Combined Driving and Show Jumping Join Forces at Live Oak International

Combined Driving Horse Inspection Kicks Off Horse Inspection

Ocala, Florida - March 6, 2019 - Now in its 28th year, Live Oak International (LOI) welcomes both combined drivers and show jumpers to one of Ocala, Florida's most anticipated events of the season. This year's competition features two USEF Combined Driving National Championships as well as the final leg of the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League.

Chester Weber will chase a record 16th national title as the USEF Championship for the Advanced Four-in-Hand division returns to Live Oak International for the fourth consecutive year, joined in 2019 by the USEF Advanced Pairs Combined Driving National Championship. Non-championship FEI and Intermediate divisions will also be held.

Drivers presented their horses to the Ground Jury at Wednesday's FEI Horse Inspection. Turned out to perfection, 61 horses were accepted and will continue to the dressage phase, which begins Thursday, March 7 at at 8:30 a.m. Intermediate divisions follow and continue their dressage tests Friday, March 8, ahead of the thrilling Marathon phase on Saturday, March 9. Competition concludes with the Cones phase on Sunday, March 10.

Horse Inspection List off All FEI Competitors and Horses For Combined Driving at Live Oak International

Show jumping competition takes place Friday-Sunday. Live Oak International is the last opportunity for show jumping riders to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Gothenburg, Sweden. Hopeful riders will give it all they've got in Sunday's $100,000 CSI-W3* Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Qualifier. Other classes include the $10,000 Waldron Private Wealth 1.40m Power and Speed on Friday as well as the $35,000 CSI3* Longines World Ranking classes on Friday and Saturday.

Live Oak International's iconic grass arena returns this year. Seeded on top of a European textile base footing, the arena at LOI offers a world-class surface for each and every competitor.

While equestrian sport is the cornerstone of this unique event, spectators will also enjoy performances by the Grandview Clydesdales, a special horse breeds exhibition sponsored by the Paso Fino Horse Association, boutique shopping, the Audi biergarten, and local food vendors. Live Oak International will also host the No Limits Sunday Funday and a car show on Sunday, in conjunction with the equestrian competition.

The Live Oak International Parade of Nations will take place Thursday, March 7, where lifelong Ocala resident and Live Oak International Co-President Chester Weber will act as Grand Marshal, leading the procession of horse-drawn carriages, different breeds of horses, and international equestrians through downtown Ocala. The parade is free to attend and begins at 5:00 p.m.