Tag Archives: Chester Weber

Morgan, Whaley, Wilson, and Weber Claim USEF Combined Driving National Championship Titles

Tracey Morgan and Fuego 88 (Picsofyou.com)

Ocala, Fla. – Four USEF Combined Driving National Championships came to a close at Live Oak International on Sunday with the cones phase determining the national titles. Tracey Morgan, Katie Whaley, Steve Wilson, and Chester Weber, the leaders following Saturday’s marathon phase, held on to their leads to claim top honors in respective divisions.

USEF Single Pony Combined Driving National Championship

Morgan (Beallsville, Md.) and Fuego 88 won all three phases to win the USEF Single Pony Combined Driving National Championship. The duo had an excellent dressage test with great one-handed movements and quality canter work to win the dressage phase with a score of 48.54. Morgan and her own 2011 German Riding Pony gelding blazed around the marathon course, collecting 89.59 penalties and having the fastest times at obstacles two and five for the division. They had a winning cones performance, adding only a 0.43 time penalty to their overall score of 138.56.

“The course was very smooth; it had some interesting turns to it but it had flow to it. You could carry your speed but you had to be very careful in your angles and know where you wanted to go because it was hidden behind some very large jumps,” Morgan said of the ring which also contained show jumping fences for the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping Qualifier presented by Golden Ocala Golf Equestrian Club happening later in the day. “I thought it was a really enjoyable cones course.”

Rebecca Gutierrez (Windsor, S.C.) and Naria BW6 had a solid dressage test to score 57.39 to sit in third place after the first day of competition. They followed that up with an equally good marathon performance to finish second in the phase, tallying 90.50 penalties and having the fastest time at obstacle six. Gutierrez and Richard Olson’s 2003 Haflinger mare had one ball down in the cones phase at cone seven for three course penalties and a 0.10 time penalty to finish third in the phase and clinch the Reserve Champion title with an overall score of 150.99.

Barbara Chapman (Metamora, Mich.) and Darlene Daly’s Maduro performed an obedient dressage test with good diagonal yields and deviations to score 56.54 to put them in second place on Thursday. They were third in the marathon phase with 95.36 penalties and had the fastest time at obstacle three. Chapman and the 2008 North American Sportpony gelding had a solid cones round with an unlucky ball down at cone 20 and 2.79 time penalties. They held on to finish in third place with an overall score of 157.69.

USEF Pair Pony Combined Driving National Championship

Defending-champion Whaley (Paris, Ky.) led from start to finish to claim her second consecutive USEF Pair Pony Combined Driving National Championship title. She had a great dressage test with her own and Barbara Sims’ Welsh geldings, highlighted by wonderful extended trot work, to win the phase with a score of 49.79. Whaley and her ponies had a winning marathon performance, collecting 91.04 penalties and having the fastest times in six of the seven obstacles. She had a fast, double-clear round to win the cones phase to clinch top honors with an overall score of 140.83.

“I loved the cones course. I thought it asked some pretty good questions,” Whaley said. “You had to get some speed, then you had to bring them back and turn well. You had to absolutely know where you were; [cone] 13 for a second vanished, but I really enjoyed it I thought [course designer Gabor Finta] did an excellent job.”

Jennifer Matheson (Aiken, S.C.) and Katrina Becker and Carina Crawford’s mixed pair had a respectable dressage test to finish third in the phase with a score of 63.06. They had some bobbles in the marathon phase, garnering 180.93 penalties, but had the fastest time at obstacle six. Matheson and her ponies finished strong, going double-clear in the cones phase to finish second in the phase and earn the Reserve Champion title with an overall score of 166.49.

Mary Phelps (Columbia, Ky.) had a smooth dressage test with her own American Shetland Pony pair to finish second in the phase with a score of 62.65. They were bold out on the marathon course, finishing second in the phase with 96.36 penalties. Phelps had four balls down with her ponies in the cones phase for 12 course penalties, finishing third in both the cones phase and the overall standings with a score of 171.01.

USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Championship

Defending-champion Wilson (Louisville, Ky.) and his own mixed KWPN and Lipizzaner pair had a smooth dressage test to finish second in the phase with a score of 55.04. They had a stellar marathon performance to win the phase, tallying 103.62 penalties and having the fastest times in six of the seven obstacles. Wilson and his pair finished second in the cones phase with six course penalties for two balls down and 2.79 time penalties, allowing them to earn their third consecutive USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Championship with an overall score of 167.33.

