Mill Spring, N.C. – The driving discipline is the final equestrian sport to begin competition at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) Tryon 2018. Chef d’Equipe Barry Hunter aims to lead the U.S. Driving Team of James Fairclough, Misdee Wrigley Miller, and Chester Weber to a strong showing in front of the home crowd. The team is made up of experienced drivers who are up to the challenge of competing against the best drivers in the world.
Meet the Team
James Fairclough (Newton, N.J.) with Bento V, his 2006 Dutch Warmblood gelding; Caletta 5, his 2002 Austrian Warmblood mare; Citens, his 2007 KWPN gelding; Dapper, his 2008 Dutch Warmblood gelding; and Zenden, his 2004 Dutch Warmblood gelding. Follow Fairclough on Facebook (@top.brass.farm), Twitter (@TopBrassFarm), and Instagram (@topbrassfarmnj).
Misdee Wrigley Miller (Lakewood Ranch, Fla.) with Beau, her 2006 KWPN gelding; Bravour 54, her 2006 KWPN gelding; Bolino D, her 2006 KWPN gelding; Calipso 86, her 2007 Dutch Warmblood gelding; and Daan 8, her 2008 KNHS gelding. Follow Wrigley Miller on Facebook (@HillcroftFarmCombinedDriving) and Instagram (@hillcroftfarm).
Chester Weber (Ocala, Fla.) with Asjemenou, his 2005 Dutch Warmblood gelding; Splash, Jane Clark’s 2003 Dutch Warmblood gelding; First Edition, his 2009 KWPN gelding; Reno, his 2009 Hungarian gelding; and Boris W, his 2006 KWPN gelding. Follow Weber on Facebook (@LiveOakCombinedDriving) and Instagram (@chesterweber).
Last Time Out
Fairclough and his horses placed third at Live Oak International and WEG Driving Test Event in the winter/spring season and won at Bromont International in June.
Wrigley Miller and her horses placed second at Palm Tree CDE and WEG Driving Test Event and fourth at Live Oak International in the winter/spring season. They were third at Sandringham CAI in June.
Weber and his horses scored four wins from winter to summer of 2018: Palm Tree CDE, Live Oak International, WEG Driving Test Event, Riesenbeck International, and Beekbergen CAI. They were also second at Saumur CAI and sixth at the World Equestrian Festival CHIO Aachen.
Career Highlights
Fairclough: Six-time FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand competitor (2016, 2012, 2000, 1996, 1982, and 1980), including Riesenbeck 2012 team bronze medalist; five-time WEG competitor (2010, 2006, 2002, 1998, and 1994), including Lexington 2010 team silver medalist and Jerez de la Frontera 2002 team silver medalist; FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs competitor (1993 and 1991); four-time USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2011, 2001, 1994, and 1982)
Wrigley Miller: 2016 FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand competitor; 2014 Alltech WEG competitor; two-time FEI World Driving Championships for Pairs competitor (2013 and 2011); two-time USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2014 and 2013)
Weber: Four-time FEI World Driving Championships for Four-in-Hand competitor (2016, 2012, 2008, and 2004), including Riesenbeck 2012 individual silver medalist and team bronze medalist and Beesd 2008 individual silver medalist; four-time WEG competitor (2014, 2010, 2006, and 2002), including Normandy 2014 individual silver medalist, Lexington 2010 team silver medalist, and Jerez de la Frontera 2002 team silver medalist; 15-time USEF Four-in-Hand Horse Combined Driving National Champion (2018-2012, 2010-2003); two-time USEF Pair Horse Combined Driving National Champion (1998 and 1996)
Competition Information
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Stay up to date on the U.S. Driving Team at WEG by following USA Combined Driving on Facebook and US Equestrian on Twitter and Instagram, featuring a daily Instagram Story. Use #USADriving and #Tryon2018.