Horse Illustrated Magazine

Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Champion, will donate a package for “Two Days of Training” during the silent auction at the upcoming Salute To Driving USET Fund Raising for the Driving Discipline. Weber will give the winner of the silent auction two days of training with either their own horses or with Weber’s horses.

The Salute To Driving USET Fund Raising for the Driving Discipline is a weekend for all levels to learn and have fun. The event includes two days of Advanced/FEI level and ADS Lower level clinics, a benefit party, Combined Test, plus other various activities to help educate equine enthusiasts from other disciplines. Salute to Driving will be held on Chateau Log Farm and Courage to Lead Farm in Windsor, South Carolina and the Country Dinner Benefit will be held at Trout Walk Farm in Aiken, South Carolina. The event will take place February 19 – 21, 2011.

“I am really looking forward to the Salute to Driving weekend and especially offering a package for ‘Two Days of Training’ at the silent auction. I believe the USET is a very worthy cause and the money raised during this weekend will go toward sending the US driving athletes to international competitions,” Weber said. “During the weekend there will be developing drivers clinics given by Larry Poulin and a two-day advanced long listed drivers clinic with Michael Freund, so it should be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

The weekend’s activities will include a benefit dinner on Saturday night at Trout Walk Farm that will include the silent auction complete with Weber’s “Two Days of Training” package. “I am passionate about Combined Driving and enjoy any chance I get to help others learn more or advance in the sport,” Weber said.

The weekend will also include a combined test judged by Freund, Marth Nicoll, Marsoe LaRose and Craig Kellogg. During the lunch break at the combined test, there will be a Pas de Deux with Phillip Dutton riding and Shelly Temple driving.

Not content to simply win championships, Weber has built a reputation for giving back to his sport throughout the years. By donating unique items and opportunities, Weber increases awareness and gives Combined Driving a good name. Bonnie Jenkins, the executive director of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, said, “Its really nice when our world class drivers give back and continue to help their discipline.”

Weber is known for being a force in the combined driving world as well as an equestrian who is very willing to give back to the community. Weber is an active member of the Unites States Equestrian Federation, serving on the Board of Directors and a variety of committees. In addition, he is active in the development and promotion of the Live Oak International Combined Driving Event.

For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com. For more information on the Salute to Driving weekend, visit the Aiken Driving club website at www.aikendrivingclub.com.