World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to host a wide range of fun family-friendly events this week including the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Championships and World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s Dressage III CDI 3*. This week will also showcase the Peruvian Paso Horse World Show, Autism Awareness Car & Truck Show, and an Easter Celebration.
The NCEA College Equestrian National Championship is taking place April 14-16 in Arena 3 and Arena 5. The top college equestrian teams from around the country compete in a bracketed format throughout the week to crown a national champion. The jumping seat events, fences and flat, are competing in Arena 3. The western events, horsemanship and reining, are competing in Arena 5. For more information and a competition schedule visit CollegiateEquestrian.com.
Join the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Championships for a Fan Fest on Wednesday, April 13 in Arena 3. Admission and parking are free.
4:30pm-5:30pm: Bouncy House & Face Painting
4:30pm-5:15pm: Student-Athlete Autograph Signing
5:30pm: Opening Ceremony
6:00pm: After Party – Live Music & Cash Bar
The World Equestrian Center – Ocala international dressage competition, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, will return to World Equestrian Center – Ocala on April 14-17, 2022. The World Equestrian Center (WEC) Dressage III CDI3* show will also be a USEF/USDF-sanctioned Level 5 competition. Click HERE to view Ride Times, the CDI Class Schedule and more.
Bring the entire family to the WEC Grand Arena for the Dressage III CDI 3* Grand Prix on Thursday, April 14 at 4pm and CDI 3* Grand Prix Freestyle on Friday, April 15 at 6pm presented by Hampton Green Farm. The Grand Prix will showcase top horse-and-rider combinations performing difficult tests that feature challenging and elegant maneuvers. The Grand Prix Freestyle on April 15 will feature stunning athletes and their mounts dancing to music. Admission and parking are free for this event!
Join World Equestrian Center – Ocala for Easter! From 10am-2pm in Indoor 4, you can celebrate Easter with spring crafts and face painting for the kids, along with Easter egg and cookie decorating courtesy of signature brands and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny!
The Easter Celebration will also include an Easter Egg Hunt at 12pm in Arena 4. Be lucky enough to find the special golden egg and you’ll be treated to an Easter surprise. Don’t forget to bring your own basket! Visit the green button ‘This Week at WEC’ to learn more about the events.
The Peruvian Paso Horse World Show will be held in the WEC Stadium on April 16-17 from 9:30am-12:30pm and 4:30pm-8pm.
On April 16 from 10am-2pm, visit Expo 2 for some family fun at the Michael L. Johnson, Jr. Foundation’s First Annual Autism Awareness Car & Truck Show, featuring a Kids Zone, music, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and more. $5 per ticket. Click HERE for more information.
Visit the WEC Calendar for more information regarding the events for next week.
Pick up your very own copy of the World Equestrian Center magazine! Copies are available in Arena 1 or read the issue online at World Equestrian Center Magazine VOL I 2022.
What To Do
Shopping
Many vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala have established storefront locations where they are open year-round. Below are our amazing retailers and their locations.
The Equestrian Hotel:
- Lugano Diamonds
- The Debonair Collection
- Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
- Calluna Spa
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Indoor 1:
- Ariat
- Ocala Shoe Shack division of Tack Shack of Ocala
- Rough Cut Boutique
- Arista Equestrian
Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
- LM Boots
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
- Parlanti
Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6:00pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, April 13 | Melissa Lee
Thursday, April 14 | Conrad Marcum
Friday, April 15 | Rudy Turner
Saturday, April 16 | Retro Express
Day at the Spa
Start your year off with a relaxing day at Calluna Spa. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Calluna Spa offers multiple massage treatments, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair salon for men and women. Give yourself the treat of a beautiful blowout this new year! Receive a complimentary glass of champagne and a blowout for $50. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862.
Calluna Spa is open Monday – Saturday from 9am-7pm and on Sunday from 10am-5pm. Click here to learn more.
Where to Eat
Located Within The Equestrian Hotel:
Stirrups Restaurant
Prime steaks and chops, sustainable Florida seafood and southern inspired seasonal specialties, served in a refined dining room and terrace overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 6:30am-11am | Saturday – Sunday: 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday – Saturday, 5pm-10pm
352.414.7864
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Boasting an outdoor patio and fireplace, this lobby gastro lounge offers shareable starters, pub fare, traditional draft beers, bourbons and whiskeys.
Sunday – Thursday, 11am-12am | Friday – Saturday, 11am-1am
352.414.7865
Emma’s Patisserie
A blissful, freshly baked array of authentic French macarons and European-inspired pastries are served within an ambiance of old-world elegance at this very special shop located within the Equestrian Hotel.
Open daily: 6am-8pm
352.414.7866
Restaurants throughout the facility:
Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
Design your own salad or pasta masterpiece with an assortment of delicious meats and toppings. Viola & Dot’s features pizzas and calzones crafted with homemade dough, classic Italian entrees and decadent sweet desserts.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
352.414.7877
Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop
A classic, diner-inspired menu with a few contemporary upgrades! Ralph’s invites you to enjoy signature burgers, salads and sandwiches topped off with a homemade milkshake. Open for lunch and dinner, start your day with a breakfast sandwich or enjoy an evening slice of pie.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7875
Miss Tilly’s Lollipops
Indulging is strongly encouraged at this unique sweet shop where specialty ice cream flavors and homemade fudge are the stars. With an array of chocolates, confections and coffees, Miss Tilly’s is the perfect place for a tasty treat.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
352.414.7878
Filo’s Mexican Cantina
Traditional Mexican flavors coupled with custom-made convenience. Filo’s serves up street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and much more in a vibrant dining room and open-air patio.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7876
2022 World Equestrian Center Horse Shows
World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2022 Summer Hunter/ Jumper Horse Show Series Featuring FEI 3* Competition
Join us for the 2022 World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series featuring USEF sanctioned hunter/jumper and two weeks of FEI 3* competition. The series is comprised of nine weeks of hunter/jumper shows running consecutively from June 15-August 14, 2022. FEI 3* competition takes place from June 21-July 3, 2022. The World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series features nearly $3.5 million in total money and prizes.
A Sudden Impulse NSBA & Futurity Horse Show
Save the date for the A Sudden Impulse AQHA & NSBA and Futurity, April 20-30, 2022 at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. A Sudden Impulse AQHA & NSBA and Futurity horse show is managed by An Equine Production. Click the link below now to view the show bill.
2022 Dressage Show Dates
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to announce nine dates for dressage competition in 2022 presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The events will span the year from January through December and include USEF/USDF nationally-rated competition. Click here for more information.