Tag Archives: Live Oak International

Andre Thieme and Conthendrix Win the $34,000 Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round 1.45m

Andre Thieme and Conthendrix (Photo courtesy of www.PicsOfYou.com)

Ocala, FL (March 23, 2015) — Andre Thieme and Conthendrix bested a class of 40 combinations with a time of 42.70 seconds to win the $34,000 Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round, the last class at the 2015 Live Oak International. The top ten riders of the highly competitive Winning Round class were invited back to the jump-off — with any penalties reset to zero. The top two riders, Andre Thieme and Cian O’Connor, went clear in the first round and were able to repeat their success to stay atop the leaderboard.

Cian O’Connor — who won yesterday’s CSI2*W Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier and Friday’s 1.40m Waldron Private Wealth Management Welcome Speed Stake at Live Oak International — and Chandon Blue were just slightly slower than Thieme, and finished in second place with 43.47 seconds in only their second competition together. Margie Goldstein-Engle riding Eckham van het Steentje went clear and fast early in the jump-off, putting pressure on the rest of the field with a time of 43.57 seconds, only .1 second slower than O’Connor. Their efforts resulted in a third place finish.

Molly Ashe and Balous Day Date came in fourth with a 44.44 second clear round. Fifth place was earned by Nicole Walker and Cooper. Angel Karolyl and Wings, winners of Friday’s Pasmore Stables Power & Speed1.35m class and last year’s Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round, took sixth place as the fastest of the four fault combinations in the jump-off. Peter Leone and Wayfarer finished in seventh, Quentin Judge claimed eighth with Hh Whisky Royale, Callan Solem and VDL Torlando finished in ninth place, and Andrew Ramsay and Woltcek rounded out the top ten.

Course designer Leopoldo Palacios created a challenging course, drawing out the best efforts from competitors as they flew across the field. Thieme grinned, “When we walked the class we thought Palacios was nice with us today, but then we all realized the time was very, very short.” Obstacle number 8, a standard with the appearance of a paddock gate, proved to be challenging for many competitors. Goldstein-Engle admitted her horse over jumped the gate a little, but with a smile, Thieme declared, “My horse had no problem with it.”

O’Connor’s performance in the Winning Round helped him earn the $10,000 E2 Show Jumpers Leading Riding Award for the second consecutive year. He came to Live Oak International on a mission to win the prize. Of the event he said, “It is a fantastic show. To come here and jump on grass is great preparation for what we have in Europe. It really gets you motivated.” Margie echoed his sentiment, saying, “The show is wonderful. It couldn’t be prettier here.”

After competitors cleared the final jump of the $34,000 Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round, many were already making plans to return to Live Oak International next year. The 2015 world-class jumping competition was truly an international affair, with the top three riders representing three different countries (Germany’s Andre Thieme, Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, and United States’ Margie Goldstein-Engle).

Chloe Reid, winner of the $1,000 Jerry Parks Insurance Leading Amateur Award for attaining the best overall results in the Amateur division, said, “When the horses get here and step off the trailer, you can see them take a deep breath. They are happy to see the grass and have a different venue for a weekend.” She competed at the Live Oak International with two horses: Athena, her 10-year-old KWPN mare, and Victor E, a13-year-old KWPN stallion. Reid was also awarded the Style of Riding Award, a prize presented to the rider that demonstrates the best combination of horsemanship, skill, and presentation while competing.

Callan Solem captured the title of Equiline Leading Lady Rider. Solem competed VDL Torlando, a 15-year-old KWPN stallion by Corland and VDL Wizard, a 12-year-old KWPN gelding by Gentleman. Solem placed in all four jumping classes held at Live Oak International, including a sixth place finish in the Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round.

For complete results from the 2015 Live Oak International and more about Ocala’s most beloved annual equestrian tradition, please visit www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

2015 USEF National Horse and Pony Driving Champions Named at Live Oak International

Chester Weber.

Ocala, Florida (March 22, 2015) — For four American horse and pony drivers, years of training and dedication to their sport were justly rewarded as Live Oak International proudly congratulated their efforts with 2015 USEF National Championships, sponsored by Hillcroft Farm.

“This is the first big win I’ve ever had,” said Steve Wilson of Louisville, Kentucky, after accepting the USEF National Pair Horse Driving Championship from U.S. Equestrian Federation president Chrystine Tauber after the final cones test. “I’m the oldest here and the least experienced at the sport but I’ve continued to work at it. Germany is next for the summer, so I can gain more experience in Europe.” Reserve went to Casey Zubek (176.45) of Manhattan, Illinois.

Wilson piloted his grey Lipizzan pair to an early lead in dressage (47.72) on Friday, maintained position near the top of the leaderboards for marathon, and delivered the strongest cones (6.33) performance of his division to earn his first national driving title on a final cumulative score of 164.92. “I wasn’t shopping for this breed when I started looking for a team, but I love them. They’re the horse Napoleon rode and have such a deep history serving the military as well as dressage. They’re athletic, with great action.” Wilson also received the Horse Gym USA Top Equine Athlete Award for his team’s superb fitness.

USEF Pair Pony Driving Champion Amy Cross, of Aiken, South Carolina, confessed she was nervous going into the dressage phase with Welsh Cob brothers, Braakmoor Clownieclark and Braakmoor Common: “I knew I needed a good dressage score. We had a few bobbles in marathon, then came back and had a nice cones test. I just kept reminding myself we were prepared and we knew what we had to do.”

