Equine majesty and skill on display

Chester Weber drives through the fountain hazard in the FEI3 Horse Team class in the Marathon during Live Oak International at Live Oak Plantation in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, March 16, 2024. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]

If you have never seen Chester Weber and other four-in-hand drivers navigate challenging twists, turns and water hazards, now is your chance.

The annual Live Oak International, the nation’s largest combined driving and show jumping competition, will take place March 13 through 16 at Live Oak Stud, west of Ocala at 2215 SW 110th Ave.

Throughout the weekend, the sprawling campus will be filled with horses, riders, drivers, vendors and spectators—and, on Saturday only, the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.

“We’re thrilled to have the Budweiser Clydesdales back at Live Oak International this year,” said Chloe D. Reid, co-president of Live Oak International, in a news release. “These horses are truly majestic and seeing the Budweiser hitch in action is something that everyone should come out to see. It’s a spectacular experience like no other and a real treat for our guests.”

Chester Weber, one of the winningest drivers of all time, also is co-president of the event, with his niece Chloe Reid and his sister Juliet W. Reid.

The competition hosts the U.S. Equestrian Federation combined driving national championships as well as the final leg of the qualifier for the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League.

The event website notes that new this year, the Ocala Dog Ranch will be showcasing talented dogs that leap, swim and retrieve in competitions like the Horizon jump, Velocity speed swim and Eclipse toy retrieval.

Gates open at 8 a.m. daily. There are options for general admission tickets, VIP experiences and tailgating.

To learn more, go to liveoakinternational.com

People sit by the fountain hazard to watch the Marathon during Live Oak International on March 16, 2024. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]