On March 9-12, Ocala, Fla., will be the backdrop for a one-of-a-kind, world class sporting event. Top equestrians and equine athletes will compete in show jumping and combined driving at the Live Oak International. And the stakes are high; it will be the last chance this season for show jumping riders to qualify to compete at the World Cup Final of Show Jumping, March 29-April 2, in Omaha, Neb.
As the last leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League, riders not yet qualified for the World Cup Final will be pulling out all the stops to win the $100,000 CSI-W3* Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier, presented by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, on Sunday, March 12. Leading up to the big class will be the $10,000 Waldron Private Wealth 1.40m Power and Speed and $35,000 Hollow Creek FarmCSI3* Longines World Ranking Class Qualifier on Friday, March 10 and the $35,000 Sovaro CSI3* Longines World Ranking Competition on Saturday, March 11.
"We are very excited to be this year's final qualifying leg for the Longines FEI World Cup," said Chester Weber, co-president of the event. "We are expecting competitors from some 20 countries and the stakes are high, so this will be an intensely exciting event that you will not want to miss!"
Competition begins each day at 9:00 a.m. and continues through the afternoon. Over 10,000 spectators attend each year so everyone will want to be sure to arrive early. General admission tickets are now available online or at the gate for $10 per person, with proceeds going to Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Children under 12 receive free admission. Parking for the event is free.
Live Oak International offers spectators a unique opportunity to get a true front row seat for the action during the marathon phase of the combined driving event. You and your friends can get a clear view of the horses and carriages as they speed through the complicated made of fences or splash through the water hazards. Every spot includes a 12x12 space with 1 vehicle pass and 6 general admission tickets. If you've not seen the combined driving marathon phase, few sporting events - equestrian or otherwise - can match it for breathtaking excitement! A limited number of tailgating locations are available at each of the seven obstacles during the marathon portion of the event on Saturday, March 11, 2017. Act quickly, because the best spots go fast! Sign up online at https://liveoakinternational.com/product/liveoak-tailgate-reservation.
Live Oak
Attendance at Live Oak International offers spectators a rare chance to visit the normally private Live Oak Plantation, known for its outstanding race horse breeding operation as well as its 1,000-head beef cattle operation. Now in its 26th year, the event counts among its competitors some of the world's leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from over 20 countries in both disciplines.
For the non-horse enthusiast, come test drive a new Porsche, shop the beautiful jewelry designs of Lugano Diamonds, or let Joan Pletcher show you the hottest real estate available in Ocala.
"We would like to thank all of our sponsors who have made Live Oak International possible," said Juliet W. Reid, co-president of the event. "Several of our sponsors have been with us from the very beginning!"
General admission tickets, week passes and tailgate reservations are all available online at https://liveoakinternational.com/shop/.
About Live Oak International
Started in 1992 by Chester Weber when he was only 18-years-old, the reputation of Live Oak International has grown each year. Now run by Co-Presidents Chester Weber and his sister, Juliet W. Reid, the show is a world-class equestrian event and is the only show in the United States that offers both Combined Driving and Show Jumping. The show is home to five USEF National Driving Championships and is the final leg of the 2017 Longines FEI World Cup™ Jumping North American League. Live Oak Plantation is also home to Chester Weber's training program.
For information about the event, email info@liveoakinternational.com or visit www.liveoakinternational.com
Text and photos provided by Live Oak International.
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