The rags to riches story of Jamaica, a slaughter-bound warmblood who became US Horse of the Year, is beginning a new chapter as the 20-year-old carriage horse heads for retirement.

Jamaica.
Jamaica was part of Chester Weber's silver medal-winning team from the 2008 FEI World Four-in-Hand-Championships. He has been retired from competition and is to live out his days on Weber's Live Oak Stud in Ocala, Florida, along with several other retired driving and racehorses.

He was named the 2008 United States Equestrian Federation Horse of the Year.

The Dutch warmblood gelding [by Cambridge Cole S974 and out of Welkom (Noran)] was initially bought to be a tourist carriage horse, rescued on his way to the slaughter house. His refusal to stand still and be patient was the demise of that career but his tenacity and strength of character paid off when he 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."

Jamaica will share his retirement at the Webers' Live Oak Stud in Ocala with several other retired driving and racehorses.