“Number 10 came up faster than I was planning, and I had to take a little bit of a wider turn than I wanted to, so I lost some time there,” Wilson said. “[The course] was well-designed and well-measured, and my horses had a nice stride so I did not have to worry about making up time; they were just comfortable on course, and I enjoyed it very much.”

Josh Rector (Dyke, Va.) and his, Jessica Buchanan, and Rainier Tanglao’s mixed pair had a workmanlike dressage test to score 70.26, finishing third in the phase. They finished second in the marathon with 106.00 and had the fastest time in obstacle three. Rector and his pair went double-clear in the cones phase to win the phase and earn Reserve Champion honors with an overall score of 176.26.

James Miller (Paris, Ky.) and wife Misdee Wrigley Miller’s Dutch Warmblood geldings had a lovely dressage test in his national championship debut, earning a score of 48.90 to win the phase. They had a respectable marathon performance, finishing third in the phase with 120.52 penalties. Miller and his pair had three balls down and 1.34 time penalties to finish third in the cones phase and third in the overall standings with a score of 182.76.

USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Championship

Defending-champion Weber (Ocala, Fla.) demonstrated great style with his team, which contained new horses, to claim his 14th USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Championship. He had an excellent dressage test with his, Jane Clark, and Fritz Grupe’s Dutch Warmblood geldings. They showed great harmony and performed lovely movements to score 36.51 to win the phase. They won the marathon phase with 112.96 penalties and had the fastest times in all of the obstacles. Weber and his team had one ball down at cone 18 and 2.23 time penalties to finish second in the cones phase with an overall score of 154.70.

Chester Weber (Picsofyou.com)

“Today wasn’t my best day in the cones, but I was really pleased with the horses. This is the first time we have had this group together out [in competition]. There were jumps in the ring and a lot of spooky stuff that is sometimes tough with lead horses, but we learned some stuff and some questions were asked,” Weber said. “In general, I am really pleased. Our goal is Tryon [for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games] and I think we are on pace for having a successful go there.”

Misdee Wrigley Miller (Paris, Ky.) had strong performances throughout the competition on her way to earning the Reserve Champion title. She had a beautiful dressage test with her own Dutch Warmblood geldings to finish second in the phase with a score of 41.47. On marathon day, Wrigley Miller had a bobble at obstacle six, but finished strongly with 134.88 penalties to finish second once again. She and her team had two balls down at the B and D elements of cone six and 5.24 time penalties to finish third in the phase. They held on to earn the Reserve Champion title with an overall score of 187.59.

Allison Stroud (West Grove, Pa.) and Willow Star LLC’s Dutch Warmblood geldings had a great dressage test to score 51.79. They had some trouble in obstacle six and totaled 146.04 penalties in the marathon phase. Stroud and her team ended the competition on a high note by winning the cones phase with only 3.81 time penalties and finishing with an overall score of 201.64.

By Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department

Live Oak International Set to Host Four USEF Combined Driving National Championships

Leslie Berndl and Sweetwater’s Zorah Belle (Picsofyou.com)

Ocala, Fla. – Four combined driving national championship titles are up for grabs at Live Oak International, March 8-12. Run in conjunction with the FEI divisions, the USEF Combined Driving National Championships for single pony, pair pony, pair horse, and four-in-hand horse will be determined at the prestigious Live Oak Plantation. Leslie Berndl, Katie Whaley, Steve Wilson, and Chester Weber are the defending champions in their respective divisions and aim to give winning performances. With the FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs and Ponies taking place this summer, pair horse and pony competitors also hope to impress selectors in one of the final selection trials in North America.

USEF Single Pony Combined Driving National Championship

A field of nine seasoned competitors will converge in the hotly contested USEF Single Pony Combined Driving National Championship. Berndl (Newcastle, Calif.) brings Sweetwater’s Zorah Belle with hopes of adding another title to their resume. She and “Zoobie”, Teressa Kandianis’ 2004 Norwegian Fjord Horse mare, closed out a successful 2016 season by winning the USEF Single Pony Combined Driving National Championship at the Kentucky Classic CDE. They are set to kick off another solid season, but Tracey Morgan (Beallsville, Md.) and Fuego 88 will provide tough competition. She and her own 2011 German Riding Pony gelding are world champion competitors and were last year’s reserve champions.

