OCALA, Fla.--Chester Weber went into the lead on Thursday, March 3, the first day of competition at the 31st Live Oak International, winning the Four-in-Hand Combined Driving dressage phase.
Chester WeberWeber drove his team to score 38.96.
The 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) team gold and individual silver medalist, and 18-time US National Champion took the Four-in-Hand win with his team that included horses First Edition, Gouveneur, Amadeus and Kadora.
“I’m very happy with how my horses performed out there today. I worked to remain focused so the team could concentrate on the job,” Weber said. “My team is fortunate as they get to stay in their own stalls on the property as this is home for them, but with the tournament set up, the landscape changes and all is new for them. Today was a great day for Team Weber and we’re excited for the rest of the tournament, especially for the marathon on Saturday with always a team favorite.”
DANA DIEMER with her pony Clarwood Mack the Knife won the Single Pony Dressage with a score of 59.22 for her first FEI win for this pony.
“Today was fabulous," said Diemer. "I am so lucky I have the most phenomenal pony and terrific trainers. Mac will be 11 this month and is new to the level. It’s a privilege to come back and compete at Live Oak International. The footing is fantastic, it was the perfect day to compete.”
In second place was Deborah Lawrence and Top Secret 53 with a score of 68.99 and in third was Jennifer Keeler and Zeppo with a score of 70.50.
With a score of 52.88 Taylor Bradish won the Single Horse Dressage with Katydid Duchess.
“It feels great to finally win dressage at Live Oak International. Dressage has never been our strongest phase, but we have been really working hard to improve it, and it sure paid off," said Bradish. "I’m so proud of Katydid Duchess!”
Second to Bradish was Carrie Ostrowski and Gellerduht with a score of 55.32 and in third with a score of 55.64 was Garbriele Grasso with Hendrik.
Winning the Pair Horse was Jacob Arnold with a score of 52.30, and second went to Paul Maye with a 66.37.
“I was really pleased with the horses today, especially Kenzo," said Arnold. "This is only his second dressage test, and he did a super job. Today was not something you generally ask of a 7-year-old horse, but he is so special. I was very pleased with the result.”
The Pony Pair win went to Katie Whaley with a 58.54 and the Pony Team win went to Mary Phelps with a score of 67.20.
Margaret Shenker with Heart Land Flash Back was the winner of the Single Horse Intermediate Dressage with a score of 53.12, and second went to Andy Marcoux and Loretta with a score of 60.74.
Winning the Intermediate Pony Pair Dressage was Roberta Grenno Kanstad with a score of 53.97 and finishing in second was Boots Wright with a 54.16 score.
Jean Thornton won the Intermediate Horse Team Dressage with a 78.31.