Cross’s high anxiety never translated through her reins as her ponies delivered in dressage (42.82), led through much of the marathon (save for the “bobble” that briefly dropped them mid-phase into second-place), and had a flawless cones performance. She accepted the USEF title on a 134.40 final score ahead of reserve champion, Katie Whaley (138.30).

Former pairs driving champion Tracey Morgan of Beallsville, Maryland was quick to give credit for her USEF Single Pony Championship title where credit was due: with Fuego 88. “Singles have to do every bit of the work, every step of the way and be both calm and cooperative, yet aggressive in their marathon. This pony and I are on the third year of our relationship together.”

The harmony between Morgan and her German Riding Pony stayed consistently evident as they topped dressage (43.84), stayed near or at the top of their marathon sections, and only added three additional points to their final 130.17 winning score after cones. “I believe I’ve found my perfect partner,” she said with a broad grin.

Heather Schneider
Heather Schneider

USEF National Four-in-Hand Pony champion Heather Schneider of Palm City, Florida went with the “practice makes perfect” approach to becoming a champion. “Chester Weber said it would take six years to get a team to come together and he was right! But,” she added, referring to her match Welsh grey, “I’ve also been really blessed with good ponies.”

Seizing Florida’s Triple Crown Award after posting the lowest combined scores from the Sunshine State CDE, The Kingdom of the Sun CDE, and Live Oak International with her German Riding Pony — Katydid Baroness — was Intermediate Single Pony driver Doris Leacy of Oro Valley, Arizona.

Ocala host and competitor Chester Weber was credited as an inspiration to these drivers more than once, and continued to live up to those expectations with an FEI Four-in-Hand Horse victory. Weber took his KWPN team to the lead through all three phases of the division. He proved once again why he has earned the moniker “Mr. Dressage” by posting one of the best (33.45) dressage scores of his career before continuing his lead through marathon and cones to result in a 147.49 win. Fellow Floridian Misdee Wrigley-Miller of Sarasota was reserve (212.26).

Wrapping up the FEI division, the FEI Single Horse honors went to Suzy Stafford of Wilmington, Delaware and her Morgan, PVF Peace of Mind, who lived up to her name by turning in first-place after first-place for its whip across the phases to the final 139.46 score.

In keeping with the Live Oak International mission to encourage and promote horse sport, the driving program also offered a number of Intermediate wins, including a second consecutive Intermediate Pair Horse title for Georgian Grandes whip Max Montoya of Hebron, Kentucky (159.68); an Intermediate Four-in-Hand Horse win for Craig Grange (238.39) of Morriston, Florida; and an Intermediate Single Horse title for local favorite Ellen Epstein of Ocala and her bay KWPN, Alex.

“Every win feels as good as the first,” concluded Intermediate Pair Pony champion, Boots Wright, of Ocala, who has been competing faithfully at Live Oak International since the show started 23 years ago. “It’s a world class venue that as done so much to better our sport.”

While Wright has every intention of continuing that tradition herself, the combined driving program concluded on Sunday afternoon with a touching retirement ceremony for another Germany Riding Pony, Danny Lou, owned by Jennifer Matheson of Aiken. Friday’s dressage phase was the grand old equine veteran’s last trip around a competitive arena, and he took his whip for one last trip into the ribbons, to finish third in their test on a 56.58 final score. “He’ll get to enjoy just being a pony,” Matheson lovingly said.

Also presented, and sponsored by Michael Freund, were the Jean Keathley Memorial Award to Chester Weber, as the FEI driver with the lowest dressage score; Anne Bliss Memorial Award to Misdee Wrigley-Miller, as the most elegant lady driver; the Katie Williams Memorial Award (donated by friends of Katie Williams) to the best-conditioned entry; and the Hanzi Award (donated by Chester Weber) to Ellen Epstein and Alex V, determined the best horse or pony of the competition in the opinion of the judge. Two other awards honored equine health — the Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award, donated by Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc., went to G. Wilson Groves; and the HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award was won by Alison Stroud for the admirable fitness of her team.

In 2016, Live Oak International will be nearing a quarter century as the only event of its kind in America to bring horse lovers and families alike to a world-class schedule of combined driving and Grand Prix show jumping competition. For complete results and to learn more, see www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

Four USEF Driving National Championship Titles Awarded at Live Oak International CDE

Tracey Morgan (PicsofYou)

Ocala, Fla. – The first United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Driving National Championship titles of the year were decided today at Live Oak International CDE in the Single Pony, Pair Pony, Pony Team and Pair Horse divisions. Drivers navigated the 20-obstacle course on the final day of the championships as the leaders coming into the cones phase faced stiff competition from a talented field of challengers.

USEF Single Pony Driving National Championship

Tracey Morgan went into the ring with a substantial 17 point lead and with just one ball down secured her ninth USEF National Championship title with a score of 130.17.

“Fuego is just as powerful as a pair; he’s my Ferrari. This is my third year competing him and we’re really finding a partnership,” said Morgan of her 14-year-old German Riding Pony gelding. “We will be heading to Europe later this summer to prepare for the World Championships and this weekend has given us a great confidence boost.”

