Media Background & Facts

Apply for Media Accredition Apply for Photography Pass

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

Additional Media Resources

Economic Impact & Statistics

Learn More

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

Equestrian Sport Information

Learn More

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 Contacts

Press Officer:
Leah Oliveto Tong
727.946.2886 or contact [email protected]

Official Photographers:
Andrew Ryback Photography
224.318.5445
[email protected]

Winslow Photography
614.634.2843
[email protected]

Maven Photo + Film
352.888.6024
[email protected]