November 28, 2023 – Wilmington, OHIO – Join us this winter at our flagship venue in Wilmington, Ohio, where our ‘Winter in the Midwest’ series offers weekly feature classes including national grand prix show jumping all the way to cross rail divisions. Enjoy on-site lodging and restaurants, a charming Vendor Village overflowing winter decor, day spa, old fashion candy store and family friendly after-hours events. World Equestrian Center is committed to providing a quality experience for exhibitors, competitors and equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy top-notch sport in our climate-controlled, state-of-the-art equestrian venue.
For the Riders:
The 16-week series boasts a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Premier & National/Level 4 Jumper rating. With a weekly $30,000 Grand Prix on Saturday evenings, National Hunter Derbies on Fridays, a weekly $3,500 Non-Pro 2’6 Hunter Derby, and a $3,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, WEC Wilmington welcomes riders of all levels and ages.
WEC – Wilmington is pleased to welcome acclaimed course designers to the 2024 Winter in the Midwest Series including Anderson Lima (BRA), Bobby Murphy (USA), Michael Pegg (CAN), Joe Carnicom (USA), and Scott Alder (USA). An established roster of top tier judging panels will also be invited to the hunter arenas.
Competition in 2024 will bring an unmatched level of prize money to the hunter ring at each show. Winter Classic #5 will be a World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week to recognize and celebrate the excellence of hunter athletes.
Starting at the 2024 Winter in the Midwest series, WEC – Wilmington is offering an exciting and affordable new program for all young hunters and jumpers. All 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds are eligible to be nominated. 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 and jumper nomination fees will be FREE for every show through November 2024. 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 2024.
After Hours Family Fun:
Family-friendly events will be held each weekend after horse show hours for all exhibitors. Family, friends, competitors and dogs are welcome!
Winter Classic 1 will feature a Horseless Horse Show immediately following conclusion of the grand prix in the Sanctuary warm up arena on Saturday, December 2.
Santa Claus is coming to Vendor Village on December 2, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.! Join us to take your photo with Santa and put a good word in with the North Pole.
Exhibitors can look forward to celebrating the holiday season and Gifts Under the Tree at Winter Classic 3, where class winners can enjoy selecting one gift per blue ribbon throughout the show week!
World Equestrian Center – Wilmington thanks all of its sponsors and vendors for their gracious donations to Gifts Under the Tree.
Lodging:
Find comfort and relaxation just steps from the horse show in World Equestrian Center’s on-site accommodations. On-site lodging offers convenience, along with all the comforts of home, including plush furniture, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and plenty of room for pets. World Equestrian Center offers several lodging options including charming cabins, spacious Home Away From Home units, RV hookups and The Wilbur Estate. Visit wec.net or call 937.382.0985, option 3 to reserve your stay.
We wish all competitors the best of luck and we look forward to having you at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington for the winter series!
Find the prize list at horseshowing.com.
Photos courtesy of Winslow Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV.
About World Equestrian Center
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. Learn more at wec.net.
Media Contact
Bailey Beal
bailey.beal@wec.net