19 February 2014

Weber’s First Live Oak Driver Apprentice Brings a Real ‘Wise Guy’

Jacob Arnold, who began a mentorship under Chester Weber in January as the first up-and-coming driver to benefit from Weber's inaugural Live Oak Driver Apprentice Program, is getting a real 'Wise Guy' to work with: Ijsbrand Chardon's talented FEI prospect Wise Guy, known fondly as Whooper.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to have a chance to drive such a talented horse. Wise Guy (aka Whooper) has shown he has what it takes to be a top-level FEI level horse for many years to come. I owe a debt of gratitude to Iron Spring Farm for sponsoring me and a big thank you to Chester Weber, who came up with this idea, and has gone above and beyond to make this a reality,” says Live Oak's first Driver Apprentice.

Whooper's owner, Ijsbrand Chardon, is also excited about turning his talented horse over to such a rising star as Arnold – and respected competitor worldwide as Weber. “It's great to see a talented driving horse help develop a young, motivated and talented driver like Jacob Arnold,” Chardon said of the 10-year old, Iron Spring Farm-bred gelding sired by Sir Sinclair ISF.

“Whooper is a very talented horse that was trained and driven by Ijsbrand as part of his Individual Silver and Team Gold medal winning team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky,” said Weber. “With his dynamic and vivid expression, Whooper is a correct, expansive mover that will make a lasting impression on the Single Driving world.”