Articles: Press Release
Chester Weber Wins Dressage at Laurels At Landhope Despite Mud and
Torrential Rain
Despite torrential rain and heavy mud, Chester Weber and his team won the
dressage phase in the Advanced Four-In-Hand class at the Laurels At Landhope
International Combined Driving Event. Weber withdrew from the event
following his win in dressage, due to a very uncooperative Mother
Nature. (Photo courtesy of picsofyou.com)
Contact:
Chester Weber
chester@chesterweber.com
www.chesterweber.com
1-352-895-1139
Ocala, FL (September 16, 2009) Chester Weber, the six-time United States
National Champion in Four-In-Hand Combined Driving, dominated the Advanced
Four-In-Hand dressage phase at the Laurels At Landhope International
Combined Driving Event in West Grove, Pennsylvania, easily winning with a
score of 70.0%. Following the dressage phase however, Weber, along with half
of the eleven four-in-hand teams, withdrew from the event due to deep mud
and torrential rain.
The organization and the officials did a great job with the event however
Mother Nature dealt us some cards that were difficult to play, Weber said. I
felt that it was conservatively prudent that I not drive after reviewing the
risk/reward associated with the four inches of rain that turned the course
into the consistency of chocolate pudding.
Weber said he communicated with the selectors prior to making his decision
to not drive on Saturday. I believe they understood our decision for being
conservative, Weber said. Together with my team, our coaches and our chef
dequip Ed Young we decided to withdraw in an effort to keep the horses sound
and fresh for the upcoming World Equestrian Games.
Weber said that despite the weather, he was very pleased with his dressage
phase. My team was made up of Reno W, Rolex W, Para and Boy W and I believe
they drove the best test possible with the extreme conditions of eight
inches of mud, Weber said. I am looking forward to the National
Championships and have high hopes for a score in the mid to low 30s if they
stay in the same form and Mother Nature cooperates.
James Fairclough, who was second behind Weber following the rain-soaked
dressage, won the Advanced Four-In-Hand class. I did stay for the remainder
of the show to cheer on my fellow competitors, Weber said. I was glad I
stayed but I will admit I am not that good at sitting still on the
sidelines.
Next up for Weber is the National Championships where Team Weber will defend
their title and try to become the first team to win seven consecutive years
in a row. Weber also has his sights set on the World Equestrian Games in
2010, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky.
For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their
website at www.chesterweber.com.
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