USEF Pair Pony Combined Driving National Championship

The 2016 champion, Katie Whaley (Paris, Ky.), will lead a small but mighty field of three competing for the USEF Pair Pony Combined Driving National Championship. She and her own and Barbara Sims’ Welsh geldings had a commanding performance at Kentucky Classic CDE last fall to claim the national title, and they have maintained their top form this year, winning the CAI2*-P2 division at the Palm Tree CDE at Little Everglades. Jennifer Matheson (Aiken, S.C.) and Mary Phelps (Columbia, Ky.) will be hot on Whaley’s heels with their talented ponies.

USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Championship

A field of three will also contest the USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Championship. Defending champion Steve Wilson (Louisville, Ky.) and his own mixed KWPN and Lipizzaner pair aim to win their third consecutive national title. They began the 2017 season with a win at the Palm Tree CDE at Little Everglades, and hope to maintain their momentum at Live Oak International. Joining Wilson are Josh Rector (Dyke, Va.), a four-in-hand driver shifting focus to the pair horse division in 2017, and James Miller (Sarasota, Fla.), a promising driver in his first year of competing in combined driving.

Chester Weber (Picsofyou.com)

USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Championship

Among a field of four seasoned drivers, Chester Weber (Ocala, Fla.) aims to win his 14th title in the USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Championship in front of his hometown crowd. He and his and Jane Clark’s Dutch Warmblood geldings won all of their U.S. competitions and finished in the top five in their European competitions in 2016. They put in a winning performance at the Palm Tree CDE at Little Everglades to start 2017. Weber will face stiff competition from Allison Stroud (West Grove, Pa.) and Misdee Wrigley Miller (Lakewood Ranch, Fla.), his 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games teammates, and Paul Maye (Fairfield, Va.), an experienced driver who has found success after changing his focus to the four-in-hand horse division less than a year ago.

Watch the live stream of all classes taking place in the Competition Arena at Live Oak International beginning Thursday at 9 a.m. ET.

By Kathleen Landwehr, US Equestrian Communications Department

Chester Weber to Be Keynote Speaker at Ocala ExCEPtional Breakfast

Photo Courtesy of KwikTurn Media.

Ocala, FL (February 13, 2017) – Three-time World Equestrian Games Silver medalist and 13-time U.S. Four-in-Hand National Champion Chester Weber will be the keynote speaker for the February 15, 2017 exCEPtional Mornings Business Briefing Breakfast at the ITW Facility at Ocala Breeders’ Sales in Ocala, Florida. The event is put on by the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP).

Weber was tapped to present at the event because of both his significant accomplishments in the sport of combined driving and his family’s multi-generational contributions to a range of equestrian sports – from racing, show jumping, and driving to hosting the Live Oak International, the largest equestrian competition to feature both jumping and driving in the U.S. The 26th Live Oak International will be held on March 9-12, 2017, on the pristine grounds of the 5,000-acre Weber family estate.

Director of Equine Engagement at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) Louisa Barton explained, “We wanted our keynote speaker to be someone who is a superstar in Ocala and the surrounding area, and Chester certainly is that. We felt like we could highlight Live Oak International, which is a very important event in our community hosted at the Weber family’s Live Oak Plantation. The Weber family is so rooted in the equine industry – not only in the four-in-hand, but in all aspects of the industry.

“The economic value of the equine industry in the Ocala/ Marion County is estimated at 2.6 billion a year,” Barton continued. “That’s billion with a ‘B’ – and we feel like the Weber family is a big part of the equine industry here in Ocala. Whether you are a feed store, a tack store, a restaurant, or a grocery store in Ocala, you must certainly feel the impact of the equine industry.”

When asked why he chose to take time out of his busy training and competition schedule to speak at the exCEPtional Mornings Business Briefing Breakfast, Weber said, “I want to spread awareness about Live Oak International and promote horse sports in general within the local community. This will be our 26th year hosting Live Oak, which is the largest spectator event in Marion County. Last year, we drew an audience of about 10,000.”

Weber expounded, “The local impact is tremendous – the hotels are all fully booked that week. The restaurants are all full. Live Oak International appeals to equestrians and non-horse people, as well.”

