Jamaica and Chester Weber, the well-known record-setting horse and combined driver, made headlines in 2009 not only for winning the United States National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Championship for the seventh time but also for Jamaica’s rags-to-riches story of being rescued from a slaughter house before joining Weber’s team. The bond between Weber and Jamaica is deep, and thanks to the photography skills of internationally known equine photographer Barbara Bower, their partnership has been captured on film for the enjoyment of equestrian fans everywhere.

Bower, who traveled to Weber’s Live Oak Stud in Ocala for the photography session, said she enjoyed watching the relationship between the famous duo. “Photographing Chester and Jamaica was very easy. You could tell that there was a very strong bond between them, of mutual respect and compassion,” Bower said.

In addition to being known as a rescue horse, Jamaica is also known for his quirky personality and temperament. Bower said it was easy to see that Jamaica, who was named the 2008 USEF Horse of the Year, enjoyed being in the limelight. “Jamaica knew he was a star and I could tell how much he appreciated the attention he receives,” Bower said. “He is also very curious and was wondering what I was doing there. While walking down the road he turned around to see what I was doing behind him. You could almost here him ask the question.”

Bower said she is pleased with the photos of Chester and Jamaica and hopes his fans also enjoy them. “The story behind Jamaica being rescued really makes the relationship between Chester and Jamaica even more unique,” Bower said, adding that combining her two passions of photography and animals is her greatest joy.

While their images have forever been captured on film, Weber is intent on continuing to make headlines and break records. Weber’s goals in 2010 include winning the United States National Four-In-Hand Combined Driving Championship for an eighth time and competing in the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Weber plans for Jamaica to join him in both competitions, just as he did at all seven national championships and at WEG in 2002 in Spain and in 2006 in Germany.
For more information on Weber and Jamaica, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com. For more information on Bower and her photography, visit her website at www.equineartistrybybarbara.com.
 

Photo: Barbara Bower