Construction Commences on Second World Equestrian Center – Ocala Hotel

OCALA, Florida – February 22, 2022 – World Equestrian Center – Ocala has broken ground on a second, four-story hotel located inside the 378-acre equestrian and multipurpose facility park. The new pet-friendly hotel has been designed to accommodate an extended-stay customer and will feature 400 larger, suite-like rooms. Plans also include an 80,000-square-foot restaurant complex adjacent to the hotel. The hotel is slated to open […]Read More

Attention WEC Exhibitors: EHV-1 Precautions

As news spreads of the rapidly evolving EHV-1 situation in California, our thoughts go out to the affected horses and their owners, trainers and caregivers. While no horses have tested positive for EHV-1 on World Equestrian Center properties, we are reminded to remain vigilant against the transmission of EHV-1 via enhanced health, safety and biosecurity measures. To that end, we have implemented the following biosecurity […]Read More

Lisa Goldman-Smolen & Sovereign are Victorious in $15,000 WEC Ocala 1.45m Jumper Classic

Ocala, FL – Week VII’s featured class action came to a close on Sunday afternoon as fourteen horse-and-rider combinations took to the WEC Grand Arena to vie for the victory over tracks build by FEI Level IV course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Three managed clean first rounds and two jumped double clear, but it was Lisa Goldman-Smolen (USA) and Barbara Disko’s Sovereign (Frontal x Galledent) […]Read More

Sunday Spotlight: Ronny & Chanel Riemer, RCR Equestrian Inc.

This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight shines on Ronny & Chanel Riemer of RCR Equestrian Inc. German rider, Ronny Riemer is an accomplished Grand Prix rider and trainer, that rode for names such as Franke Sloothaak and Paul Schockemöhle. Ronny is well known for his cheeky videos about the equestrian industry as the character, ‘The German Riding Instructor.’ We caught up with Ronny and his wife, […]Read More

Sunday Spotlight: Anneliese Kolaska

This week’s Wilmington Sunday Spotlight shines on twenty-one-year-old Anneliese Kolaska of New Albany, Ohio. Anneliese was this week’s $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby 3′ Non-Pro winner aboard her horse Herr Drosselmeyer. Not only does Anneliese regularly show her own two horses, she also attends Otterbein University where she rides and competes on the IHSA team. We sat down in WEC Wilmington’s Vendor Village to chat […]Read More

Santiago Lambre & Chacco Blue II Emerge Victorious in the $75,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix

Ocala, FL – The atmosphere was electric in the WEC Grand Arena as fans filled the stands and an international field of competitive athletes representing ten countries gathered to contest the $75,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix. Two-time Olympic Games course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN) set the intricate tracks that featured an imposing triple bar in a triple combination that challenged many riders throughout the […]Read More

Kevin McCarthy and Catch a Star HSS Claim Wilmington $30,000 Grand Prix Victory

Wilmington, OH – Week ten of the 2022 Winter Classic Show Series wrapped up in the Sanctuary Arena with the conclusion of the $30,000 World Equestrian Center – Wilmington Grand Prix. An international field of competitors took to the tracks built by course designer, Robert Barton of San Antonio, Texas. Just four found success over Barton’s first track and three ultimately delivered double clear rounds, […]Read More

Richard Spooner & Chatinus Reunite for Victory in the $10,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix

Ocala, FL – Week VII of the 2022 Winter Spectacular Show Series showcased a special $10,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix under the lights on Friday evening. Nearly 50 horse-and-ride combinations competed over an ornate track designed by FEI Level IV course designer Leopoldo Palacios (VEN). Twelve combinations achieved a clean first round and eight jumped double clear, but it was Richard Spooner and his own […]Read More

Morgan Ward Earns Second $20,000 WEC Ocala 3’6″-3’9″ Hunter Derby Win Aboard Comissario

Ocala, FL – Week VII of the 2022 Winter Spectacular Show Series hosted another exciting Derby Friday in the WEC Stadium. Tucker Williams designed the open tracks that encouraged riders to show off their horse’s adjustability and brilliance. Competition was fierce in all three classes, with scores soaring into the 90s. Morgan Ward and her own Comissario (Calido x Amabilita) bested a field of fifteen horse-and-rider […]Read More

Jason Berry and Avila Earn $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby 3′ Open Trifecta

Wilmington, OH – Derby Friday commenced in the spacious R+L Arena today with course designer Joe Carnicom (USA) recreating a charming wintertime hunt field that allowed riders to show off their horse’s athletic abilities. Jason Berry piloted Emo/Willow Wind Partners, LLC’s Avila (Casiro 1 x Jornesse) to the WEC winner’s circle once again, marking their third $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby 3′ Open blue ribbon […]Read More