Barton said, “We really want to encourage people to come out and enjoy a day at Live Oak this year. Enjoy the rolling hills, the Spanish moss, and the lovely weather. The four-in hand obstacles are so exciting, whether you are a horse person or not!”

The exCEPtional Mornings Business Briefing Breakfast events offer CEP partners an opportunity to learn from keynote speakers like Chester Weber about topics of significance to the regional or national business scene, while also providing an opportunity to network.

For all news on Team Weber’s latest achievements, upcoming events, and new horse additions, visit Team Weber’s official Facebook, Instagram @ChesterWeber, and www.ChesterWeber.com. For information about attending Live Oak International, visit www.liveoakinernational.com. For information about the ExCEPtional Breakfast with keynote speaker Chester Weber, please call the CEP at 352-629- 8051.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Chester Weber Kicks Off 2017 Season with a Victory at Little Everglades CAI2*

Photo courtesy of Picsofyou.com.

Ocala, FL (February 4, 2017) – Team Weber opened the 2017 combined driving season with a victorious performance in the Little Everglades CAI2* on January 26-29 in Dade City, Florida with three new additions to his four-in-hand team.

Chester Weber, three-time World Equestrian Games Silver medalist and 13-time U.S. Four-in-Hand National Champion, did not fail to live up to his reputation as ‘Mr. Dressage’ at Little Everglades. Weber piloted his carefully selected KWPN combination of Boris W, Bastiaan, Splash, and First Edition to a winning score of 35.90 in the dressage phase, taking a firm lead over their closest contender.

Swapping Splash for Gouvernor, Weber then delivered a fast marathon phase to hold the lead (143.06) going into cones. In the cones phase, America’s only two-time Royal Windsor CAI3* winner wisely opted to keep the same foursome in harness, and finished with just 6.88 added penalties to their overall score. This resulted in a handy 50-point margin over a coast-to-coast roster of entries. Team Weber’s overall score was 149.94 to secure the win at Little Everglades.

“Our focus is now on the national championship at Live Oak International in March. We feel like we had a pretty commanding lead at this last event, so we are feeling particularly bullish going into Live Oak,” said Weber, of Ocala, Florida. The 2017 Live Oak International, held at the equestrian estate owned by the Weber family, will be held on March 9-12.

Weber was quick to credit his team and sponsors for his win at Little Everglades. “We are working with a relatively new group of horses. Gouvernor was part of our young horse program – we’ve had him since he was three. We’ve had Bastiaan, owned by Fritz Grupe, since mid-September. This was only their second show. Their last show was at Hermitage, and they have made real progress since then,” said Weber.

“Jane Clarks” Splash did a fantastic job. I was very pleased; the dressage judges all commented on the quality of the team and the movement — they were excited to see them continue to develop. That’s always a great feeling.”

Weber was particularly proud of the performance of another of his newer horses, First Edition, who had a rough introduction to his new home country after catching pneumonia while shipping to the United States in November. “First Edition, ‘Edison’, had an outstanding show in all three phases in the left lead. He is an eight-year-old that I think has big potential for the top of the international sport — evidenced by ending up with a dressage score in the mid-thirties and then having a dominating performance on marathon and cones.

It’s no surprise to combined driving enthusiasts that Weber took home first place at his first show of 2017, as he closed 2016 as the top-placed American entry at the FEI World Four-in-Hand Championships in Breda, The Netherlands. Team Weber will next continue to hone its winning form by competing at The Florida Horse Park Spring Fling CDE/DT/CT (CAC) Driving Competition in Ocala February 17-19.

After Live Oak International in March, Weber and his team will forge ahead to Europe to compete at several top sport competitions including The World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen, and FEI World Championships for Four-in-Hand. Follow Team Weber’s tournament schedule on www.ChesterWeber.com and learn all about Weber’s latest results, favorite equestrian products, and his star four-in-hand team on his official social media sites on Facebook and Instagram @ChesterWeber.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Chester Weber Is Top Placing American at 2016 FEI World Driving Championships

Photo courtesy of HIPPOEVENT and Šárka Veinhauerová.

Ocala, Florida (September 12, 2016) – After competing his Four-in-Hand team at top CAI tournaments across Europe this summer, Chester Weber is settling back home at his Ocala, Florida farm. Weber drove his and Jane F. Clark’s team of harmonized bay KWPN geldings to world-class finishes at several prestigious competitions, concluding their summer season as the top placing American in the 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand in Breda, the Netherlands.

