Ocala, FL (February 13, 2012) – Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time United States National Four-In-Hand Champion, has been named the Driving Horseman of the Year in The Chronicle of the Horse Magazine’s annual American Horses In Sport issue. Each year The Chronicle awards a Horse and Horseman of the Year for each discipline covered by The Chronicle and Weber earned the Driving Horseman of the Year title for his success in 2011.

“In 2011, Chester not only won quite a bit on a national and international level, but he also devoted much of his time to serving as chef d’equipe for various driving teams and donated a perpetual trophy for a USEF championship. He’s proven that he’s dedicated to the sport on many levels. For that, we felt he deserved recognition,” said Molly Sorge, Associated Editor for The Chronicle of the Horse.

Sorge added that The Chronicle’s editorial staff considers many factors when choosing their Horses and Horsemen of the Year. “We look at competitive achievement, contribution to the sport on a general level and horsemanship. We try to look at the whole picture of a horseman, not just their winnings on paper. When needed, we also consult with experts within the disciplines to inform our choices,” she said.

Weber was thrilled with the recognition from The Chronicle. “I am passionate about driving and love promoting the sport of combined driving. To be recognized for my contributions to the sport, and my team’s success in 2011, is very humbling,” Weber said.

Weber, who was named an Equestrian of Honor in 2011 by the United States Equestrian Federation and presented with the Becky Grand Hart Trophy, had a successful year in 2011 that included a European tour that kept him in the winner’s circle. Weber’s success in Europe had the combined driver ranked first in the FEI World Cup standings. Weber kicked off 2012 in familiar style, winning the Sunshine State Combined Driving Event. Next up for the winning driver is the Live Oak International Driving Event in March. Live Oak will host the USEF National Championships for Four-In-Hand horses, giving Weber the chance to win a ninth title as the United States National Four-In-Hand Champion. Following Live Oak, Weber has his sights set on the 2012 World Championships in Riesenbeck, Germany.

For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com.

Photo: Chester Weber and his team of horses competing at the 2011 CHIO Aachen in the cones phase. The Chronicle of the

Horse Magazine named combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time United States Four-in-Hand National Champion,

the Driving Horseman of the Year for 2011. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber)