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WEC / Media

News & Media Releases

To access a list of World Equestrian Center press releases, click here.

On-Site at World
Equestrian Center

World Equestrian Center welcomes journalists and members of the media to visit our facility. We have Media Centers at both of our venues to accommodate your remote working needs.

Please select from one of our media applications or photography pass applications below. Approved credentials are required to work on the property.

Media Contacts

Press Officer:
Leah Oliveto Tong
727.946.2886 or contact leah.tong@wec.net

Official Photographers:
Andrew Ryback Photography
224.318.5445
info@andrewryback.com

Winslow Photography
614.634.2843
jwinslowphoto@gmail.com

Maven Photo + Film
352.888.6024
hello@mavenphotoandfilm.com 

Photography Policy

Please read and follow Ocala’s official photography policy here.

Please read and follow Wilmington’s official photography policy here.

Media Accreditation Form

For media accreditation, please complete the form below. Acceptance or denial notifications will be issued within two weeks. All media applications will close one week prior to the start of the event.

General Media Accreditation Form

Photography Pass Application

PR agencies and private photographers/videographers whose services do not conflict with Official Photographers may apply for a Photography Pass, subject to the guidelines outlined in the Photography Policy.

Submit a Photography Pass Application

 

 

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WEC Facts and Stats

WEC Background and History

World Equestrian Center is part of a family legacy that has its origins in top Quarter Horse breeding and competition. With a rich history in Ohio as the ‘Showplace of the Midwest’, Roberts Arena hosted decades of top AQHA competitions and events. Over the years, the Roberts family became known in the Quarter Horse industry as well-respected breeders, competitors and event hosts.

In 2015, a significant investment was made in the Ohio facility infrastructure with new indoor arenas and stabling; horse show dates were procured and the facility shifted its focus to hunter/jumpers. In 2016, Roberts Area was officially rebranded as World Equestrian Center.

World Equestrian Center brand debuted with a distinct logo that celebrated a love for the horse and a passion for equestrian sports. World Equestrian Center facility aesthetic was bright, clean and well managed with an emphasis on customer service. Competitors can expect a refreshing emphasis on great sport in a safe, fun, family-friendly environment.

Since their introduction, the World Equestrian Center brand horse shows have experienced steady growth. World Equestrian Center – Wilmington hosts 44 events each year drawing nearly 70,000 people to the facility annually.

In late 2016, World Equestrian Center announced the development of a second, much larger facility in Ocala, Florida. World Equestrian Center – Ocala is now the largest indoor/outdoor equestrian facility in the world.

Ocala, Florida

  • 2,000 plus acre multidisciplinary facility
  • Stabling for nearly 3,000 horses
  • Two exposition centers
  • 23 outdoor arenas with all-weather footing
  • Dedicated schooling, warmup and lunging rings
  • Large turnout paddocks
  • 6 climate-controlled indoor arenas
  • Miles of hacking trails
  • The Equestrian Hotel overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena
  • The Riding Academy Hotel
  • Seven restaurants throughout the property
  • Luxury and lifestyle retail

Wilmington, Ohio

  • 200-acre multidisciplinary facility
  • 200,000 sq. ft. of indoor riding space
  • Stabling for 800 horses
  • Dedicated schooling, warm-up and lunging rings
  • Large grass paddocks
  • 7 indoor arenas, custom blended GGT footing
  • Outdoor show complex with 5 rings
  • 2 on-site restaurants
  • Vendor Village upscale shopping experience
  • Fitness Center
  • Dark Horse Coffee Co. featuring Starbucks with ride through service
  • 32 Hunter/Jumper horse shows per year
  • 12 AQHA, Breed and Association events
  • Championships, clinics and special events

Equestrian Sport Information

Equestrian is the only sport where men and women compete equally.

Equestrianism debuted at the 1900 summer Olympics in Paris, France, and has appeared in every Olympics since 1912. Today there are three equestrian events in the Olympics: Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. Each discipline has both individual and team competitions during the Olympic games.

Media Resources

Horses: Economic Impact in the U.S.

  • According to the American Horse Council’s 2023 Economic Impact Study, the equine industry contributes approximately $74 billion in direct contribution to GDP to the U.S. economy, and has a direct employment impact of 1.3 million jobs.
  • The horse industry’s contribution ripples out into other sectors of the economy. These direct impacts drive a further $103 billion in added value to the economy and more than 880,000 jobs from indirect and induced effects.

Estimated number of horses in the U.S.:
6.7 million

Estimated number of horses by activity

Recreation: 2,900,000
Competition: 1,150,740
Racing: 1,051,457
Working : 515,518

2023 USEF Member Demographic Profile

  • 85% Female
  • 66% have a college degree
  • Average net worth of $955,000
  • 82% own a horse or pony
  • Own an average of four horses
  • Compete at least six times per year
  • Average net worth is $995,000
  • 40% own a farm; 66% of those are 10 acres or more

Media Disclaimer

By entering the premises of World Equestrian Center (WEC), you enter an area where photography, audio and video recording may occur. By entering the property, you consent to photography, audio and/or video recording, and the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction to be used for news, web, social media, advertising and other promotional purposes by WEC and its affiliates and representatives. In entering the WEC grounds, you release WEC, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, images, video and/or audio recordings. All rights to royalties, claims of payment in connection with any use of the media materials listed above, are waived, regardless of whether a fee or admission is charged or sponsorship applied. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before entering WEC grounds.

