Welcome to week seven of the World Equestrian Center ‘Winter in the Midwest’ 2020 circuit. We’re hosting another popular Life-Size Jenga Tournament: the first of the new year. Check below for details about the tournament and more happening this week. Also find the World Equestrian Center newsletter posted around the facility, to follow along daily with our events and find out where to shop, dine and relax.
As WEC shows come and go, so do the vendors that grace our facility. Below, you’ll find a list of this week’s vendors with a snapshot of what some have to offer. Find them in Vendor Village and the R+L Arena annex during normal show hours. Many vendors frequently rotate their stock or offer deals on their services so check in each week, you might see something new to purchase!
What to Watch
Thursday | $5,000 Welcome Stake – Sanctuary Arena
Friday | $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – R+L Arena
Saturday | $25,000 WEC Grand Prix – Sanctuary Arena
$7,500 Futures Prix – Sanctuary Arena
$2,000 Non Pro 2’6” Derby – Roberts Arena
Where to Eat
We’re offering two tantalizing buffets at the Paddock Club this week for just $19.99 per person. Friday, savor a Backyard Barbecue buffet dinner with ribs, chicken, pulled pork, macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw and a salad bar. Saturday, the buffet theme will be California Classic, featuring vegan stuffed peppers, mixed vegetable risotto, shrimp scampi, chicken, tomato bisque, butternut squash soup (vegan) and a salad bar. You can also visit the Paddock Club Tuesday through Sunday to order from the restaurant’s tasty menu.
While you’re spectating Saturday’s shows, drop by the Sanctuary Arena for a ringside exhibitor party during the Grand Prix. Enjoy philly steak spring rolls, boursin cheese stuffed mushrooms, and balsamic fig and goat cheese flatbread, courtesy of WEC, as you experience the exciting sport of Grand Prix show jumping. The Rider’s Lounge will also continue to offer breakfast items and coffee. Snacks are available for exhibitors visiting the Junior Rider’s Lounge.
What to Do
If you’re the master of balancing blocks, enter your team of three in the Paddock Club’s Life-Size Jenga Tournament. Register in the show office by Friday to compete in this event Saturday after the Grand Prix. We had a lot of fun at last December’s tournament; we’re hoping to find some familiar faces at this weekend’s event.
Join us for the Cadets Horsemanship Program at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning upstairs in the Sanctuary Arena. The program is open to everyone but only junior riders are eligible for a horse show credit. Each week, 40 junior riders chosen by random drawing will receive a horse show credit with 39 cadets receiving a $250 horse show credit and one lucky cadet receiving a $500 credit. Attendance is strictly enforced; please check in by 7:00 a.m. with the attendant. Only those that are entered in the show office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday and check-in upstairs in the Sanctuary by 7:00 a.m. on Saturday are eligible for the random drawing.
The crew at Andrew Ryback Photography will be on-site for this show, capturing the best shots of riders in action. Andrew has a rich history in the equestrian photo industry, be sure to read more about him in the July 2019 issue of WEC magazine, available in print and online at WEC.net. Stop by his booth to view and purchase your show photos, plus, a few other items he offers exhibitors.
Chaplain Larry Speelman concludes his four-part series titled “Saddle up your Horses” now in its final week. This Sunday’s sermon is titled “Put on Secure;” below is Chaplain Larry’s description.
Where to Shop
Long-sleeve and short-sleeve Vineyard Vine Shirts are available in A Sudden Impulse, boasting a variety of sizes and colors. Pick out your favorite in the main store, located at the far end of Roberts Arena. Also browse the 30% off rack just outside the entrance to find great deals on eclectic apparel. If you’re in Vendor Village, find a smaller selection of items at the A Sudden Impulse boutique storefront.
Popular handbag and tote vendor Baekgaard is offering a 50% off sale on all canvas material. Stop in and grab a Tom Zipper Tote for yourself, available in green and desert colors. With a Baekgaard bag, you’ll have a sophisticated travel companion to hold all your personal and horse show essentials.
Dogs and horses abound at WEC; that’s why Chagrin Saddlery is offering Snaks Fifth Avenchew to keep your four-legged friends satisfied. Each package contains vibrant, colored treats shaped like hearts, maracas, syrup bottles and more! Oats, molasses, sugar and peppermint are the sole ingredients of these sweet delights.
The Apothecary is offering seven dollars off on tubes of GastroGard omeprazole paste. While you’re there, check out their other horse care products and medication for nearly every occasion. As we continue the WEC Winter Classics, The Apothecary will keep your horse happy and healthy this winter.
Why not personalize your apparel and accessories this show season? At Mona’s Monograms, their staff offer on-site custom embroidery as well as engraved plates for all your equestrian needs. Much of their work can be completed same-day, stop by Vendor Village to check out the full range of services.
According to Dr. Joel Saeks “If you get your horse adjusted without getting yourself adjusted, you’re throwing money away.” Visit his chiropractic practice and leave feeling better for your next ride. Dr. Saeks is a dog-lover too, bring your furry companions by for a few treats while you’re getting yourself adjusted.
TroGo’s tantalizing Amish recipe pretzels, pretzel sandwiches, doughnut bites and cinnamon rolls are welcome treats during any horse show season. They also offer a selection of popular beverages; fresh squeezed lemonade, fresh brewed iced tea, and even frozen hot chocolate and iced vanilla cream. Find their vintage food trailer on the showgrounds and purchase sweet and savory delights with a delicious aroma to match.
You may be familiar with The Custom Fox as the one stop shop for all equestrian tack and apparel but did you know they sell horse care supplies too? Horse supplements, grooming products and horse treats are all featured in their store and they’ve ramped up supply to cater to a growing demand. The next time you’re in the R+L Arena annex, take a trip to see their products.
For every Essex Classic Show Shirt you buy at Rider’s Boutique this week, you can purchase another for half off. Pair with the Plum Essex Quarter-Zip to feel both classy and warm in the new year. After you’re visit to Rider’s Boutique, you’re bound to walk away looking your best.
Need time to relax during the show? Look no further than A Bit of Class Salon & Day Spa, World Equestrian Center’s on-site boutique salon. Services include haircuts, styling, color, manicures, pedicures and massages. Text Diane Bayless (937-428-4984) for all of your hair and nail needs and Katrina Hale (513-623-9087) for a relaxing massage.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
We want to extend our thanks to our generous sponsors for their continued support: Antarès Sellier, Buckeye Nutrition, Coughlin Shadow, CWD, Dandy Products, Dover Saddlery, EquiFit, EquiJet, Flexi Equine, Osphos, Perfect Products, R+L Carriers, Sport Data, Inc., Sterling Thompson Equine, Tribute Equine Nutrition, Vetoquinol, and Voltaire Design. Many sponsors and their products are on-site weekly at World Equestrian Center, so be sure to stop in and say hello.