October 29, 2024 – Ocala, FL – Competition is heating up as many of the country’s top junior equitation riders aim to qualify for the 2025 World Equestrian Center (WEC) Premier Equitation Cup Championship, which will take place at WEC – Ocala on February 8 during the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series. More than 50 riders have already qualified, but further spots are available. The qualification period runs through January 31, 2025, and junior riders must now accumulate 120 points to qualify.
The first big equitation championship of the year is a can’t-miss event and will be held in the WEC Grand Arena over a challenging and beautiful course. The three-phase championship features jumping, flat as well as a test phase, and boasts a new car and the prestigious Premier Cup title, as well as $100,000 in trainer awards among the spectacular prizes on offer.
Adriana Forte of Water Mill, NY, is currently at the top of the national standings after winning four qualifiers and placing in three others, and she recently won the 2024 WIHS Equitation Finals. She is excited to compete in her first-ever WEC Premier Cup.
“As someone spending the winter season in Wellington, I appreciate the change of scenery and the excellent facilities,” she said. “I like that there is both a flat and a second round so that you can show off multiple skills. Competing under the lights is a great experience. I am thrilled to be competing in this class, as it will be my first time in Ocala.”
Taylor Cawley, from Wellington, FL, won the 2024 Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals – East and is currently ranked in the top 10 on the WEC Premier Cup national standings. She showed Oki D’Eclipse in the prestigious class in 2024 and appreciates the chance to return.
“I am definitely looking forward to going back next year and hopefully making it to the test phase,” she said. “I love the venue, and they always run an amazing event. They use a technical course to set us up for the finals season ahead.
“The atmosphere there really stands out, getting to show in a big ring that the horses might not be used to. It’s also special that the second round goes at night outdoors, which is different from most of the other equitation events,” she added.
Lillian Geitner is currently ranked 22nd and has already gathered enough points to earn a coveted spot. The rider from Aiken, SC, will compete in the WEC Premier Cup for the second time, having made her debut in February 2024.
“I love the Premier Cup because it gives riders a chance to show off their skills,” she enthused. “It is a tricky class because it’s such a large, intimidating environment with the amazing ring and the intricate jumps and courses. It is such a fun class to compete in, and it feels like more of an experience rather than a competition.
“During the week of the WEC Premier Cup, most large equitation barns that usually show in Wellington travel to Ocala to compete in this class, so the entries increase by a ton,” she added. “The staff at WEC also do a really good job at making sure the venue is decorated and has a different vibe than during regular show weeks. It really makes it feel like you’re at a major final, and I look forward to the class all winter long.”
Riders who have yet to qualify through the points ranking system can pick up a wild card spot by placing first or second among riders not already qualified for the final from the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Qualifier during week five of the 2025 Ocala Winter Spectacular Show Series. Another wild card is up for grabs on the same basis via the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Qualifier during week eight of the 2025 WEC – Wilmington Winter in the Midwest circuit. A third wild card route will be afforded to two riders at WEC’s discretion.
For more details, including the 2025 WEC Premier Equitation Cup specifications, current standings and a complete list of events hosting a WEC Premier Cup Qualifier, please visit the link below.
For questions or comments regarding the 2025 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship, please contact wec@ryegate.com.