World Equestrian Center Logos

Contact us for official World Equestrian Center logos and approved guidelines for use.

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Visiting World Equestrian Center

Learn more about visiting both World Equestrian Center  facilities in Wilmington, Ohio and Ocala, Florida.

Visit WEC Ocala    Visit WEC Wilmington

News

Simonson and Indian Rock Impress in Grand Prix Special CDI3* at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

May 25, 2025 – Ocala, FL – It was another impressive performance in the Grand Prix Special CDI3* presented by The Fix Aesthetic Clinic as Christian Simonson (USA) and Indian Rock, owned by Zen Elite Equestrian Center, took their second victory in their first international competition. The class was a highlight of Saturday evening, May 24, 2025, during the May Dressage CDI3* presented by Hampton […]Read More

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Why World Equestrian Center

I have been a regular vendor at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala for over a year.  What a beautiful and fun place to work!  The management and vendor coordinator have been so pleasant and easy to work with, I’m eager to come back for the next show!

Amanda Grace
Independent BEMER Distributor, Bemer USA

WEC is much classier and cleaner than most facilities I’ve been at and the faculty is tremendous to work with! The simplicity with setting up and tearing down in between shows in vendor village and not having to cover up or put away product is very convenient. The security that goes along with our product in vendor village is very important and with WEC’s security we never have to worry about product being taken or ruined. Being able to have a booth in the village that I am able to close a door, lock, and walk away from allows for peace of mind.

Holly Gregg
Haala Denim

The opportunity to be a vendor at WEC has been very advantageous for both brand awareness as well as sales. The vendor village is second to none – well laid out, cozy, and inviting, with amenities beyond what is available at most other show venues.

Catherine Winter
Ride Equisafe

Being a vendor at WEC for the past five years has given Equestrian Sundry a great opportunity to connect with equestrian enthusiasts from across the country and Canada.  From pony kids to Adult Ammys, to Grand Prix riders to pony Moms & Dads and everyone in between!  They all seem to really enjoy our equestrian inspired gift, home and apparel that we carry. We’re grateful that we can make meaningful relationships and expand our customer base within our storefront in the one-of-a-kind vendor village at WEC Wilmington.

Barbie Coleman
Equestrian Sundry

Tenney’s is proud to be a vendor at World Equestrian Center.  Our missions are aligned in providing an exceptional experience for the exhibitors and general public as well.  The staff is great to work with and the fees are very fair.  I’m looking forward to an amazing summer at WEC!

Katherine Tenney
Tenney’s Custom Saddlery

The WEC (Wilmington) staff was a dream to work with!  The staff is friendly, responsive, and cares deeply about your satisfaction and the quality of the facilities.  Any issues were minor and the team worked quickly to remedy through great communication.  I will return again soon!

Susie McMichael
Savanna's Sweet Horse Treats

The WEC Organization has come together to provide a state of the art facility for the equestrian community, and we at FarmVet are proud to be able to service our customers at this beautiful venue. The professionalism of their leadership team has made doing business here a win-win for us, and for our customers.

Wayne Gibson
CEO, FarmVet

Throughout the winter circuit, the WEC vendor team checked in with me weekly to ensure I had everything I needed to be successful as a vendor and brainstorm on solutions to any challenges I experienced.

Jill Grant
Gillian Valentine

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  • Ocala
    • Order Feed & Bedding
    • Equestrian Events
      • Spectators
      • Shows
        • Summer Series
        • 2025 Dressage
        • November & December Show Series
        • Winter Spectacular
        • WEC Premier Cup
        • Orange Blossom Classic & A Sudden Impulse
      • Members and Exhibitors
        • Forms
        • Prize List
        • Membership Directory
        • Points Issue
        • Standings
        • Results
        • Horses
      • Volunteers
    • Live Stream
    • Conventions
      • Conventions Photo Gallery
    • Sporting Events
      • Canine Shows
      • Sports at WEC
    • Visit
      • Stay
      • Shop
      • Dine
      • Golf Cart Rental
      • Resort Spa
      • Things to do in Ocala, FL
    • Social Events
      • Catering Menus
      • Social Events Gallery
    • Real Estate
    • Facilities
      • Expo Centers
      • Arenas
      • Stabling
      • Veterinary Hospital
      • UF Health
      • Chapel
      • Request for Proposal Form – Ocala, Florida
    • Sponsors
      • Be a Sponsor
    • Vendors
  • Wilmington
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      • Spectators
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        • Winter in the Midwest
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