Jamaica, a slaughter-bound 20-year-old warmblood who was named US Horse of the Year by the USEF in 2008 has been rescued and is now in retirement along with several other driving and race horses at Live Oak in Ocala, Florida.
Jamaica was part of Chester Weber's silver medal-winning team from the 2008 FEI World Four-in-Hand-Championships.
The Dutch warmblood gelding was initially bought to be a tourist carriage horse, but was too lively and independent to succeed in that career. He was sold and headed for slaughter, but, recognized for his tenacity and strength of character, he was rescued and landed in Weber's stable.
"Jamaica has had a huge impact on my international and national driving career," Weber said. "His difficult nature has often taught me that one has to approach challenges with creativity and persistence. While active in our barn we never stopped learning about him and how to create a win-win partnership."