Chester Weber Claims 15th USEF Four-in-Hand Combined Driving National Championship

Chester Weber and team (Photo: © Picsofyou.com)

Ocala, FL - Chester Weber, Ocala, FL, won a record 15th USEF Four-in-Hand National Championship title Sunday at Live Oak International. Leading from start to finish, Weber and his team earned an impressive 40.11 in dressage, blazed brilliantly around the marathon with just 123.58 points added, and had only one ball in the third phase to win. Weber also earned the Jean Keathley Perpetual Memorial Trophy for the best FEI dressage score.

"I have hopes that they'll be my [FEI World Equestrian Games] team," Weber said of four horse team of Splash, First Edition, Boris W and Asjemenou. "Live Oak is always a little confusing for the horses because they have the World Cup Qualifier show jumping with flowers and everything built in the arena, which isn't typical in our sport. But they handled that. I was really pleased with how they worked today. I think this is a team that can consistently go clear and hopefully will be good enough to get us on the medal podium in Tryon in September."

Chester Weber holds the Reginald C. Vanderbilt Cup as winner of the Four-in-Hand Championship (Photo: © Picsofyou.com)

Lisa Stroud, Kennett Square, PA, held onto the reserve champion position after a competitive cones course. She and her team had three balls down and picked up 0.34 time penalties for a total of 190.21 points. James Fairclough, Newton, NJ, also remained in his marathon position. One obstacles fault and 2.09 time penalties gave him a third place result with a score 194.43.

Live Oak International is the only show in the United States that offers both combined driving and show jumping, attracting some of the country's most talented riders and drivers. It was also the last opportunity for show jumping riders to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final , April 11-15, in Paris, France.

For results, visit www.liveoakinternational.com/show-results

About Live Oak International
Started in 1992 by Chester Weber when he was only 18-years-old, the Live Oak International has grown each year. Now run by Co-Presidents Chester Weber and his sister, Juliet W. Reid, the show is a world-class equestrian event and is the only show in the United States that offers both Combined Driving and Show Jumping. The show is home to seven USEF National Driving Championships and is the final leg of the 2018 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. Live Oak Plantation is also home to Chester Weber's training program.

For information about the event, email info@liveoakinternational.com or visit www.liveoakinternational.com.