Miranda Cadwell (Southern Pines, N.C.), who moved up to second from fifth place after winning yesterday’s marathon, had two balls down to finish on an overall score of 144.77. The score was enough to take Reserve National Championship honors for Cadwell and Leslie Brendl’s Cannon’s Majestic Leyla, a 12-year-old Welsh Pony cross mare.

Paul Maye added 10.44 penalty points through the cones track to finish in third with 151.20.

USEF Pair Pony Driving National Championship

With less than one ball between the two, Amy Cross (Aiken, S.C.) and Katie Whaley (Paris, Ky.) went into the cones phase with steel determination. Cross stuck to her plan to drive an on-point course and expertly guided Wendy O’Brien’s Welsh pony pair to a double-clear, winning the National Championship for the second consecutive year on a score of 134.40.

Amy Cross (PicsofYou)
Amy Cross (PicsofYou)

“I was nervous coming into today with less than a point separating Katie and me. We knew we had to go in there and perform, and luckily they are great in the cones and make it so easy for me,” said Cross. “The start of the weekend went according to plan as we had a strong dressage test. Our marathon could have been better, but we really nailed the cones and that was exciting for us.”

Whaley and her handsome pair of Welsh cross geldings finished the course within the time allowed, but had a costly ball down at obstacle six to add three points, finishing in second with an overall 138.30.

Jennifer Matheson was the only other driver in the division to go double-clear, but it was not enough to catch the leaders. She finished in third on an overall score of 150.49.

USEF Pony Teams Driving National Championship

Heather Schneider (Palm City, Fla.) secured the National Championship title as the sole competitor in the division on an overall score of 233.44.

“I drove a pair for a long time, and in fact my two leaders are my former pair. It’s been a long time in the making and I am very happy with their performance here this weekend.”

USEF Pair Horse Driving National Championship

In the two driver field, Steve Wilson (Louisville, Ky.) put the pressure on Casey Zubek (Manhattan, Ill.) all weekend, finishing a close second in both the dressage and marathon phases. Wilson, driving in his first USEF National Championship, took a decisive win in the cones phase with just one ball down and 3.33 in time penalties, overtaking Zubek for the National Championship title with a final score of 164.92.

“I am the oldest and the least experienced in this sport,” joked Wilson. “I have worked for the last five years to become a serious competitor and have always hoped to win an event of this magnitude. I am really happy to have finally accomplished that goal.”

Zubek had a little more than a ball in-hand going into Sunday, but succumbed to the technical challenges of the course, having a single ball down at obstacles four and six and two balls down at obstacle 11 in addition to time penalties. On an overall score of 176.71, Zubek took home Reserve National Championship honors.

By Leah Oliveto

Visit liveoakinternational.com for complete results.

Excitement Heats Up on the Marathon Course at the 2015 Live Oak International

Chester Weber drives out of the marathon as clear leader of the FEI Four-in-Hand division (Photo courtesy of www.PicsOfYou.com)

Ocala, FL (March 22, 2015) — The most anticipated day of driving at the 2015 Live Oak International arrived in full Live Oak International Marathon style. March 21, the third day of the celebrated driving competition, brought more sunshine, bigger crowds, and several top drivers vying to take the leading spot in the four-day competition. Chester Weber, one of the world’s top-ranked four-in-hand driver and a gracious host of Live Oak International, lived up to the equestrian world’s expectations once more as he held on to his first-place stance in the FEI Four-In-Hand division. Ellen Epstein, Boots Wright, Craig Grange, Suzy Stafford, and Casey Zubek were just some of the other competitors who drove out of the marathon phase still in the lead of their divisions.

The excitement was palpable throughout the beautifully green grounds of Live Oak Plantation, owned by Live Oak International presidents Chester Weber, Charlotte Weber, and Juliet W Reid, as the competitors took to the marathon course designed by Gabor Finta. “This is my first opportunity to work with Gabor Finta,” comments Ed Young, an FEI Official whose notable driving background includes serving as chef d’Equipe for the United States World Equestrian Games Four-in-Hand in 2006 and as the vice-chairman of the USEF International High-Performance Committee for Driving. “I was very impressed with Gabor Finta’s course design — it was so creative, and provided a safe yet challenging course for the competitors.” Young added, “The competitors all drove extremely well today.”

Chester Weber started his morning live on the air with NBC Sports Radio Horse Talk radio show, and ended his day with another marathon notch in four-in-hand. “The horses were fantastic,” Weber smiled after driving his team through the hazards to a score of 104.79 — leading over his new closest contender, Allison Stroud, by nearly 40 points. Like Weber, his KWPN team of Ultra, Splash, Dancer, and Boris commanded the crowd’s attention with their powerful presence as they seemed to move through the obstacles with one mind. True to his nickname of “Mr. Dressage,” Weber’s winning dressage phase score on Friday brings his overall score to a 138.24 — making him very hard to catch in Sunday’s cones phase (March 22).

Although Weber is one to beat in today’s cones phase, the close margins going into the cones phase for other divisions are already putting competitors and spectators at the edge of their seats. Two-time NFL Super Bowl linebacker Max Montoya placed second today to Scott Adcox in the Intermediate Pair Horse marathon — but still retained his overall division lead. In the FEI Single Pony division, Tracey Morgan and her German Riding Pony also held on to their overall lead even after coming in second to Miranda Cadwell in the marathon phase. FEI Pair Pony division leader Amy Cross followed suit, and, after her second place marathon, will enter the cones phase only .9 points ahead of yesterday’s marathon winner Katie Whaley.

