At Home With Chester Weber

"What excites me every day is the pursuit of excellence," says Chester Weber, a 20-time U.S. Equestrian Federation National Four-in-Hand Champion.

Weber has been surrounded by horses all his life. He grew up on his mother's racing stable and dreamed of becoming a jockey at a young age. However, after internalizing this dream in his early childhood, he found that he would never be the right size to become a successful jockey.

More by chance, an interesting twist of fate occurred when a Clydesdale was given to his father. Weber and his father tried unsuccessfully to connect with the horse in the saddle. After several unsuccessful attempts, they decided to take up driving. With that, his passion was ignited and young Chester Weber developed a love for driving.

Short trips with his father in the passenger seat turned into longer trips with Weber as commander. While Weber sat at the wheel, his father took notes on the farm work and it became a tradition for them to ride in the carriage in the morning. After gaining plenty of experience on home soil, it was time to take Chester's driving skills to the next level.

His parents supported him in realizing his dream, and it wasn't long before Chester owned his own driving horses and the first competitions were just around the corner.

"It's kind of like poetry in motion, it's such a connection to horses," Weber says.

His attention to detail, along with his competitive spirit, brought Chester Weber prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2008, he became the first American to win an individual silver medal at the World Four-in-Hand Driving Championships.

Many more international victories followed during his career, including gold with the team and individual silver at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon. In 2014 and 2015, Weber won Weber won the high-profile four-in-hand competition at the British Royal Windsor Horse Show twice in a row and was the leading FEI four-in-hand rider in the world in 2014. 

Weber's successes are closely related to the fantastic team that works closely together on a day-to-day basis at the stable. In doing so, the team works according to a detailed plan that includes principles such as clear communication and is designed to cover the needs of all horses and team members.

"I want them to feel safe and confident in their own environment," Weber said.

Whether competing internationally or on home soil, Weber caters to the individual characteristics and spirit of the horses. Together, the horses are able to trust Weber and at the same time support each other when a good atmosphere and teamwork are provided. 

"We are a team, two people in the carriage, four horses and myself, all working together in harmony to achieve a kind of excellence and brilliance," Weber said.

Outside of driving, Weber organizes with his niece, top show jumper Chloe Reid, organizes the Live Oak International in Ocala, Florida. Together, they have managed to combine both passions at a jointly organized show. Live Oak International began by hosting cross-country driving competitions, but the show grew in popularity each year, eventually hosting show jumping competitions and even the final leg of the FEI Jumping World Cup™, just before the Grand Final.

The organization of the own tournament in Florida has not only Weber-Reid family, but also brought the local equestrian community closer. Numerous equestrian enthusiasts come together to admire athletes from all over the world. Weber himself also actively participates in the Live Oak International, mastering the balancing act between running the show and competing at the highest level of athletic performance. 

Even if Weber expects precision and performance in competitions, he gives full scope to his horses' individuality, including their fitness and well-being. The horses are encouraged to develop freely, including in their training. Each horse has an individual training method, whether it's nutrition, supportive riding or exercise - each horse has a plan that fits its personality and needs.

"I always say, 23 hours a day for you, give me one hour of your day and bring your best, I'll give you the best life back," Weber said. His strategy and passion are evident in Weber's driving skill and teamwork and are evidenced in his long string of successes. Weber's stable fosters an environment that is always striving for improvement and excellence.

Gabriele Grasso, a young Italian driver who trains with Weber, quoted the advice Weber gave him.

"Train the way you train at the tournament," Grasso said, "be as passionate about it as you are about competing."

With individualized training, tailored expectations and a generous helping of patience, he builds remarkable bonds with his horses and teammates that allow them to succeed on their own terms.