OCALA, (JRPR) \u2013 Ocala, Florida is called the \u2018Horse Capital of the World\u2019 and proved a fitting kingdom to crown hometown hero, Chester Weber, for an historic 11th time in the FEI Four-in-Hand Horse USEF National Championship at the conclusion of this year\u2019s Live Oak International Combined Driving Event.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was probably one of my best cones performances ever,\u201d said Weber, after he and Jane Clark\u2019s KWPN geldings posted an utterly flawless Cones phase that clinched his claim to the title. Informally known as \u2018Mr. Dressage\u2019 for his exceptional dressage scores, Weber was also presented with the Jean Keathley Memorial Award, sponsored by Michael Freund, as the FEI whip with the lowest Dressage score at the Live Oak International. Weber\u2019s final overall score after three days of combined driving competition was just 116.33 points.<\/p>\n
Weber may have made it look easy to navigate nearly 5,000-pounds of equine power and speed, but it comes with a big commitment not only to his horses, but to himself: \u201cThere\u2019s certainly a physical nature to the sport. I spend six days a week in the gym and subscribe to a healthy body, healthy mind approach.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 2004, I had a team who so strong that they scared me a little,\u201d the undisputed champion confessed. \u201cThat\u2019s when I made a promise then to myself that I would not be put in a position like that again, where I was not in control. Because what it comes down to is, when you can control your team it not only results in being able to choose shorter lines and more effective strategies, but the result is a safer performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t muscle but \u2018girl power\u2019 that led to Sarasota, Florida\u2019s Misdee Wrigley-Miller not only holding her own against \u2018the boys\u2019 but finishing as top lady driver in the FEI Four-in-Hand Horse division.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a tremendous honor to be sitting here next to Chester,\u201d said Wrigley-Miller, whose 28.02 score in Cones contributed to her securing the reserve title in the FEI U.S. National Championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s probably the main reason why I\u2019m doing this,\u201d said Wrigley-Miller, who was just four years old when she drove her first pony and still recalls how \u201cfun\u201d it was. \u201cWomen can do this sport. In 2009, I took up combined driving and was hooked.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I probably need to do,\u201d she said with a broad grin, \u201cis go to the gym with Chester more often!\u201d In addition to winning the FEI Four-in-Hand reserve title, the crisply appointed whip accepted the Anne Bliss Memorial Award, sponsored by Michael Freund, as the most elegant lady driver throughout the competition.<\/p>\n
Putting the \u201cinternational\u201d in the Live Oak International CDE was Ontario, Canada\u2019s Darryl Billing, whose 267.24-point score overall confirmed his position as one of the world\u2019s best as well as third in the day\u2019s standings. Billing, who spent his youth at the reins of everything from ponies to heavy horses, will be setting his sights north as he and his KWPN team head next to Bromont.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am so fortunate,\u201d concluded Weber, \u201cto live in Ocala, which has the fourth-largest horse county in the nation, and appreciate how many people have come out to support the event. It\u2019s important to me and to my family to see the spectator as our customer. Everyone who comes to Live Oak International, spectators as well as competitors, can expect a world class welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
From the biggest stars to the tiniest of future competitors, Sunday\u2019s Live Oak International did not disappoint as a record number of spectators were treated to the lighter side of horse showing with an adorable Sleepy P Ranch Leadline class, and a Coaching Presentation by Grand Oaks Resort, featuring a Friesian four-in-hand put to a 1902 Brewster stagecoach.<\/p>\n
Live Oak Plantation\u2019s incredible atmosphere, world-class facilities, and top-of-the-line competitors again came together to create the country\u2019s premier driving and show jumping event. Managed and organized by the brother-sister team of Chester Weber and Juliet W. Reid, the 2014 Live Oak International continued to set the standard for competition, entertainment, and equestrian sport in America.<\/p>\n
Weber\u2019s history making performance at the Live Oak International sets him up for along term goal of competing at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy. To follow Team Weber, visit www.chesterweber.com, or via Facebook at www.facebook.com\/pages\/Chester-Weber\/54262171175.<\/p>\n
For more information on Live Oak International, including a full schedule of events, visit their website at www.liveoakinternational.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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