Uncontested winners of the week include Casey Zubek of Manhattan, IL in the FEI Pair Horse division, Doris Leacy — driving Katydid Baroness — in Intermediate Single Pony, Craig Grange in Intermediate Four-in-Hand, and Ocala’s own Ellen Epstein with her KWPN in Intermediate Single Horse. Suzy Stafford of Wilmington, DE and her Morgan, PVF Peace of Mind, pulled even further ahead of competition yesterday by retaining her lead in the FEI Single Horse division with a marathon score of 91.97.

As the tailgating soirees around the intense day of competition began to break up, competitors and supporters departed to get ready for the pirate-themed Competitors Party, held on the show grounds and sponsored by Hermitage Farm and Lugano Diamonds. Today will bring even more excitement at Live Oak International as drivers take their last chance at claiming a winning title, or fighting to keep their current leads.

Follow results and learn more at www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

Cian O’Connor Wins Live Oak International CSI2*W Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier

Ireland’s Cian O’ Connor and Good Luck win the 2015 Live Oak International CSI2*W Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier (Photos courtesy of www.PicsOfYou.com)

Ocala, Florida (March 22, 2015) — It wasn’t luck but extraordinary riding that brought Cian O’Connor to the top of the leader boards in the Live Oak International CSI2*W Grand Prix and World Cup Qualifier on Saturday afternoon. The two-time Irish Olympian confessed that Adena Springs’ nine year-old Belgian Warmblood, Good Luck, not only lived up to his name but did so while jumping “like a stag.”

“He’s never jumped on grass before. We got him in November with the aim of getting to the Olympics and wanted to bring him to Live Oak because we wanted to get him jumping on grass, like in Europe. We’ll stay in Germany for the summer and compete in France, Belgium, Holland, then Dublin and Canada in August before — hopefully — the European Championships,” O’Connor explained after his victory.

“I’m grateful to my entire team this weekend for always going the extra mile. This has been his biggest performance and best result so far,” added the 35-year-old Dublin Horse Show Aga Khan Trophy winner and member of 96 Irish Nations Cup teams. O’Connor and the Canturo-bred bay gelding, who were the last go of the day, earned their victory gallop on a flawless 56-second round in the jump-off.

The only rider from the international field of 42 out of 46 to also complete course designer Leopoldo Palacios’ first round fault-free and under time was four-time U.S. Equestrian Federation Equestrian of the Year Elizabeth ‘Beezie’ Madden, who finished reserve in the jump-off with Abigail Wexner’s 13-year-old Dutch (Nabab de Reve x Via Volo van de Moldendreef) Warmblood mare, Vanilla, posting four faults during their 48.32-second effort.

“We went in and focused on riding our round,” said Madden, 51, who in 2014 became the first equestrian in history to win Hickstead’s prestigious King George Gold Cup and is the first female show jumper ever to pass the $1 million mark in earnings.

“And,” she added with a grin, “put the pressure on Cian.”

Pressure was in ample abundance as the 14-element first round challenged horses and riders to rise to the occasion. After the first six were unable to meet an original time allowed (85 seconds), show jumping event director Damian Guthrie made an adjustment to 90 seconds. It was still more than a dozen entries into the Grand Prix before Australia’s Scott Keach, riding Viriato for Southern Cross Equestrian, would deliver the first effort that left all the rails in their cups (yet still incurred two time faults), followed by Manuel Fernandez of the Dominican Republic, who had the time but at the cost of two rails.

American entry Kirsten Coe, riding Lovsta Tuteri’s Hanoverian (Contendro x Grannina) stallion, Czardas 30, cleared the rails but at a scant one fault over the time allowed for a 92.36 finish — which still earned the duo third place honors and a stride closer to the World Cup.

“The course was difficult but I’ve been waiting four long days for this class,” Coe said. “Our league isn’t over yet!”

“It was difficult to go clean, yes,” added O’Connor, “but that’s what a World Cup qualifier is supposed to do. Good horses, like good cream, will rise to the top.”

Rounding out the top 12 respectively from the first round were Australia’s fourth-placed Keach and Viriato (4/95.42), followed by an all-American cast to complete the ribbons: Brianne Goutal and Ballade van het Indihof (4/86.58); Charlie Jayne and Chill RZ (4/86.79); Richard Fellers and Flexible (4/88.65); Charlie Jacobs and Flaming Star (4/88.80); Jessica Springsteen and Davendy S (4/89.49); Springsteen’s coach, Laura Kraut and Nouvelle (4/90.01); Callan Solem and VDL Wizard (4/90.81); and Vinton Karrasch and Coral Reef Follow Me II (5/92.37).

O’Connor’s victory keeps him at the top of the standings in the Live Oak International $10,000 E2 Leading Rider Award and sets the stage for an exciting conclusion on Sunday with the $34,000 CSI2* Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round at 2:00 p.m.

Follow the action and learn more about the Live Oak International at www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

Morgan, Cross, Schneider, Zubek Maintain Lead after Marathon at USEF Driving Nat’l Championships

Casey Zubek (Pics of You)

Ocala, Fla. – United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Driving National Championship competition continued today with the marathon phase at Live Oak International CDE. Drivers across four championship divisions demonstrated their mettle through seven hazards on the marathon track designed by Gabor Fintha (HUN). In what was a hotly contested phase, the leaders from day one’s dressage phase were able to secure their spots on the top of the championship leaderboard.

