World Equestrian Center – Wilmington welcomes you to the second week of the Winter in the Midwest horse show circuit. This month our facility host’s three weeks of consecutive indoor hunter/jumper competition just in time for the holidays. Our premier climate-controlled equestrian facility has been transformed into a winter oasis with stunning holiday décor.
Get into the holiday spirit while you enjoy the many festive details in nearly 100 ornately decorated holiday trees. Connect with our Official Photographer Winslow Photography to secure photos with the bright holiday touches in each ring.
While you’re here, check out what’s happening from feature class action to after hours family-friendly events as well as shopping, day spa, restaurants and other amenities to experience this week at Ohio Winter Classic 2.
Entertainment / Events
Each week WEC plans fun and family-friendly after-hours events for our exhibitors, trainers and guests. This week will feature:
Meet Santa / Friday, December 10 in Vendor Village / Hot Chocolate, milk and cookies will be available.
Gingerbread House Decorating contest / Pick up the gingerbread houses by 5PM on Friday (while supplies last, if we run out – you are welcome to bring your own to judging) Return your decorated gingerbread house (or stable) to the Paddock club by 5pm on Saturday. Judging for Most Festive and Best WEC themed take place at 5:30pm Saturday.
Alltech / Lifeforce Meet and Greet / Stop by the Sanctuary arena from 11-4 on Thursday to grab donuts and coffee with Stephanie from Alltech. Learn about what Alltech has to offer for your horse’s health and enter a raffle to win many great prizes!
What to Watch:
Thursday:
$10,000 Welcome Prix 1.35m
Friday:
$5,000 WEC Derby 3′ – Open
$5,000 WEC Derby 3′ – Non Pro
$2,000 WEC Pony Derby
Saturday:
$2,000 Non Pro Derby 2’6
$10,000 Futures Prix 1.30
$30,000 Grand Prix 1.40m-1.45
Shopping
Get a ‘jump’ start on your holiday shopping and stop by A Sudden Impulse and our other great vendors for all of your equestrian gifts and must-haves. Vendors with many unique products may be found at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington throughout our quaint Vendor Village. Vendors may also be found in the R+L hallway, as well as in the R+L arena. Join us and shop this thoughtfully curated group of companies:
Vendor Village
- A Bit of Class Salon and Day Spa
It’s no secret that every equestrian could use a little pampering during their down time at horse shows – treat yourself! Join us at A Bit of Class Salon and Day Spa located in Vendor Village. The salon offers a wide selection of services – everything you would find at a traditional salon!
- Country Gal Decor and More
Country Gal Decor and More features modern farmhouse items, primitives, rustic decor and accessories.They have decor for all styles and needs. You will find unique products at Country Gal Decor & More for everyone from 0-100 years of age.
- Equestrian AF Apparel
Visit this stylish equestrian owned apparel company. Amber has a huge selection of graphic t’s, sweatshirts, hate and more! Shop in-store this week at WEC or online at etsy.com
- Rider’s Boutique
Riders Boutique is a mobile and online boutique for the equestrian lifestyle. RB offers equestrians a myriad of top-of-the-line products for both horse and rider, including show clothing, schooling attire, bridles, bits and plenty of accessories to accompany any outfit. Keep up with them on instagram at @Riders_boutique
- The Apothecary
When it comes to products, The Apothecary offers everything, both prescription and non-prescription, needed for the horse, small animal and even human. For equines, medical supplies are abundant. They also offer services like pre-purchase exams, lameness exams, digital radiographs, ultrasonography, shockwave treatment and emergency care.
- The Sugar Shack
Your sweet tooth at the World Equestrian Center! Visit The Sugar Shack to satisfy all of your sweet cravings.
- Dark Horse Coffee Co.
Dark Horse Coffee Co. is now serving up all of your favorite Starbucks creations! Completely customize-able hot, iced and frozen beverages. Quick snacks can also be purchased here. They even have popular fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Apple!
- Shaggy Chic Pet Parlor
The Pet Parlor features a state of the art iClean Dog Wash, plenty of dog treats and stacks of fluffy towels for furry friends to dry off after their baths.
- A Sudden Impulse
Get your WEC merchandise at this charming boutique featuring clothing, insulated drinkware, jewelry and more. A Sudden Impulse meets all of your on-site customization needs with our full service monogramming and engraving services as well.
R + L Hallway
- Winslow Photography
Winslow Photography is the Fall Classic’s OFFICIAL show photographer. You may recognize owners Josh and Karrin Winslow and their fantastic team of photographers from the various shows held at our facility. Visit their booth located in the R+L Hallway.
R + L Arena
- Saeks Chiropractic
Dr. Saeks of Saeks Chiropractic, L.L.C. is a familiar face at World Equestrian Center. Visit his tent booth in the R+L arena to make sure you are feeling your best!
- The Custom Fox
The Custom Fox has all you need to survive a horse show! Their mobile trailer offers a plethora of products for both the horse and rider, each hand selected and tested by Beth’s family of horsemen. This store is conveniently located in their mobile tack shop outside the R+L Hallway.
Where to Eat
We’re offering a delicious NEW menu at the Paddock Club! Open to exhibitors every day at 4 p.m. during horse show days, The Paddock Club is one of the family-friendly, World Equestrian Center restaurants as well as a gathering place featuring a full bar, flat screen TVs, free WiFi and multiple comfortable seating areas. Stop in to dine or enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail. Try this week’s featured dish – Pork Ossobuco.
For a quick grab, The International Café at the World Equestrian Center is conveniently located outside the Roberts Arena and next to the Horse Show Office. The International Café opens at 7 a.m. on show days. The cafe features a classic on-site dining menu consisting of full breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We offer daily specials and a selection of beer and wine.
Worship
Larry the Preacher Guy provides weekly services at World Equestrian Center. You can attend a 15-minute service on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at the in-gate of the Sanctuary Arena. All are welcome: people, dogs and horses. A second service will take place later that day at 11:00 a.m. in the Vendor Village chapel. For those unable to attend, please visit WEC.net to listen to Chaplain Larry’s sermons available as weekly podcasts.
Farrier
The WEC farrier will be on the grounds from Wednesday – Sunday each horse show week. Please stop by Barn A or ask one of the horse show staff to radio him if your horse needs shoeing. Exhibitors are welcome to call him after hours for emergencies.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors:
We extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors for their continued support. Many sponsors and their products are on-site weekly at World Equestrian Center, so be sure to stop in and say hello.
General Admission & Parking | Free
Upcoming World Equestrian Center Wilmington events:
Ohio Winter Classic Show Series
- Ohio Winter Classic 3 12/15-12/19
- Ohio Winter Classic 4 1/5-1/9
- Ohio Winter Classic 5 1/12-1/16
- Ohio Winter Classic 6 1/19-1/23
- Ohio Winter Classic 7 1/26-2/30
Winter Classic Prize List http://horseshowing.com/show_upload/9053/92.pdf
Winter Classic Entries http://horseshowing.com/show_upload/9053/94.pdf
Winter Classic Lodging https://us01.iqwebbook.com/WECOH873/
Check out the events calendar on our website to learn more about what’s happening in weeks to come!