Plan Your Winter: Stalls & Entries Open for 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington

Wilmington, Ohio – December 26, 2025 – Entries and stalls are open for World Equestrian Center – Wilmington’s (WEC) 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series, one of the Midwest’s most comprehensive and longest-running winter hunter/jumper circuits. Spanning 17 weeks and running through April 12, 2026, the series will feature USEF National Hunter and Level 4 Jumper competition, alongside USEF Premier Hunter and Level 4 Jumper divisions, offering more than $4 million in prize money and awards.

Winter Classic 5, taking place January 7–11, 2026, will kick off the circuit’s first World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week of the season. Hunters will take center stage in the Standlee Sanctuary, while jumper riders will compete in the R+L Arena. A second WCHR week will be held during Winter Classic 16, March 25–29, 2026.

Each week of the circuit will feature a full slate of jumper offerings for professionals, juniors, and amateurs alike, including:

• $30,000 Grand Prix
• $10,000 Welcome Stake
• $9,999 Futures Prix
• $7,500 1.20m Jr/Am Mini Prix

Hunter competition throughout the series will offer opportunities across all levels, highlighted by:

• $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby
• $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby
• $3,500 Non-Pro 2’6” Hunter Derby
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby

View the prize lists and place your stalls & entries.

2026 Winter in the Midwest Remaining Dates and ratings:

USEF National Hunter/Level 4 Jumpers
  USEF Premier Hunter/Level 4 Jumpers*

• Winter Classic 5: 1/7-1/11* WCHR
• Winter Classic 6: 1/14-1/18
• Winter Classic 7: 1/21-1/25
• Winter Classic 8: 1/28-2/1
• Winter Classic 9: 2/4-2/8
• Winter Classic 10: 2/11-2/15
• Winter Classic 11: 2/18-2/22
• Winter Classic 12: 2/25-3/1
• Winter Spring Forward: 3/4-3/8*
• Winter Classic 14: 3/11-3/15
• Winter Classic 15: 3/18-3/22
• Winter Classic 16: 3/25-3/29 WCHR
• Winter Classic 17: 4/1-4/5
• Winter Classic 18: 4/8-4/12

Beyond the competition rings, exhibitors can enjoy a full on-site experience throughout the winter season. Vendor Village will feature shopping from WEC’s A Sudden Impulse, 2nd Round Equestrian, 70 Degree, The Custom Fox, Equestrian Sundry, Ride EquiSafe, Rider’s Boutique, and Equestrian Chic Boutique. Dining and coffee options include Dark Horse Coffee Co., The International Grille & Café and The Paddock Club.

Circuit points will be accumulated throughout the 2026 Winter in the Midwest Series and awarded during the circuit finale at Winter Classic 18.

Exhibitors are encouraged to bring family, friends, and dogs to shop, dine, and enjoy top-tier hunter/jumper competition all winter long. Weekly events with prizes will be held throughout the circuit, and all WEC events are free and open to the public.

Young Hunter & Jumper Incentive Program

WEC is offering an affordable and exciting way to bring along young horses at its premier, centrally located facility. All 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds are eligible to be nominated for the remainder of the 2026 show season.

All nominated jumpers will be eligible for the $45,000 Young Jumper Championship. Jumpers will pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees and jumper nomination fees will be FREE for every show through November 2026.

All nominated hunters will be eligible for the Young Hunter Championship, where they will be offered back 100% of the nomination fees collected throughout the year as prize money (with a minimum of $2,500 guaranteed). Hunters will pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees in the Young Hunter Division will be FREE for every show through November 2026.

The Young Horse Championships will be held during Fall Classic 3 from October 7, 2026 through October 11, 2026.

About World Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout e

ach property.

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Learn more at wec.net.

Media Contact
Leah Tong
[email protected]