USEF Single Pony Driving National Championship

After a fifth-place finish in the dressage phase, Miranda Cadwell (Southern Pines, N.C.) was on a mission in the marathon, besting her competition at obstacles one, three, five, and six for a score of 81.23 and overall championship score of 138.77. Cadwell now sits in second heading into Sunday’s cones phase.

Continuing her quest for a ninth National Championship title, Tracey Morgan (Beallsville, Md.) maintained her championship lead, finishing a close second on 83.33, for a two-day total of 127.17.

“Fuego was fit and responsive today. The first hazard, the water, was very long and difficult, but he was strong and handled it well. At the gulch, which is one of the most intimidating obstacles we have in the sport worldwide, he was right where I needed him to be,” said Morgan of her 14-year-old German Riding Pony gelding. “Overall the course was a real test of fitness in this heat; it was very well designed and asked difficult questions of horse and driver. I am pleased with our performance. Going into tomorrow I am confident as we had a double-clear cones phase at our last FEI competition.”

USEF Pair Pony Driving National Championship

Katie Whaley (Paris, Ky.) once again proved herself as a master of the marathon phase, handily winning day two’s competition with the fastest division times at obstacles one, three, four, five and seven, finishing on 82.69 for a two day total of 135.30.

“The real challenge today was the heat. As for the hazards, the Stella Artois hazard (obstacle five) was a good one, it’s very symmetrical, I really rolled through that one, and the water was great,” said Whaley of the course. “As for tomorrow, I am a much better chaser than I am a leader and right now I am less than a ball away so that’s good for me.”

Next to go in the order, Amy Cross (Aiken, S.C.), the division leader after dressage, was not to be outdone, placing second behind Whaley on a 91.58 and ultimately maintaining her overall lead on a score of 134.40.

“The course started off strong, but my guys were a little like bumper cars today instead of going as a real pair,” said Cross. “We got into trouble at the sixth obstacle and it cost us quite a few points. For tomorrow my focus is on accuracy and really paying attention in order to secure a clear round; we do not have any room for error.”

USEF Pony Teams Driving National Championship

As the sole participant without pressure competition, Heather Schneider (Palm City, Fla.) guided her team prudently through the marathon course. Finishing on a score of 157.08, Schneider heads into Sunday with a two-day total of 215.48.

USEF Pair Horse Driving National Championship

The standings remain unchanged on day two as Casey Zubek (Manhattan, Ill.) took the win in the marathon phase with a score of 107.53. Steve Wilson (Louisville, Ky.) continued to put the pressure on Zubek, finishing just three points behind on 110.87. Sunday will prove to be an exciting competition with the drivers separated by four points – Zubek on two-day total of 154.31 and Wilson on 158.59.

National Championship titles will be decided Sunday at the conclusion of the cones phase here at Live Oak International CDE.

Live Oak International combined driving and jumping competition will be broadcast live Sunday on the USEF Network, with the cones phase at 9:00am ET and the CSI2* at 2:00pm ET.

By Leah Oliveto

Visit liveoakinternational.com for complete results.

Top Show Jumpers Duel on Day One of Live Oak International Jumping Competition

Angel Karolyi and Wings soared to the win in the Pasmore Stables Power & Speed 1.35m class in 36.98 seconds. (Photos courtesy of www.PicsofYou.com)

Angel Karolyi Proves He Has “Wings” to Win the Pasmore Stables 1.35m and Cian O’Connor Raises the Bar to Win the 1.40m Waldron Private Wealth Management Welcome Speed Stake

Ocala, FL (March 21, 2015) — A cool breeze and blazing string of performances marked opening day of international CSI2*-W show jumping competition at Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida, the ‘Horse Capital of America.’ Two of the world’s top riders swapped top spots in the afternoon’s title events.

Marking the first win of the 2015 show jumping program was defending $34,000 CSI2* Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round 2014 winner, Angel Karolyi of Venezuela, who soared above a field of 38 in the Pasmore Stables Power & Speed 1.35m class. Karolyi achieved a penalty-free performance in 36.98 seconds riding McLain Ward’s 17-year-old chestnut KWPN (Lexicon x Columbus) gelding, Wings.

“Live Oak is proof that, if you produce a quality horse show, people will support it,” said Karolyi, who rides for Hollow Creek Farm. “Chester Weber, Juliet Reid, and the Live Oak team do a great job working in the best interests of the competitors, spectators, and sport as a whole.”

Finishing second to Karolyi in the 1.35 m Power & Speed was Ireland’s Cian O’Connor, who had a clean 37.89-second ride over the Leopoldo Palacios course on Andrea Quadros’ bay 10-year-old gelding, Chandon Blue (Chaco-Blue x Landcapitol). Later that afternoon, O’Connor claimed his own win in the Waldron Private Wealth Management Welcome Speed Stake.

Cian O’Connor and Quidam’s Cherie
Cian O’Connor and Quidam’s Cherie

O’Connor dominated the 1.40m Welcome Stake on Adena Springs Quidam’s Cherie, 10-year-old bay Oldenburg mare (Quidam’s Rubin x Lifestyle). The pair established a 60.56 fault-free second lead early in the 58-rider field. That lead remained unthreatened until Karolyi, 39th in the line-up, took his turn over the fences.

