New Spring Opener Kicks Off World Equestrian Center – Wilmington May Competition
16 MAR 26 Wilmington, OH
Wilmington, Ohio – Stalls and entries are open for World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) Spring Series. The series begins with the all-new Spring Opener, May 13–17, featuring USEF National Hunter and Level 3 Jumper competition, followed by two weeks of CSI2* Jumping alongside USEF Regional Hunter and Level 5 Jumper divisions.
Dates and Ratings:
- Spring Opener: May 13-17 – USEF National Hunter/Level 3 Jumper
- Spring I: May 20-24 – CSI2*/USEF Regional Hunter/Level 5 Jumper
- Spring II: May 26–31 – CSI2*/USEF Regional Hunter/Level 5 Jumper
CSI2* Events:
• $65,000 Grand Prix CSI2*
• $32,000 Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2*
• $32,000 1.45m Time First Round CSI2*
• $5,000 1.40m Two-Phase CSI2*
Spring Opener Jumper Highlights:
• $25,000 Grand Prix
• $5,000 Welcome Stake
• $5,000 Futures Prix
• $2,500 1.20m Mini Prix
Spring Opener Hunter Highlights:
• $12,500 USHJA National Non-Pro Hunter Derby
• $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby
• $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby
• $3,500 2’6” Non-Pro Hunter Derby
Spring I & II Jumper Highlights:
• $30,000 Grand Prix
• $10,000 Welcome Stake
• $10,000 Futures Prix
• $7,500 1.20m Junior/Amateur Mini Prix
Spring I & II Hunter Highlights:
• $10,000 WEC 3’ Open Hunter Derby
• $2,500 Non-Pro 2’6” Hunter Derby
• $1,100 WEC Pony/Children’s Pony Hunter Derby
All exhibitors are invited to bring family, friends, and dogs to shop, dine, and enjoy top hunter/jumper sport. Weekly special events will be held with prizes available. WEC events are free and open to the public.
WEC Young Hunter & Jumper Incentive Program
WEC continues to offer an affordable and exciting way to develop young horses at its centrally located facility. All 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds are eligible to be nominated for the 2026 show season.
All nominated jumpers will be eligible for the WEC Young Jumper Championship. Jumpers pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees and jumper nomination fees will be free for all shows through November 2026.
All nominated hunters will be eligible for the WEC Young Hunter Championship, where 100% of nomination fees collected throughout the year will be paid back as prize money (minimum $2,500 guaranteed). Entry fees in the Young Hunter Division will be free for all shows through November 2026.
The WEC Young Hunter and Jumper Incentive Championships are tentatively scheduled for Fall Classic 3 in October 2026.
View the prize list to learn more about the program.
Reserve Your Onsite Lodging at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
Exhibitors and guests are encouraged to make lodging reservations early to secure accommodations close to the show grounds. Reservations can be made online at wec.net.
Onsite lodging options include:
• The Wilbur Estate – five luxury suites located steps from arenas, stabling, and The Paddock Club, with free WiFi and VIP parking.
• Cabins – sleep up to six guests within walking distance to barns and arenas.
• Home-Away-From-Home – fully equipped two- and three-bedroom units directly across from the entrance.
• RV Sites – full hook-up sites available; must be reserved through stall or entry forms.
About World Equestrian Center
Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.
These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.
Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.
Media Contact
Leah Tong
[email protected]