US Equestrian Combined Driving Coach Thorston Zarembowicz Not to Renew Contract for 2019

Thorston Zarembowitz

US Equestrian Combined Driving Coach , Thorston Zarembowicz has not renewed his contract for 2019, after serving three years as the first full time coach for the U.S. Driving Program.

Zarembowicz will fulfill his contract for 2018, doing two Developing Driver programs, on opposites sides of the country, with his final one to be held at Katydid CDE in early November.

It is the US Equestrian Developing Driver Program which was initiated and has has thrived under his participation that has seen growth and progress during his tenure.

“A program depends on a supportive structure from the ground to the top,” said Zarembowicz .

“There have been many good moments as U.S. Coach, but I have especially enjoyed my time working with the Developing Drivers program. The progress I have seen there has been very fulfilling.”

Longtime assistant coach to Michael Freund, Thorston Zarembowicz moved into the fulltime position as US Driving Coach in 2014.  

Zarembowicz, who is based at the Grand Oaks Equestrian Resort in Weirsdale, Florida will continue work with private clients as well as developing young horses for the driving market. “The driving sport as it is my passion, and I feel so grateful that I can continue in this field as my life’s work.” 

“I would like to say thank you to the many good people I have had the chance to meet and work with on the way, and I wish the very best of luck to all those involved in the U.S. Combined Driving sport."

Allison and Thorston Zarembowicz at the FEI Pony Driving World Championships, Minden, Germany 2017 ©Mary Phelps

The US Equestrian and the Driving Sport Committee announced the decision and made a point to thank Zarembowicz for his years of service and dedication to the U.S. Driving Team and programs. “Many developing drivers, horses/ponies, and U.S. team members have advanced their training and performance under his guidance.”

Currently the U.S. Driving Sport Committee is taking the opportunity to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the U.S. driving program structure to determine the best options for moving forward. The primary goal outlined for the new leadership will be to continue to develop the sport nationally and guide the U.S. driving athletes to sustainable international success. It is anticipated that US Equestrian will generate a job description and open a search process, upon recommendation of the Driving Sport Committee.

Thorston Zarembowicz coaches Developing Driver Mary Phelps at the Hillcroft Farm the summer of 2018. © Becky Lawson Bartosz

About the USEF Developing Driver Program
The purpose of the USEF Developing Athlete Program for Combined Driving is to provide guidance and resources to cultivate selected athlete/horse combinations who display the potential to contribute to a medal winning Team score at Driving World Championships in the current and next quadrennial.

The American Driving Society (ADS) is Recognized as the Driving Affiliate of US Equestrian. Established in 1974, the ADS supports carriage drivers in the United States and Canada. 

Other Links
Zarembowicz Sport Horses
US Equestrian Combined Driving