“I thought I had nothing left,” Karolyi remarked with a smile and shake of his head while exiting the in-gate on Raylyn Far’s 13-year-old bay KWPN mare Venus (Tangelo van de Zuuthoeve x Julius), clearly pleased with a clean go. The pair crossed the timers in 61.17 seconds, not quite enough to catch O’Connor, but enough to build a four-second lead that would be impossible to beat by other competitors and would earn Karolyi a second place finish to O’Connor in the class.

Fifty-six horse-and-rider combinations did their best to break the pair’s lock on the top slots. Canada’s Nicole Walker came in third (65.22/0) on her 11-year-old Diamond de Semi-bred Westfalian Dek de Landetta Z. The highest placed United States rider was Chloe Reid, who came in fourth (65.63/0) on her 10-year-old KWPN mare, Athena. Reid is proud to carry on the tradition of excellence at Live Oak International, as she is the daughter of Live Oak International president Juliet W. Reid and the niece of Live Oak International president Chester C. Weber. Reid also earned ninth place (68.27/0) in the Welcome Stake on her Indoctro-bred KWPN stallion, Victor E, and was joined in the top ten by fellow Americans David Beisel, seventh (66.78/0) on KWPN stallion Ameretto; Schuyler Riley, eighth (68.23/0) on Wolfstone Stable’s Dobra de Porceyo; and Callan Solem, tenth with Horseshoe Trail Farm’s KWPN gelding, VDL Wizard. Rounding out the international riders in its top ten were Guatemalan entry Christina Heurtematte, fifth (66.09/0) on Holala Z; and Spain’s Paulo Santana Filho, sixth (66.39/0) on Taloubet.

Saturday’s schedule truly promises the best grand prix performances in the world, as nearly two dozen nations will be represented in the $50,000 CSI2*-W Live Oak International Grand Prix at 2:00 p.m. Competitors include O’Connor, a two-time Olympian who earned Bronze for his native Ireland at the 2012 London Games, and American rising star Jessica Springsteen, honored in 2014 with the Maxine Beard Award as well as earning the Leading International Jumper Rider Award at the Washington International Horse Show.

Prior to that World Cup qualifier, the Live Oak International begins at 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning with the fast-paced action and dynamic reinsmanship of combined driving’s marathon phase — the second of three legs of competition to crown the top horse and pony Single, Pair and Four-in-Hand competitors in FEI and Intermediate divisions.

Outside the arena, Saturday and Sunday will also feature family-friendly fun with a Kids’ Horseless Jumping Competition at noon on both days, Parelli Horsemanship Demonstrations on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and the Sleepy P Ranch Leadline Class at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For results, live-streaming coverage, and more about Ocala’s most beloved annual equestrian tradition, please visit www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

The First Day of Spring Blooms with Stellar Driving Performances at Live Oak International

The Intermediate Four-in-Hand dressage phase was won by Craig Grange with a score of 61.63. (Photos courtesy of www.PicsofYou.com)

Ocala, FL (March 20, 2015) — A historic and international flair was apparent on the second day of driving performances at Live Oak International. The competition runs through Sunday, March 22, in Ocala, Florida. Impressively low scores, narrow margins, long time competitors, and a returning champion gamely defending his title were among the highlights in today’s driving competition.

NFL Super Bowl veteran Max Montoya of Hebron, Kentucky wowed crowds as he and his piebald Georgian Grandes came down centerline to defend their 2014 title in the Intermediate Pair Horse division. Montoya handily won the dressage phase with a 51.71 score, definitively ahead of closest contender, Sarasota, Florida whip Scott Adcox and his Dutchbreds.

The weekend at Live Oak International also promises a challenge in Intermediate Four-in-Hand Horse. Anne Okkema of The Netherlands drew a 89.15 dressage score today with a Friesian team, and was beaten by the Dutch fours driven by Morriston, Florida entry Craig Grange (61.63). Watching these magnificent teams and their whips seek the lead in marathon will surely be one of Saturday’s big highlights, as both whips swap their elegant carriages and turnouts for modern, high-tech, streamlined carts masterfully designed to navigate the cross country challenges of Marathon.

Live Oak International’s exceptional decades-long tradition as the most premier combined driving show in America has been built on the talented performances of its horsemen — and none have graced its stadium for longer than Ocala, Florida’s own Boots Wright. Today, Wright showed her comfort with her hometown terrain by turning in a 46.66 winning dressage phase score with her German Riding Ponies.

Boots Wright of Ocala, Florida and her German Riding Ponies took first place in the dressage phase with a score of 46.66.
Boots Wright of Ocala, Florida and her German Riding Ponies took first place in the dressage phase with a score of 46.66.

“No one has competed at Live Oak International more, or with more consistency, than Boots,” said Live Oak International event director, Susan Gilliland. “It’s always a pleasure to see her and her great teams return.”

West Coast whip Carina Crawford of Redding, California — also driving a German Riding Pony pair — was reserve behind Wright with a 58.69 dressage score.

