 CSI3* Longines World Ranking Competition. Second in the jump-off order, Fenny and MTM Farm’s MTM Reve du Paradis’ time of 40.81 was untouchable for the other eight jump-off riders.
“Yesterday my horse was a little naughty, so today I had to stick with the plan for the first round. Going second in the class in the jump-off with all those really good riders behind me, I knew I’d have to do something pretty fast, so I just went for it,” Fenney said.
A time of 42.45 gave Swiss Olympic veteran Beat Mändli and Grant Road Partners LLC’s Dibatsja second place. They were followed by Charlie Jacobs who finished third in 42.38 seconds with Cassinja S.
Show jumping riders now look ahead to Sunday’s $100,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala, which is the last chance for U.S. riders to qualify for the 2019 Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden.
For results, visit www.liveoakinternational.com/show-results.
In addition to exciting competition, Live Oak International is offering some exciting features to include even more members of the local and regional communities.
The Live Oak International Car Show is organized by Ocala Street Cruisers. This is a people’s choice, cruise-in car show. The car show will take place on Sunday, March 10 and 30 trophies will be presented at 3:00 p.m. Entrance to Live Oak International allows entrance to car show. More information can be found at www.ocalastreetcruisers.com.
The No Limits Sunday Funday is a collaboration of local non-profit service providers dedicated to providing hope and encouragement to people with a disability. Held on Sunday on the marathon course, entrance to Live Oak International also allows entrance to this special event. Non-profits participating are Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, ARC Marion, Inc., Champions for Champions, Inc., Kimberly’s Center, Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center, Special Olympics Florida, TLC (Transitions Life Center), We Who Care, Amrit Yoga Institute, Florida Kids Helping Kids, Marion County Parks & Recreation, Just As I Am, Ocala Recreation & Parks, United Universes, The Pearl Project, Outreach Autism Services Network, and Ocala Marion County Community Foundation. Families and individuals will enjoy a Stick Horse Obstacle Course, Bocce, Music & Dance Activities with demonstrations, Archery, Corn Hole, Balloon Darts, Robotic Maze, Wagon Pull Maze, Bowling, Fishing Game, Lazer Target Shooting. Photo Booth, Spiderman, Capt. America & other Marvel Characters, Art Activity and more. *In recognition of the No Limits Sunday Funday, children 12 and under are admitted to all the day’s events free.
The Paso Fino Horse Association Parade of Breeds Exhibit is an extension of the Live Oak International Parade of Nations. Parade goers saw many different breeds of horses on Thursday evening, but Live Oak International spectators will actually have the chance to meet horses at the showgrounds. Breeds include Paso Finos, Clydesdales, miniature horses and more!
Guests will also enjoy boutique shopping, the Audi biergarten, local food vendors and more. Visit www.liveoakinternational.com to purchase your tickets.
About Live Oak International
Started in 1992 by Chester Weber, the reputation of Live Oak International has grown each year. Now run by Co-Presidents Weber and his sister, Juliet W. Reid, the show is a world-class equestrian event and is the only tournament in the United States that offers both combined driving and show jumping. For more information about the event, please visit
www.liveoakinternational.com
