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
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.
View the World Equestrian Center YouTube Channel
Livestream Events
Events
Visiting World Equestrian Center
Learn more about visiting both World Equestrian Center facilities in Wilmington, Ohio and Ocala, Florida.