The Intermediate Four-in-Hand may have had the closest of margins, but to the delight of a grandstand filled with spectators, the greatest number of changes to a leader board were no doubt offered in Intermediate Single Horse. The division saw its top spot thrice change ownership before Ocala local Ellen Epstein and her 10-year-old KWPN bay, Alex, set an astounding 39.23 dressage score that proved impossible to beat today. Not that other drivers didn’t try. As nifty in turnout as in her name, Alva, Florida whip Nifty Hamilton turned up the heat with her own KWPN, Macari Design, to turn in a 50.30 finish that would not catch Epstein but did secure them reserve honors. Early leader Janelle Marshall, of Williston, South Carolina and Hackney-Dutch cross, DaVinci, fell only a point behind Hamilton (51.14) for third-place from the judges.

So it was on the first day of spring at Friday’s Live Oak International driving arena. Saturday the Driving Marathon will begin at 9 a.m. and will offer up close and personal excitement for spectators — and of course, the famous tailgating soirees will be in full swing.

Saturday will kick off an exceptional World Cup qualifying event for show jumping — the $50,000 CSI2*-W Live Oak International Grand Prix at 2:00 p.m. A Horseless Jumping Contest for kids with jumps provided by Premier Equestrian and prizes provided by Breyer/Reeves International will commence at noon under the shade trees in the vendor village. Then the evening’s mood will turn “Arg, matey” festive with a pirate-themed Competitors Party, sponsored by Hermitage Farm and Lugano Diamonds (advance ticket purchase required).

The 23rd edition of Live Oak International will conclude on Sunday, after a 9:00 a.m. opening Yellowframe Farm Driving Obstacle competition, Parelli Horsemanship demonstrations at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., a Kids’ Horseless Jumping Contest, the timelessly popular Sleepy P Ranch Leadline Class, and — last but far from least the 2:00 p.m. $34,000 CSI2* Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round of show jumping.

For complete results and scheduling, visit www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

The Excitement Begins at Live Oak International with Yellowframe FEI Driven Dressage

Chester Weber starts the 2015 Live Oak International competition off with a win in the FEI Four-in-Hand dressage phase, scoring 33.44. (Photos courtesy of www.PicsofYou.com)

Ocala, FL (March 20, 2015) — Beautiful horses and beautifully appointed drivers opened the first day of competition at the Live Oak International with the Yellowframe Farm FEI Driven Dressage classes for Single, Pair, and Four-in-Hand horses and ponies.

Appearing for the first time as a new father at his family’s annual driving and show jumping extravaganza, Ocala horseman and 11-time USEF National Champion Chester Weber had one of the best dressage phase scores of his career, 33.44, for an early lead in the FEI Four-in-Hand horse division. Sarasota, FL entry, Misdee Wrigley-Miller, earned reserve with a score of 46.13.

“It was a good test,” said Weber’s wife, My Weber, who explained today’s placement of his near-perfectly synchronized KWPN team. “Ultra was left leader, Splash was right leader, Dancer was right wheel, and left wheel was Boris.”

Promising a hotly-contested title in the FEI Pair Horse-USEF National Championships sponsored by Hillcroft Farm are Casey Zubek of Manhattan, IL and Steve Wilson of Louisville, KY. Zubek and Wilson’s one-point margin of difference between first (46.78) and second (47.72), respectively, put spectators on the edge of their seats while Canadian entry, Rae Fischer, kept the international pressure on the American whips with a strong 57.46 score for third.

No close margins were to be found in the FEI Single Horse division as Suzy Stafford of Wilmington, DE and her Morgan, PVF Peace of Mind, set a definitive lead of 47.49. The pair’s closest contender, Kent Brownridge of Roxbury, CT and his Hackney, Halstead’s Shale, scored 64.06, seating them reserve ahead of Canadian contenders Catherine Lavasseur (65.73) and Carole Precious (68.22), respectively.

Aiken, SC drivers Amy Cross and Jennifer Matheson claimed early dominance in the FEI Pair Pony USEF National Championships sponsored by Hillcroft Farm — until Katie Whaley of Paris, KY and her Welsh pair split the Southern duo’s claim on the top spots. Whaley’s 52.61 was enough to move ahead of Matheson’s 56.58, while Cross and her Welsh Cob held on to their win (42.82) as the first of Yellowframe’s combined driving phases concluded.

Tracey Morgan and Fuego 88 claim the FEI Single Pony win in dressage with a score of 43.84.
Tracey Morgan and Fuego 88 claim the FEI Single Pony win in dressage with a score of 43.84.

The FEI Single Pony win in dressage went to Tracey Morgan of Belleville, MD (43.84), whose German Riding Pony helped set an 11-point edge ahead of Baptistown, NJ entry Mary Mott-Kocsis. While composing but a single entry to the FEI Four-in-Hand Pony class, Heather Schneider and her grey Welsh stallion were big in personality as they won smiles from spectators for his exuberant ‘neigh’ to the judges before their final 58.40 winning score.

Drawing first-time competitors from across the United States to the ‘horse capital of America’ and the Live Oak International was the final class of opening day, the Intermediate Single Pony sponsored by Wayne Humphreys. The Oro Valley, AZ entry of Doris Leacy and her German Riding Pony cross, Katydid Baroness, set a winning standard with a 47.94 test — and other up and coming talent showed throughout the class. Reserve went to first-time Live Oak International competitor, Allyn Carman of Grass Valley, CA (48.64) and Hackney cross, Bud Lite. Third place also went to a debut driver, Deborah Lawrence of Shelbyville, KY and her aged crossbred, Lodestar.