Driving through all three unmistakably challenging phases representing the red, white, and blue, Team Weber finished in fourth place at the World Driving Championships held August 31 through September 4. Weber also led the US Driving Team with quality performances that set the stage for teammates of James Fairclough and Allison Stroud, along with individual Misdee Wrigley Miller.

“It was super challenging course, evidenced by the one double-clear round, but I am really pleased with my group of horses and with our top-four finish,” Weber commented. “We went into this thinking we could drive for a medal, but with more time to train before the 2018 [FEI World Equestrian Games], hopefully we can do that next time.”

This past summer, the dubbed “Mr. Dressage” once again proved his place amongst the world’s best drivers by demonstrating Team Weber’s strength and stamina on the international podium. Weber commenced the summer with a solid performance at the hotly anticipated CHIO 4* Royal Windsor Horse Show in England, and then went onto Drebkau, Germany to take the top honors at the CAI 3* tournament. Most recently Weber took third overall at the CAIO 4* of the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany before heading onto Breda, the Netherlands.

The 13-time U.S. Four-in-Hand National Champion is now on home soil, soon to be joined by his and Clark’s bay geldings. Additionally, Weber will be welcoming 5-year-old KWPN gelding, nobly named Governor, to his main training program in the states. Acquired from Riant Paardesport Centrum and Mieke van Tergouw, Governor has been training with Jan van den Berghe in Weber’s young horse program in Belgium since he was 3 years old. Already showing great promise driving in pairs, Governor is ready for the big leagues and will transition to the four-in-hand team soon.

For more news on Team Weber’s latest tournaments and new horses, follow the official Facebook and Instagram @ChesterWeber accounts, and visit www.chesterweber.com.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Weber Finishes Fourth at 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand

Chester Weber (Krisztina Horváth/Hoefnet.com)

Breda, The Netherlands – The 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand came to its conclusion on Sunday with the cones phase deciding the final placings. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Ed Young, the U.S. Driving Team of James Fairclough, Allison Stroud, and Chester Weber, along with individual Misdee Wrigley Miller, put forth a solid effort at the championship. Weber secured an impressive fourth-place finish with a score of 192.11, while the U.S. Driving Team finished in sixth place with a score of 435.38. The Netherlands led from start-to-finish to claim the Team Gold medal with a score of 365.09. Hungary earned the Team Silver medal with a score of 390.22, and Germany received the Team Bronze medal with a score of 394.79.

Weber (Ocala, Fla.) was determined from the start of the competition to have a quality performance with his own and Jane Clark’s KWPN geldings. They began the championship with a lovely dressage test that earned a score of 40.94 from the Ground Jury of Andrew Counsell (GBR), Jiri Kunat (CZE), Hanspeter Ruschlin (SUI), Henk van Amerongen (NED), and Reiner Wannenwetsch (GER), placing third in the first phase. In Saturday’s marathon phase, Weber and his team tackled Jeroen Houterman (NED)’s challenging course, having great performances in obstacles one, two, four, and six to finish the phase in 21st place with 146.98 penalty points. They were lying in fifth place heading into Sunday’s cones phase, and they did not disappoint. Weber and his team laid down an excellent cones round over Houterman’s tricky track, knocking down a single ball at obstacle nine and collecting 1.19 time penalties for a total of 4.19 penalty points, which made them tie for fifth place in the phase. At the end of the day, Weber finished fifth overall on a score of 192.11 to be the top U.S. driver in the championship.

“It was super challenging course, evidenced by the one double-clear round, but I am really pleased with my group of horses and with our top-four finish,” Weber said. “We went into this thinking we could drive for a medal, but with more time to train before the 2018 [FEI World Equestrian Games], hopefully we can do that next time.”

Stroud (West Grove, Pa.) and Willow Star LLC’s KWPN geldings had a harmonious dressage test to earn a score of 47.37 for eighth place after the dressage phase. They had a steady performance in the marathon phase, collecting 188.26 penalty points and finishing the phase in 40th place. Stroud and her team had three balls down and 13.73 time penalties to place 37th in the cones phase with 22.73 penalty points, finishing in 32nd place overall with a score of 258.36.

