World Equestrian Center Launches New Young Jumper Program in Ocala Following Wilmington Success

24 OCT 25 Wilmington, OH

World Equestrian Center (WEC) is thrilled to announce the addition of a Young Jumper Program at our Ocala, Florida venue. Following the success of the Young Horse Incentive Program at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington, which has been a highlight of the calendar for the past two years, we’re excited to introduce another opportunity for the sport’s rising stars to shine.

WEC recognizes the financial challenges involved in developing young horses. The Young Jumper Program provides an opportunity to give back to the sport by creating a valuable pathway for emerging talent. Horses will gain essential experience in world-class facilities, competing over top-quality courses designed by leading course designers to help lay the foundation for successful future careers.

Each venue’s program is uniquely structured, learn more about both below. 

Ocala Young Jumper Program

The all-new Ocala Young Jumper Program is designed to give young horses the chance to develop and shine in top-level competition throughout the season. Exhibitors pay the standard entry fee for each Young Jumper class, and results from those classes accumulate points toward qualification. At the end of the qualifying period, the top 25 horses from each age group will be invited back to compete in the prestigious Young Jumper Championships at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.

The Young Jumper Championships will take place during Week V of the 2026 Summer Series (July 7–12, 2026). The qualifying period runs from December 31, 2025, through July 5, 2026. All classes in the division count toward qualification, and final standings are determined by total points earned throughout the season. Qualified horses will return to compete with no entry fee at the Championships.

Ocala Young Jumper Championship Classes:

  • $5,000 Five-Year-Old Jumper Championship
  • $10,000 Six-Year-Old Jumper Championship
  • $10,000 Seven-Year-Old Jumper Championship

Exhibitors may also qualify at all World Equestrian Center – Wilmington shows in their young jumper classes held throughout the qualifying period. Wilmington’s Winter in the Midwest Series, running December 3 through April 3, offers an excellent opportunity to earn qualifying points.

Riders heading south to Ocala for the winter can also earn points during the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series, which offers 12 weeks of Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition, featuring young horse classes weekly across a variety of outdoor arenas.

Entries, weekly/circuit stall reservations, and the prize list are currently available for the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series. Visit the button below to find dates, ratings, entry information, stall reservations, and more. 

2026 Winter Spectacular Information

Wilmington Young Horse Incentive Program

The Young Horse Championships at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington will return once again for the 2026 season, continuing to provide an affordable way to produce the generation of stars. Exhibitors can nominate their horses into the program and show entry fee-free for the show year. The Young Hunter & Jumper Championships will take place during Fall Classic 3 of the 2026 Fall Classic Series (October 7-11, 2026).

All five-, six-, and seven-year-old hunters and jumpers are eligible to be nominated into the program. 

All nominated jumpers will be eligible for the $45,000 Young Jumper Championship. Jumpers will pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees will be free for every show through November 1, 2026. 

Wilmington Young Jumper Championship Classes:

  • $5,000 Five-Year-Old Jumper Championship
  • $15,000 Six-Year-Old Jumper Championship
  • $25,000 Seven-Year-Old Jumper Championship

Jumper Nomination Fees:

  • $650 if completed January 1, 2026, through April 1, 2026
  • $800 if done prior to the closing date of the championship
  • $1000 if done after the closing date of the championship

All nominated hunters will be eligible for the Young Hunter Championship, where they will be offered back 100% of the nomination fees collected throughout the year as prize money, with a minimum of $2,500 guaranteed. Hunters will pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees in the Young Hunter Division will be free for every show through November 1, 2026.

Hunter Nomination Fee:

  • $250 – Competing once in the division will automatically be converted to a nomination fee for all future shows.