The more than 30 horse-and-driver combinations that performed for opening day of the 23rd edition of Live Oak International in their elegant turnouts will be matched by continued classes on Friday for Yellowframe Farm Intermediate Driven Dressage. Friday will include the return of Intermediate Pair Horse titleholder and former pro football star, Max Montoya, and Ocala hometown favorites Ellen Epstein, Cathy Franks, and Boots Wright.

Friday also marks the start of the second exciting chapter of the Live Oak International program — show jumping — with the $5,000 Pasmore Stables 1.35m Power & Speed at 2:00 pm and $10,000 Waldron Wealth Management 1.40m Welcome Stake at 4:00 pm.

This year’s CSI2* – W/CAI2* Live Oak International is a World Cup qualifier and has attracted some of the world’s top show jumping riders vying for victory under the live oaks, including recent Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO5* Hickstead U.S. squadmate, Margie Engle; 2008 Beijing Olympics U.S. team rider Laura Kraut; and four-time USEF Equestrian of the Year and first woman to win Hickstead’s King George Gold Cup, Beezie Madden.

Outside the show ring, the Live Oak International is a true family affair, with plenty of children’s activities to delight throughout the weekend, including Kids’ Horseless Jumping Competitions on Saturday and Sunday, and perennial closing day favorite — the Sleepy P Ranch Leadline Class at 1:30 pm before the concluding $34,000 SCI2* Hollow Creek Farm Winning Round at 2:00 pm.

For complete results and scheduling, visit www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com
786-303-2681
Press Office
Johnny Robb
561-290-9668

Live Oak International Combined Driving Delivers Star Power across Divisions

Chester Weber and his team during the cones phase. (Photos courtesy of PicsofYou.com)

Ocala, FL (March 23, 2014) – From a record 11th national title for four-in-hand’s Chester Weber to two-time NFL Super Bowl linebacker Max Montoya scoring a win in the Intermediate Pair Horse division, this year’s Live Oak International Combined Driving had it all.

Ocala, Florida, known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, saw hometown hero Chester Weber drive Jane Clark’s KWPN geldings to an historic 11th FEI Four-in-Hand Horse USEF National Championship. “It was probably one of my best Cones ever,” said Weber, who was also presented with the Jean Keathley Memorial Award, sponsored by Michael Freund, for the FEI whip with the lowest (best) Dressage score. His final overall score after three days of combined driving competition was just 116.33 points.

“In football, you hit things. In driving you try not to,” former National Football League star Max Montoya joked and the 6’5” Hebron, KY whip stayed true enough to his word after Cones to collect just three penalty points and complete combined driving’s equivalent of a touchdown: victory in the Intermediate Pair Horse division with his striking black and white Georgian Grandes.

Seated first after Dressage and, after fighting her way back after slipping a notch in Marathon, Suzy Stafford of Wilmington, DE and her Morgan clinched their Cones class and the FEI Single Horse title (112.57).

Live Oak International’s winners’ circle liked its lady whips, as Suzi Dixon of Vashon, WA and her Welsh pony topped the standings (118.38 points) to win the Intermediate Single Pony title, sponsored by Wayne Humphreys.  Ocala drivers Ellen Epstein won the Intermediate Single Horse championship (123.69) and Boots Wright won the Intermediate Pair Pony championship on a final score of 110.94 points.  Wright also earned the Yellowframe Farm Dressage Award for the best Intermediate Dressage Phase score, and the Katie Williams Memorial Award for the best-conditioned entry in any division.

The Hillcroft Farm sponsored FEI Single Pony and FEI Pair Pony titles went, respectively, to Tracey Morgan of Beallsville, MD (118.36) and Jennifer Matheson of Aiken, SC (129.64).

Rounding out the international roster of champions this year’s Live Oak International CDE hosted was Canada’s Rae Fischer, whose KWPN team claimed the FEI Pair Horse title on a 148.18 finishing score.

Max Montoya and his team with Susan Gilliland (right) and Juliet Reid
Max Montoya and his team with Susan Gilliland (right) and Juliet Reid

“I am so fortunate,” concluded Weber, whose family has hosted the annual driving tradition at their Live Oak Plantations for more than 20 years, “to live in Ocala, the fourth-largest horse county in the nation. We see the spectator as customer and it’s our responsibility to deliver a satisfying experience.”  With an estimated attendance of 10,000 this year, Weber can consider that goal as achieved as his own championship.

From NFL celebrities to tomorrow’s show ring stars, Sunday’s Live Oak International spectators were also treated an adorable Leadline class full of winners, and a Coaching Presentation by Grand Oaks Resort, featuring a Friesian four-in-hand put to a 1902 Brewster stagecoach.

Live Oak Plantation’s gracious ambience, exceptional facilities, and Olympic and World level competition again created the kind of experience that has earned it the reputation as America’s 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 again raised the bar in delivering a week of nonstop competition, entertainment, and equestrian sport.

For more information on Live Oak International, including a full schedule of events, visit their website at www.liveoakinternational.com.

For more information contact:
Damian Guthrie
561 290 9668
Live Oak International
www.liveoakinternational.com
info@liveoakinternational.com