Ocala, FL (January 6, 2014) – New year. New opportunities. Just ask Jacob Arnold, who begins a mentorship under Chester Weber in January 2014 as the inaugural apprentice driver in the Live Oak Combined Driving, Inc. Developing Driver Program.

“Though Live Oak Combined Driving has always been involved in the ongoing development of many drivers, this new program will begin with Jacob Arnold as the first apprentice driver,” said Weber, the 10-time U.S. Four-in-Hand Driving Champion, outlining a program geared to give developing drivers hands-on experience competing at their discipline’s highest levels.

Live Oak has a long history helping drivers throughout the US, but Weber decided the time was right to take a more organized step: “There were many factors that made this the right time to start this program, including the great need to match talented competitors with world title-capable horses, raise the level of competitive driving in our country, and address the increasing cost of overseas competition.” Arnold arrives at Live Oak Plantation in Ocala in January 2014, and will train and compete a Single horse while also working as part of Weber’s training and competition team. “The program will expand,” said Weber, “as drivers show world-class potential and resources become available.” Jacob Arnold may be the program’s first beneficiary but don’t equate apprenticeship with inexperience.

The 2011 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year spent 2013 working with nine-time National Pony Four-in-Hand Champion, Allison Stroud. He participated as head groom and backstep at events including the 2013 Pony Combined World Championships in Pau, France and, since 2010, has competed nationally in the Advanced Single Horse division.