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 each year to compete at this unique world class event.
Show jumping competition includes 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 Jumping World Cup Ocala on Sunday, March 8th. It is the last chance for U.S. riders to qualify for the Longines FEI World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas this April.
Adrienne Sternlicht, a member of the gold medal-winning show jumping team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG), is one of many talented show jumpers who have chosen LOI as a stop on their competition calendar. Adrienne is planning to bring her WEG mount, Cristalline, and is currently ranked third in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League – East Sub League standings. Also scheduled to compete at LOI is young rider superstar Katie Dinan (ranked 13th), and previous winner of the World Cup Final, Beat Mändli.
Other notable U.S. riders include Margie Goldstein-Engle (ranked 9th), Georgina Bloomberg (15th), Andrew Ramsay (8th), Devin Ryan (5th) and Andrew Welles (12th).
Representing the Western Sub League are riders Jenni McAllister, who is currently ranked 9th in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup North American League – West Sub League standings and Will Simpson (4th).
Last year’s winner, Brian Moggre is currently ranked second in the Eastern Sub-League and therefore, already has his ticket to the World Cup Final and will not be competing.
In addition to show jumping, Live Oak International will again host 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. Driving begins with Dressage on Thursday and Friday, continues with the Marathon on Saturday, and concludes with the Cones phase on Sunday, March 8. Co-president Chester Weber will be chasing his 17th Four-In-Hand national title.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Live Oak International, competitors and spectators will see that we’ve worked hard over the years to ensure this tournament is well rounded and is fit to be on a global scale.” said Live Oak International co-president, Chester Weber. “Live Oak International caters to all riders, drivers, sponsors and spectators. At LOI our goal is that all Live Oak International attendees leave having had an unforgettable, first class and very memorable experience.”
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.
Helpful Links
About the North American League
The Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League, now in its fifth year, consists of 14 venues in three countries – the United States, Mexico and Canada. Each venue hosts qualifiers to determine the North American riders who will compete at the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final (April 15-19) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The NAL, which offers $2.4 million in prize money, is one of 16 leagues that form the global FEI Jumping World Cup™ series, which has been in existence since 1978.
About Live Oak International
What began 30 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 Weber and his sister, Juliet W. Reid, the tournament is the only in the United States to offer international combined driving and show jumping competition. As Marion County’s largest spectator event, more than 10,000 spectators attend the four-day tournament to watch the exciting competition by athletes from all corners of the world. In addition to the combined driving and show jumping competition, Live Oak International hosts many hospitality opportunities, and flourishing vendor area available to the public. For more information please visit www.liveoakinternational.com
Follow the action before, during and after each qualifier with #FEIWorldCup, #Longines and #JumpToGreatness.