Two years ago at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games the U.S. stormed to a Team Silver medal on home-turf in Lexington, KY, eight years after
![Jimmy Fairclough and Chester Weber aim to stand on the podium with Joe Yoder in 2012. (Shannon Brinkman Photo)](/images/articles/3479/weg2010310brinkmanawardspar-222.jpg)
Jimmy Fairclough and Chester Weber aim to stand on the podium with Joe Yoder in 2012. (Shannon Brinkman Photo)
Fairclough is one of the most longstanding members of the U.S. Driving Team having represented his country at Pairs as well as Four-in-Hand World Championships. He has claimed the National Four-in-Hand title four times (1982, 1994, 2001 and 2011) as well claiming Reserve honors nine times and will be aiming for his first World Championship Individual medal in Germany. The Newtown, NJ native will drive his own Levin, Charlie Brown, Coletto and Kavango von Falkenstein as well as Patsy Wooten’s Valentino.
In 2008, Weber (Ocala, FL) claimed the Individual Silver medal at the FEI Four-in-Hand World Driving Championships in Beesd, The Netherlands. In 2012 the eight-time USEF National Champion eyes claiming Team and Individual medals for the first time at the same Championship. Well known for his proficiency in the first phase, Weber hopes to jump-out to an early lead with his own Boy W, Horus du Bois and Para. His team is completed by Jane Clark’s Splash and Uniek.
Yoder makes his first appearance at a Four-in-Hand World Championship but is no stranger to the championship stage having represented the U.S. at the 2011 FEI World Pair Driving Championship. The 32-year-old has been preparing diligently for the 2012 championships basing himself in Zwartewaal, The Netherlands. He will drive the de Ronde’s Caletta, Celena 6, Majoor and Ruby as well as Misdee Wrigley Miller’s Sarasko.
Learn more about the U.S. Team here.
U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Ed Young believes the U.S. is poised for a competitive showing but knows it is essential they produce strong results in the first phase.
“I’m very optimistic; everyone has looked good in the training sessions. Chester is at the top of his game and hopefully he’ll be on top after the dressage. All the other horses look great as well. I would like to end up on top after the dressage.”
Competition officially gets underway Thursday with the first of two days of driven dressage. On Saturday the exciting marathon phase will be held, with Team and Individual World Champions being crowned Sunday at the conclusion of the cones phase.
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Follow the 2012 U.S. Driving Team here.