Ocala, FL – The Equestrian Manor, a premier new meeting and dining venue previously referred to as the Event Center at WEC, will open this fall at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC). Featuring traditional event space and four additional restaurants, including two rooftop concepts, The Equestrian Manor will position WEC as a top destination for meetings, conferences, weddings and events in the heart of Central Florida.
Set amidst the backdrop of the stunning 2,000-acre WEC resort—recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places—The Equestrian Manor promises exceptional experiences for all guests, from professional meeting planners to members of the Ocala community. The new venue will feature state-of-the-art ballrooms, meeting rooms and globally inspired dining designed to impress.
Among the four additional restaurants will be three entirely new concepts, as well as a second location for WEC’s beloved bakery, Emma’s Patisserie. Two of the new restaurants will be located on the rooftop, offering sweeping panoramic views of the landscape and indoor-outdoor seating designed for the Florida climate.
“The new restaurants at The Equestrian Manor will be a testament to the world-class culinary programming we offer at WEC,” said Jeremy Gow, Senior Director of Food & Beverage. “We’re looking forward to introducing these inventive concepts to the community and beyond, and continuing the excitement around the property’s most loved dining experiences. It’s a special opportunity to bring these restaurants to life, and to serve guests, event professionals and attendees from across the country, all at this beautiful new venue.”
On the first floor, The Polo Pony will serve American fare for lunch and dinner in a contemporary setting, complete with multiple private dining rooms. Unwind with a cold pour from the 32-tap beer program or dig into a burger built for two in the unique, cowhide-clad dining room. Guests can saddle up for a buzzing experience inspired by WEC’s Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, a popular spot inside The Equestrian Hotel.
Those seeking coffee and sweets can find their fill at Emma’s Patisserie, also on the first floor of The Equestrian Manor. Building on the success of the original Emma’s Patisserie inside The Equestrian Hotel, the second location will offer European coffeehouse favorites, Italian gelato, fresh juices, and house-made breads, along with handcrafted chocolates made by in-house chocolatiers, in addition to light options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night bites.
On the top floor, WEC will open an elegant Italian concept, Genievieve’s, serving hearty Italian cuisine that pays homage to the best of Italy’s timeless flavors. The Old-World dining room and rooftop bar will be a romantic spot to indulge in fine Italian wine, Aperol Spritz and fresh limoncello, alongside house-made pasta, artisanal cheese and seasonal Mediterranean dishes.
Also on the top floor, diners can get a taste of the Far East at The White Willow, a dynamic rooftop bar serving pan-Asian dinner fare borrowing from Japanese and Chinese cuisine, with Korean and Thai influences. Between the sushi bar and Yakitori, the menu focuses on elevated Asian street food, along with tea and sake cocktails and a curated selection of Asian beer. Organic textures and tranquil designs make the perfect Zen setting for a night out.
The Equestrian Manor and associated restaurants are slated to open in fall of 2025, followed by WEC’s Shoppes Off 80th outdoor shopping venue in 2026. Meeting planners can submit a request for proposal to reserve space at The Equestrian Manor for events beginning in November 2025. To be among the first to book, visit wec.net.
About World Equestrian Center
Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, 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 each 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.
Media Contact:
Leah Tong
Leah.Tong@wec.net