CHESTER C. WEBER IS ON TOP AFTER LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL MARATHON PHASE

CHESTER C. WEBER IS ON TOP AFTER LIVE OAK INTERNATIONAL MARATHON PHASE

Weber, is one cones phase away from his 20th National Four-in-Hand Championship Title

Chester C. Weber had spectators watching with bated breath as he navigated the seven marathon obstacles driving to victory in the FEI Four-in-Hand Marathon Phase at Live Oak International. The win puts him one step closer to his 20th National Championship title.

Kicking off the third day of competition at Live Oak International, the Driving Marathon didn’t disappoint the gallery of spectators that came out and travelled from hazard to hazard to watch the drivers give it their all.

Chester C. Weber and his team of horses First Edition, Julius V, Kadora, and Kasper D truly worked as a team to clinch the win today. With the first obstacle, The Gold’s Gym Ocala Water Hazard proving to have lots of atmosphere and added excitement for the horses, Weber worked to navigate through an exciting and thrilling Marathon course designed by Mitja Mahoric from Slovania.

“The horses were great today. They were a bit surprised by the number of people at the Gold’s Gym Ocala Water Hazard which was the first hazard on the course. The number of spectators and the tents added to the excitement and the atmosphere. My left leader, Kadora is a young horse and today is certainly the most atmosphere he has ever seen. We got a bit tangled up at the water, but we kept moving and I’m very pleased with how we remained focused.” Said Chester C. Weber. “I have high hopes for this team as a whole and as we prepare for the cones phase tomorrow, we’ll remain focused on the details. I could not be prouder of our whole team here at Live Oak International. My Four-in-Hand team and our team member Gabrielle Grasso, who did a fantastic job with some up-and-coming horses of ours in the FEI 3* Horse Pair. Today was a good day for Team Weber.”

Taylor Bradish is the first driver ever in the 32-year history of Live Oak International to complete all seven Marathon obstacles without a single penalty. Taylor drove Katydid Duchess in FEI 3* Horse Single Marathon to victory in fine fashion.

“It was a great Marathon today. I was a bit worried initially about the footing with the weather, but it was fantastic.  I really challenged myself to drive in a more technical way than I normally do, and I had a new navigator, which worked really well. I couldn’t be happier with my horse also.” Said Taylor Bradish. “Live Oak International is my favourite show and I always drive my best here. Nothing compares to this show hazard wise. When you win here, it feels very rewarding.”

Taylor was also awarded the Yellow Frame Farms Award.

Second to Taylor in the FEI 3* Horse Single was Leslie Berndl and in third place was Jennifer Thompson.

The very competitive FEI 3* Horse Pair was won by Jacob Arnold as he came into today’s Marathon phase composed and ready to compete. With a new addition named Frank to the team and along with seasoned horse Kenji V, Jacob navigated the obstacles with ease.

“I was very happy with the Marathon. Frank, a horse I’ve leased has added another gear, another level of experience that I was missing. Competing at Live Oak International is comparable to competing in Europe with the spectators and all the obstacles are very close and on a loop.” Said Jacob Arnold. “I was able to have my coach here as my navigator helping me with timing, and it made a huge difference. I’m nervous heading into tomorrow as the results are so close but I’m very excited with my team.”

Second today to Jacob was Gabriele Grasso. With Gabriele winning the Dressage phase, the two drivers are neck-in-neck going into tomorrows cones phase. Third place went to Paul Maye.

Competition at Live Oak International continues tomorrow Sunday, March 19 with the cones phase. This distinctive event is a must see for all. Back this are the year are the Budweiser Clydesdales with special presentations. In addition to some of the world’s best riders and drivers, the event is bigger and better than ever before and with something for everyone. Spectators can enjoy the AdventHealth Ocala KidsZone, Biergarten, and the incredible vendor village. Come out and join in under the beautiful Live Oaks.

About Live Oak International
What began 32 years ago as a driving event in Ocala, Live Oak International has grown into a world-class equestrian event. Now run by co-Presidents Chester C Weber and his niece, Chloe D. Reid, the tournament is the only in the United States to offer both international combined driving and show jumping at the same competition. As one of Marion County’s largest spectator event, more than 15,000 spectators attend the four-day tournament to watch the competition by athletes from around the globe. In addition to the combined driving and show jumping competition, Live Oak International hosts many hospitality opportunities, and a flourishing vendor area available to the public. For more information, please visit www.liveoakinternational.com

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