Ocala, FL (April 2, 2012) – Chester Weber’s goal at the 2012 Live Oak International, the premier Combined Driving event in North America, was to bring home the USEF National Four-In-Hand Championship trophy. As one of our country’s most driven and decorated competitors, Weber not only accomplished his goal but did what he likes to do best — set another record! Weber’s win puts him in unchartered territory as the only United States Combined Driver to have won the USEF Four-In-Hand Championship nine times during his career.

Heading into Live Oak, Weber faced the challenge of once again claiming the coveted four-in-hand championship. Weber held the title for eight years in a row, but during last year’s USEF Championship he placed second and handed the trophy off to another driver. Armed with a team of horses he co-owns with Jane Forbes Clark, Weber captured the Live Oak victory in style – right down to the customary kissing of the winning trophy. “I am thrilled to have the trophy back home where it belongs, where it lived for eight years,” Weber said. “The best moment of the competition was kissing the trophy!” The combined forces of Team Clark and Team Weber showed their brilliance throughout the weekend, during perfect Florida weather that attracted 5,000 spectators for Saturday’s marathon.

“In the dressage phase Unique and Splash, the two leaders, were marvelous and the entire team was fantastic in the marathon,” Weber said. “We had our best group of people and horses together at Live Oak to focus on our ninth championship. Luc, my navigator who lives in France, was there. We drove the best team all

three days and I am proud of everyone involved with our team.” Live Oak International, which was held at the 4,500-acre picturesque Live Oak Plantation in Ocala, Florida, celebrated its 20th Anniversary this year, adding show jumping to the competition. “My sister, Juliet W. Reid, spearheaded the show jumping and it was great working with her,” Weber said. “A team from Spruce Meadows also helped with the technical coordination and they were a welcome aid and added great synergy. My sister worked hard to develop show jumping at the event, and we were pleased to once again donate proceeds to the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. The show’s goal was to highlight the best of the best, and I believe we accomplished that.”

Chester Does It Again -With the championship trophy returned to its rightful spot, Weber is already focused on the future. The now nine-time United States National Four-In-Hand Champion and three-time Silver Medalist, has plans to compete at the World Championships in Riesenbeck at the end of the summer. “After that we will focus on the 2014 World Equestrian Games in France. I have the strongest team I have ever had and I look forward to more victories,” Weber said.

Photo: Combined Driver Chester Weber, shown here in the cones phase, won the United States Four-in-Hand National Championship at Live Oak International’s 20th Anniversary, making him the only United States Combined Driver to have won the title nine times during his career. (Photo courtesy of My Elisabeth Weber)