Ocala, Fla. – The USEF Four-in-Hand Driving National Championship got underway Thursday at Live Oak International with four drivers beginning their mission for national champion honors. The drivers performed their tests in front of the ground jury in the picturesque International Arena at Live Oak Plantation. Chester Weber leads the field with Misdee Wrigley Miller and Allison Stroud rounding out the top three, respectively.

Weber (Ocala, Fla.) presented his and Jane Clark’s team in a performance that set the stage for his pursuit of a 13th National Championship title, earning a score of 45.25.

“The horses did a nice job. It was not perfect, but it’s early in the season and the performance was good enough for the win today. Starting off the weekend on top is a good place to be,” said Weber.

Showcasing an expressive and fluid test was Misdee Wrigley Miller (Lakewood Ranch, Fla.). She and her horses put together a solid test to receive a score of 49.49, putting her in second place going into Saturday’s marathon phase.

Allison Stroud (West Grove, Pa.) and her Willow Star LLC-owned team performed a harmonious test to receive a score of 53.39, good for third place. Completing the field is first-time National Championship contender, Craig Grange (Delmar, Iowa) on a score of 66.72.

The FEI Four-in-Hand and Single Horse divisions this weekend serve as selection trials for drivers aiming for the 2016 FEI World Driving Championships. Leading the Single Horse division after dressage is 2015 USEF International Horse of the Year, PVF Peace of Mind, driven by Suzy Stafford on a score of 43.58.

Complete Dressage Results

Watch driving and show jumping live from Live Oak International all weekend on USEFNetwork.com. Driving dressage will continue at 9:00 a.m. ET Friday and Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League action will begin at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Find out more about Live Oak International.