Beesd, The Netherlands - The first two days of the 2008 Four-in-Hand World Driving Championship in Beesd, The Netherlands were dominated by Team USA. The Team is in the lead after the dressage, ahead of the host nation The Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Chester Weber maintained his lead in the dressage with his amazing dressage test, which was awarded on the first dressage day with a record score of 32.13 penalty points. Weber, 33 from Ocala, Florida, won the first competition of the World Championship by four points ahead of Dutch superstar and three-time World Champion, Ijsbrand Chardon. Many spectators enjoyed two wonderful days of dressage, despite some typical incidental Dutch rain showers.

“I am very pleased with the performance of my horses and to be in the lead before the marathon is not bad,” said Weber. “But the difference with Chardon is so little that I have to improve my dressage even more before the WEG in Kentucky 2010!"

The last US team member to go was Tucker Johnson, who also put in an excellent performance in the crowded and impressive main arena in Beesd. Johnson’s test was awarded by the five international judges with a score of 45.57 penalty points, good enough for sixth place in the individual standings after the dressage. Johnson showed the quality of his German-bred horses and his horsemanship, but several mistakes by his left leader cost him valuable points.

“My left leader was disturbed by the noise from the VIP-stand which could clearly be heard in the dressage arena,” said Johnson. “But I am pleased with the dressage and especially with the position of the US Team in the Team standings. It is not so bad to be in the lead after the dressage!“

The third team member of Team USA, James Fairclough, winner of the presentation competition on opening day, was unable to find the rhythm and harmony in his team. The 50-year-old driver from Newton, New Jersey finished his dressage with a score of 68.22 penalty points and is in 56th position after the first competition.

“It was a very successful day for the carriage driving community in the USA,” said Ed Young, Chef d’Equipe of Team USA. “I am extremely pleased with Chester Weber’s dressage win, he worked very hard to achieve this result.”

The prize giving ceremony of the dressage took place in pouring rain, which the drivers, who put down such excellence performances, had not deserved.

The second phase of the 2008 World Championship, the marathon, takes place tomorrow. Eight technical obstacles and a demanding course awaits the 59 competitors.

For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at [email protected]. For complete results, please see http://www.wkvierspannen.nl/en/.