Fairclough (Newton, N.J.) had a respectable dressage test with his mixed team of Warmbloods to slot into 17th place in the first phase with a score of 54.63. They had some good moments in the marathon phase. However, they finished the phase in 45th place with 225.92 penalty points. Fairclough and his team had a fantastic cones round with a single ball down at obstacle 17 and 4.64 time penalties. They finished the cones phase in ninth place with 7.64 penalties points, thus finishing on a final score of 288.19, 40th place overall.

Individually, Wrigley Miller (Lakewood Ranch, Fla.) performed a stellar dressage test with her own and Marco Freund’s team to place sixth in the first phase with a score of 46.43. She started off slow on the marathon course but picked up the pace towards the end to finish strong, tallying 280.59 penalty points for 49th place in the phase. In the cones phase, Wrigley Miller recovered well from a disobedience at obstacle nine when a horse did not go through a cone. They finished with 58.04 penalty points for 52nd place. Overall, she and her team finished in 48th place on a score of 385.06.

Boyd Exell (AUS) never relinquished his lead from the start to win Individual Gold with an overall score of 158.40. IJsbrand Chardon (NED) earned Individual Silver with a score of 183.13 and Koos de Ronde (NED) collected Individual Bronze with a score of 185.26.

Find out more information on FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand.

By Kathleen Landwehr

Chester Weber Earns a Top Placing at CAIO4* Aachen

Photo courtesy of Marie De Ronde-Oudemans.

Aachen, Germany (July 19, 2016) – The greatest combined driver in American history, Chester Weber, once again masterfully held his own amongst the best drivers in the world at the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival, where Weber took third place individually. Weber and Jane F. Clark’s team of KWPN geldings proved to be a formidable force, successfully driving their way through three impressive phases to the winners’ circle in the CAIO4* competition.

In 2014, the 13-time Four-in-Hand U.S. National Champion from Ocala, Florida made history as the first American to win the Four-in-Hand division at the CHIO Aachen in the competition’s nine decades of existence. Weber was proud to return to this year’s hotly contested CAIO4*, competing individually and concurrently on the U.S. Driving Team with teammate Allison Stroud in the Nations Cup competition.

Team Weber’s Splash, Uniek, Boris W, and Boy W opened with an impressive dressage phase, receiving a score of 38.34 from the ground jury for second place. Weber remained in the top five placings through an intense marathon course designed by Dr. Wolfgang Asendorf, where he arranged his team by resting Splash and enlisting newcomer Amadeus in the lineup. Artfully finishing cones with only 2.56 time penalties, Weber was the top-ranked American with a score of 160.96 for third place. He remained in good company in the final results, closely behind fellow international champions Boyd Exell of Australia and Ijsbrand Chardon of the Netherlands, respectively.

“The dressage phase demonstrated that we are in top form as the World Championships in Breda approaches,” Weber stated. “The marathon was very difficult as a stamina test. We can improve upon that in preparation for Breda.”

Team Weber also took part in the Top Score Driving Cones Competition at CHIO Aachen, where points did not count towards individual or Nations Cup placings. His team finished third. Weber will now continue training his team of horses for the World Driving Championships Four-in-Hand in Breda, the Netherlands, to be held on August 31 – September 4.

Weber continues to be a leading figure in American Four-in-Hand combined driving, and promotes the equestrian sport wherever he goes. For more Team Weber updates, photos, and combined driving news, follow Chester Weber at www.chesterweber.com.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

USEF Names U.S. Driving Team for CHIO Aachen

Lexington, Ky. – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has named the U.S. Driving Team for CHIO Aachen. The CAIO4*-H4 division of CHIO Aachen will take place July 13-17, 2016, in Aachen, Germany. Ed Young will serve as Chef d’Equipe for the team.

The following combinations will compose the U.S. Driving Team for CHIO Aachen (in alphabetical order):

Allison Stroud (West Grove, Pa.) and Willow Star LLC’s Anesco 4, a 2005 KWPN gelding; Antonio, a 1999 KWPN gelding; Enzo, a 2009 KWPN gelding; Olando, a 1996 KWPN gelding; and Ulco, a 2001 KWPN gelding

Chester Weber (Ocala, Fla.) and his own Amadeus, a 2005 KWPN gelding; Boris W, a 2006 KWPN gelding; Para, a 1997 KWPN gelding; and Jane Clark’s Splash, a 2003 KWPN gelding; and Uniek, a 2001 KWPN gelding

Find out more information on CHIO Aachen.

