Live Oak International has grown into the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping competition in the United States, welcoming elite drivers, riders, trainers, owners, and officials from Europe and North America each year. What began as a modest club-level driving event has evolved into a premier showcase for two of the sport’s most technically demanding disciplines. This year’s competition will be March 12-15, 2026 in beautiful Ocala, FL.

Humble Beginnings

The origins of the tournament date back to 1990, when the Weber family was invited to host the marathon phase of a small driving competition originally held at the Ocala Arabian Complex. That invitation led to the first use of the family’s property, Live Oak Stud, as a competition venue—setting the stage for what would become one of the most distinctive events in equestrian sport.

World champion four-in-hand driver Chester C. Weber first competed at Live Oak International in 1995. After graduating from university in 1997, Weber turned his focus toward growing the tournament and advancing combined driving in the United States. His leadership helped transform the event into an international destination. Today, Weber serves as Co-President alongside his sister Juliet W. Reid and niece Chloe D. Reid, while continuing to compete at the highest level.

A Pivotal Moment

A defining moment in the tournament’s history came from a question posed by Chloe Reid during a visit to the event: why couldn’t such a world-class venue host show jumping as well as combined driving? That idea became reality in 2012, when international show jumping was added to the program. Live Oak International remains the only competition in the United States to present both disciplines together at the international level.

As the event has grown, it has hosted the U.S. Equestrian Federation Combined Driving National Championships and served as the final qualifying leg for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. The addition of show jumping also introduced a ringside hospitality experience, where competitors, owners, sponsors, and guests enjoy three afternoons of world-class sport paired with refined entertainment.

World-Class Venue with Deep Roots

Bram Chardon and Mary Phelps’ Flying Gangsters (Copyright: M.GUILLAMOT)

The competition’s setting is integral to its identity. Live Oak International is held at Live Oak Stud, a picturesque 5,000-acre property that provides a striking backdrop for elite equestrian sport. The farm is also home to a distinguished Thoroughbred breeding, training, and racing operation. Racing under white silks with red polka dots and black sleeves, Live Oak homebreds have earned Breeders’ Cup victories, Eclipse Awards, Florida-bred honors, and multiple Grade One wins on both dirt and turf. In 2023, Live Oak Stud celebrated 55 years of excellence.

This year’s combined driving competition will feature The Flying Gangsters, the pony team owned by Mary Phelps, competing with Bram Chardon of the Netherlands. Chardon is widely regarded as one of the top drivers in the world, a multiple FEI World Champion known for his speed, precision, and technical excellence on the international stage.

Comprehensive Coverage on HorsesDaily and Driving Daily

Extensive coverage of the 35th Live Oak International—including schedules, course details, competitor updates, and results—will be available throughout the event on HorsesDaily.com and Driving Daily, ensuring fans and professionals alike stay informed from start to finish.