The entries are in, and top riders and drivers are set to compete at Live Oak International (LOI) this week. Notable competitors include Ireland’s world-ranked Bertram Allen, USA rider Jennifer Gates, USA driver Mary Phelps and Ocala’s own 16-time USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Champion, Chester Weber.
The only international combined driving and show jumping tournament in the U.S. returns to Live Oak Stud, March 5-8, 2020. Live Oak International, now in its 30th year, attracts equestrian athletes and horses from more than 20 countries to Ocala to compete at this unique world class event.
Riders and drivers are gearing up to compete and to bring what they’ve got to the table. For riders, Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Ocala is the final chance to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas. The field of competitors scheduled to show at LOI features some of the top talent in the world with exciting to watch horse and rider combinations.
With notable riders including Adrienne Sternlicht, gold medal-winning show jumping team member from the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG), Switzerland’s past World Cup winner, Beat Mändli and Live Oak International’s own Chloe Reid, spectators are in for a treat.
Show Jumping
Show jumping competition begins with the $10,000 Waldron Private Wealth Power & Speed, two $36,600 Longines World Ranking Classes, and concludes with the thrilling $100,000 CSI-W3* Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Ocala on Sunday, March 8.
Driving
Driving begins with Dressage on Thursday and Friday, continues with the Marathon on Saturday, and concludes with the Cones phase on Sunday, March 8. The USEF Combined Driving National Championships for the Advanced Four-in-Hand Horse, Advanced Pair Horse, Pony Single, Pony Pair, Single Horse and Pony Four-in-Hand, as well as offer classes at the Intermediate level are all being hosted at LOI again.
We’ve got a great line-up of riders and drivers set to compete at Live Oak International. I’m excited that once again we’ve got the top of the field coming to Ocala.”
said Live Oak International co-president, Chester Weber.
Spectators are in for a treat this year. Riders and drivers work hard, show up ready to compete, and are continually dedicated to achieving success. With this comes great entertainment and classes that are fun to watch. I’m excited for LOI to kick off as my team is ready and we can’t wait to get out there and work hard to defend our national title.”
This unique event is a must-see for spectators. In addition to some of the world’s best riders and drivers, this year Live Oak International will feature special presentations by the Budweiser Clydesdales, the Young Living Essential Oil Percherons and the Paso Finos Horse Association. With an AdventHealth KidsZone, Audi Biergarten, and the Stella Artois Airstream Trailer this year’s event is set to be four days full of live-action with something for all to enjoy.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.