On March 9-12, Ocala, Fla., will be the backdrop for a one-of-a-kind, world class sporting event. Top equestrians and equine athletes will compete in show jumping and combined driving at the Live Oak International. And the stakes are high; it will be the last chance this season for show jumping riders to qualify to compete at the World Cup Final of Show Jumping, March 29-April 2, in Omaha, Neb. As the last leg of the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping North American League, riders not yet qualified for the World Cup Final will be pulling out all the stops to win the $100,000 CSI-W3* Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier, presented by Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, on Sunday, March 12. Leading up to the big class will be the $10,000 Waldron Private Wealth 1.40m Power and Speed and $35,000 Hollow Creek FarmCSI3* Longines World Ranking Class Qualifier on Friday, March 10 and the $35,000 Sovaro CSI3* Longines World Ranking Competition on Saturday, March 11. "We are very excited to be this year's final qualifying leg for the Longines FEI World Cup," said Chester Weber, co-president of the event. "We are expecting competitors from some 20 countries and the stakes are high, so this will be an intensely exciting event that you will not want to miss!" As if that isn't enough excitement for one weekend, four USEF National Champions will be crowned in combined driving. Top combined driving athletes competing in Four-In-Hand Horse, Pair Horse, Four-In-Hand Pony, Pair Pony and FEI Single Pony will dazzle crowds with their elegance, strength and stamina throughout the weekend at Live Oak Plantation. Driving begins with Dressage on Thursday, March 9; continues with the thrilling Marathon on Saturday, March 11 and concludes with the culminating Obstacles on Sunday, March 12. Competition begins each day at 9:00 a.m. and continues through the afternoon. Over 10,000 spectators attend each year so everyone will want to be sure to arrive early. General admission tickets are now available online or at the gate for $10 per person, with proceeds going to Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. Children under 12 receive free admission. Parking for the event is free.
