Ocala, FL (November 20, 2015) – FEI dressage rider and trainer Maria Hallet has joined the team of internationally renowned four-in-hand combined driving champion Chester Weber. Hallet is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist who has received much recognition in the form of regional and national awards. Weber, after a successful European tour over the summer, returned home to claim his record twelfth USEF National Four-in-Hand title in October. He is now happy to add Hallet’s talent to his winning team.

“We are pleased to welcome Maria to our team full-time,” said Weber. Hallet has bee

n named the stable manager for Team Weber, which is in addition to her duties riding Team Weber’s horses. Hallet began riding horses for the Ocala, Florida based driver last spring. For the three years prior to that, Hallet was the dressage coach for the University of Florida Dressage Team.

In addition to continuing the training of many of Weber’s horses in the classical art of dressage, Hallet will now be overseeing the daily care of the horses, management of other Team Weber employees, and all other aspects of the day-to-day activities of the stable. “I am very excited to be joining Team Weber. I see this as a great learning experience, and I’m loving the challenge of using my riding skills and dressage to help Chester’s horses for their demanding jobs as driving horses,” said Hallet.

Hallet describes her dedication to the horses at team Weber as not just her job, but also her life and passion. “It is a real pleasure and an honor to ride and work with such amazing animals. I feel truly blessed,” she said. Weber recognizes her talent. “Maria has a great connection with the horses and her solid fundamental knowledge of dressage has proven helpful to us,” he said.

Now is a crucial time for Hallet to join Team Weber. The team is currently focused on developing some younger horses for the top levels of competition. Hallet has extensive experience with developing horses, including bringing up her own Oldenburg gelding Cobalt from First Level dressage to FEI Intermediare II. This fall, Team Weber traveled to the Hermitage Classic CDE and the Kentucky Classic CDE- where Weber earned his 12th USEF National Four-in-Hand Championship with a young rising star, Danzer, and new horses, Erik and Zeppelin Let’s W. With Hallet on board, the entire team is looking forward to further developing these aspiring driving horses.

Up next for Hallet and Team Weber will be the annual Live Oak International competition in February. This combined driving and stadium-jumping event is hosted by Chester Weber and his family at their beautiful farm in Ocala, Florida. Weber has explained that the 2016 Live Oak International will feature a Preliminary jumper division on Saturday, a World Cup qualifying grand prix on Sunday, and there is a “pretty good chance” that the Budweiser Clydesdales will return for a visit.

Follow news, live posts, and video and photo galleries of Team Weber at www.chesterweber.com.