From the USEF Communications Department

Chester Weber Tops International Leader Board at Drebkau CAI 3*

Photos courtesy of Dr. Jürgen Schwarzl and Hoefnet.

Drebkau, Germany (June 20, 2016) – Thirteen-time Four-in-Hand U.S. National Champion combined driver Chester Weber drove his way to the top of the coveted international podium in Drebkau, Germany by winning the CAI 3* competition. Once again proving himself worthy of his merited nickname “Mr. Dressage,” Weber took the lead by winning the dressage phase, then maintained his team’s strength throughout marathon and cones for a world-class finish.

Weber drove unique combinations of his and Jane Clark’s team of high performance bay KWPN geldings. Team Weber kicked off the dressage phase with Boris W, Splash, Para, and Uniek, who moved masterfully despite unpleasantly slick weather conditions.

“This team has been the backbone of our success for the past four years and is training in top form,” said Weber after his dressage win. “I am very happy to have this seasoned group back together. They really showcased their quality despite the deep footing.”

Weber was especially proud of Uniek for his standout performance, as this was the horse’s first event since competing in the CAIO 4* in Riesenbeck, Germany last August of 2015. Weber tactfully arranged the team by resting Splash and using new rising star Amadeus, who was previously owned and competed by Hungarian driver József Dobrovitz, for the marathon and cones phases.

Weber2“The highlight of the tournament was marathon, without a doubt,” Weber recounted. “We will now continue to refine our skills as Aachen is quickly approaching.”

Team Weber and Clark will use this achievement as fuel heading into the CHIO 4* in Aachen, Germany July 11-17. After Aachen, Weber will continue on to the 2016 World Four-in-Hand Championships in Breda, the Netherlands later this summer. Join up with Team Weber for more news, photos, and videos at www.chesterweber.com.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139

Team Weber Takes Victory Lap at Kingdom of the Sun CDE before Leaving for Europe

Photo courtesy of Pics Of You.

Ocala, FL (March 23, 2016) – The Florida Horse Park of Ocala, Florida saw local horseman and 13-time U.S. National Four-in-Hand Champion Chester Weber take the victory lap in the third leg of the ‘Triple Crown of Driving,’ the Kingdom of the Sun CDE, on March 17-20. Weber posted the win over courses by one of Great Britain’s best 4* designers, Barry Hunter. The victory set the stage for Team Weber to next head to Europe, where Weber will be driving to defend his two-time consecutive winning title in London at The Royal Windsor CAI3*.

“I was very pleased with all of the horses and the potential they are showing, especially Amadeus on the wheel in the marathon phase. He was fantastic,” said Weber after his Kingdom of the Sun CDE win. With great attention to detail, Weber arranged his and Jane F. Clark’s team of bay KWPN geldings to maximize their potential, putting Amadeus and Boy W to the lead with wheel horses Boris W and Danzer in the dressage phase. For marathon, he relied on lead horses Asjemenou and Boy W, with Amadeus and Danzer in the wheel. Then wrapping up the competition in cones, Weber arranged his team to include Boy W and Amadeus in the lead, with Boris W and Danzer bringing home the wheel.

Team Weber soared penalty-free through Hunter’s marathon course, wresting a brief opening day lead away from Pennsylvania whip Allison Stroud and never looked back, adding just 4.44 penalties to the score on the third and final day’s cones phase. This led to Weber’s victory in the Kingdom of the Sun CDE 2* Horse Teams division, with a 169.04 score overall and nearly 20 points ahead of second-placed Stroud (181.43).

The Kingdom of the Sun CDE is a premier driving competition for the Florida Horse Park, and has served as both a Selection Trial for the World Singles Championships and a ‘warm-up’ for the World Equestrian Games. For the last two seasons, the competition has served as a springboard for Team Weber gearing up for The Royal Windsor Horse Show, where Weber received first place and personal congratulations from HRH Queen Elizabeth.

Team up with Team Weber and Team Clark as they continue their efforts to qualify for the 2016 World Four-in-Hand Championships in Breda this summer. Follow news, live posts, video and photo galleries, and preferred product reviews at www.chesterweber.com.

For more information, contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139