OCALA, FL (March 13, 2026)
Live Oak International America’s largest combined driving and show jumping tournament, kicked off yesterday in Ocala, FL. The day commenced with the Youth Driving Dressage class, followed by the B&D Builders Intermediate Driving Dressage and the Kentucky Equine Research FEI Driving Dressage (2* & 3*).
Live Oak International will also make history this week as the host of the first-ever USEF Combined Driving Youth National Championship in the United States. The championship brings national recognition to young combined driving athletes and marks a landmark moment for the sport.
The Youth divisions delivered impressive performances on opening day. In the Youth Division (12 and under), Mikkel Stensrud drove Hoss Boss to the top of the leaderboard, while Ben Riesse claimed victory in the Youth Division (13–18) with Isla. The Intermediate divisions saw strong showings across multiple categories, with Alice Baughman and Ragtime Up In Smoke winning the Intermediate Pony Single, while Esther Wright topped the Intermediate Pony Pair division with Middendorp’s Stitch and Zohan. In the Intermediate Horse Pair division, Alice Tarjan secured the win with Patser and Nero.
Competition intensified during the Kentucky Equine Research FEI Driving Dressage classes. Cynthia Wiseman and Valeo took the win in the FEI2* Pony Single, while Phillip Odden drove Odden’s Josefine and Odden’s Tellinor to victory in the FEI2* Pony Pair division. In FEI3* competition, Johan Nijs claimed the FEI3* Pony Team win with Casper, Coco Non, Harry, and Lowland Beacon, while Jacob Arnold topped the FEI3* Horse Pair division with Kenzo and Max. Additional FEI3* victories included Katie Whaley with Clanfair Sunglow and Timmy in the Pony Pair division, Sarah Reitz with FFERM Gwenffrwd Onyx Star in the Pony Single division, and Leslie Berndl with Impressive in the Horse Single division.
In the feature FEI3* Horse Team division, Chester C. Weber drove Amadeus, Julius V, Kadora, and Nico Teusje C to the top score of the day. The result places Weber firmly in contention as he pursues his 23rd USEF Combined Driving National Championship for Advanced Four-in-Hand Horses this week on home ground at Live Oak International.
“To open the 35th edition of Live Oak International with a performance like that is incredibly special,” said Weber. “This tournament exists because of the dedication of so many people — our team, our volunteers, our sponsors, and the entire community that comes together each year to make it happen. We’re proud of the horses today, but even more grateful to everyone who has helped build this event into what it is over the past 35 years.”
Friday, the B&D Builders Intermediate Driving Dressage continues, and marks the first day of Show Jumping, beginning with the CSI4* $5,000 Live Oak International Welcome (1.40m Special Two Phase). For the full schedule and results, visit www.liveoakinternational.com
Special thank you to Poseidon Animal Health for presenting the Welcome BBQ for all riders, drivers, grooms and officials.
ABOUT
What began 35 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 events, 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