WEC Delights Equestrian Competitors and Spectators Alike!
The World Equestrian Center, Ocala opened this past winter season to rave reviews. Marion County horse enthusiasts were treated to an exceptional horse show experience at this country’s finest new state of the art equestrian sports complex.
Due to mileage rule complications over winter show dates with the USEF, The World Equestrian Center (WEC) made the decision to sanction their show series through the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA). Through this partnership, WEC was able to follow Covid safety measures and hosted a highly successful 2021 Ocala Winter Spectacular for competitors and spectators at their spectacular new facility in Marion County. Based on the success of their winter circuit, the NSBA will remain the sanctioning body for the WEC’s show series in both Ocala and Wilmington, Ohio.
A Hub For Multi-Discipline Horse Sport & Spectator Entertainment
It’s important to point out that the WEC Ocala is a multi-discipline and multi-purpose destination for more than just the hunter/jumper world! Upon conclusion the winter circuit at the end of March, the action continued with other events such as The Special Olympics Florida Games, The United States Dressage Association CDI 3* and A Sudden Impulse NSBA Show & Futurity.
The WEC is also a hub for fun spectator demonstrations and entertainment, such as The Festival of Speed, Thoroughbred Weekend which celebrated the horse and auto racing industry enthusiasts here in Marion County. Taking place on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, this extraordinary event featured a fabulous display of exotic, classic and muscle cars placed for display in an all new world class resort. The weekend culminated with WEC’s Kentucky Derby Hat Party, where patrons donned their best outfits and enjoyed an evening of fine dining and watched the Kentucky Derby on the WEC Jumbotron.
During the month of May the The World Equestrian Center, Ocala will showcase it’s diversity in horse sport with the Arabian Horse Associations Regional Championships, The Feathered Horse Show (Gypsy Vanners) and the Paso Fino Extravaganza. Spectators can come enjoy a day of watching the horse show, visiting the shops, or dining and entertainment with a full calendar of musicians and entertainment!
Summer Horse Show Series
World Equestrian Center – Ocala will present an exciting new Summer Horse Show Series featuring National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) sanctioned hunter/jumper competition at the new Florida venue. The 10-week series begins June 9 and ending August 15th, offers competition of all levels. The Summer Show Series features $238,000 per week in prize money and more than $2.4m in total money and prizes for the series.
Throughout the summer series, the Jumper Series features $7.5K Futures Prix, $10K 1.40m Classic, $15K Welcome Stake and the $50K Grand Prix. Hunter competitors will have a variety of Hunter Derbies ranging in prize money from the $2.5K to the $12.5K WEC 3’6”-3’9” Hunter Derby. In addition to the 15 outdoor rings, the facility also has 5 massive climate controlled indoor arenas, to protect competitors from the heat and elements – thus ensuring year round competition in beautiful Marion County!
More Than Just a Horse Show
Although the World Equestrian Center, Ocala is a year round destination for horse lovers, it is also a hub of activity for other interest groups in the greater Marion County community. In addition to the horse show, the facility has a gorgeous resort style hotel, spa, and convention/trade show center intended for corporate use, sports events and weddings.
The World Equestrian Center has already had a positive impact on real estate values in Marion County – and the Team at Ocala Horse Properties predicts that the economic development from WEC in terms of regional revenue and job growth will continue into the foreseeable future. There is no better time to think about buying a farm, land or residential real estate in Marion County, so please reach out to our team for your personalized tour of available properties in Ocala, Florida.
We’re looking forward to meeting you!