Welcome to the fourth week of the World Equestrian Center ‘Winter in the Midwest’ 2020 circuit. We hope you enjoyed your Christmas celebrations and are ready for the first show in the new year. This week is already packed with action happening after hours, we know you’ll appreciate what we have to offer. Look for the WEC newsletter posted around the facility to follow along with each day’s events.
Now’s the time to break out your 2020 World Equestrian Center Calendar and WEC Winter in the Midwest 2020 prize list. If you haven’t picked one up yet, there’s still time! Drop by the new horse show office, located on the first floor of the Sanctuary Arena, to get a copy of both to help with planning your horse show schedule. The calendar showcases beautiful images from our photography partners, Andrew Ryback Photography and Winslow Photography, you might even see a photo of you and your horse featured.
What to Watch
Thursday | $5,000 Welcome Stake – Sanctuary Arena
Friday | $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – R+L Arena
Saturday | $25,000 WEC Grand Prix – Sanctuary Arena
$7,500 Futures Prix – Sanctuary Arena
$2,000 Non Pro 2’6” Derby – Roberts Arena
Where to Eat
We’re offering two tantalizing buffets at the Paddock Club this week for just $19.99 per person. Friday and Saturday, the kitchen will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to keep the service coming and buffet fresh. You can also visit the Paddock Club Tuesday through Sunday to order from the restaurant’s hearty menu.
While you’re spectating Saturday’s shows, drop by the Sanctuary Arena for an exhibitor party at the ingate during the Grand Prix. Enjoy complimentary treats, courtesy of WEC, as you experience the exciting sport of Grand Prix show jumping. The Rider’s Lounge will also continue to offer breakfast items and coffee. Snacks are available for exhibitors visiting the Junior Rider’s Lounge as well.
What to Do
If you received a WEC gift card for Christmas, there’s no better place to spend it than A Sudden Impulse. The official WEC store is located in Roberts Arena adjacent to the Junior Rider’s Lounge with a smaller outlet in Vendor Village near the chapel. WEC-branded outerwear and apparel line the racks for the sophisticated equestrian, along with a jewelry case with several pieces from Lisa Welch Designs. Kids can enjoy books and plush toys in their own section at the back of the main store, be sure to ask the staff for any recommendations. WEC gift cards are also redeemable in the horse show office, the International Grille & Café, and the Paddock Club.
The ever-popular Dog Races are back this week in the Sanctuary Arena after the Grand Prix, offering fun for the whole family. Two races will be held: one for small dogs and one for large dogs. First place in each category will receive a $50 cash prize, second place $30 and third place $20. We hope a deserving winner can be found amid tons of barks and tail-wagging.
Join us for the Cadets Horsemanship Program at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning upstairs in the Sanctuary Arena. The program is open to everyone but only junior riders are eligible for a horse show credit. Each week, 40 junior riders chosen by random drawing will receive a horse show credit with 39 cadets receiving a $250 horse show credit and one lucky cadet receiving a $500 credit. Attendance is strictly enforced; please check in by 7:00 a.m. with the attendant. Only those that are entered in the show office by 5:00 p.m. on Friday and check-in upstairs in the Sanctuary by 7:00 a.m. on Saturday are eligible for the random drawing.
The crew at Andrew Ryback Photography will be on-site for this show, capturing the best shots of riders in action. Andrew has a rich history in the equestrian photo industry, be sure to read more about him in the July 2019 issue of WEC magazine, available in print and online at WEC.net. Stop by his booth to view and purchase your show photos, plus, a few other items he offers exhibitors.
Need time to relax during the show? Look no further than A Bit of Class Salon & Day Spa, World Equestrian Center’s on-site boutique salon. Stop by between Friday, Jan. 3, and Sunday, Jan. 5, to take part in their Post-Holiday Rejuvenation event. Purchase Botox, Kybella and Radiesse at discounted rates along with other facial products. Complimentary party bags and snacks will be available for anyone looking to treat themselves in the new year. A Bit of Class will also be offering haircuts, styling, color, manicures, pedicures and massages during normal show hours. Text Diane Bayless for all your hair and nail needs (937-728-4984) or Katrina Hale for a relaxing massage (513-623-9087).
Chaplain Larry Speelman begins the new year with a new 4-part series titled “Saddle Up Your Horses.” This Sunday’s sermon is titled “Prepared to Ride;” below is Chaplain Larry’s description.
When I was a kid, I would grab my saddle and blanket, throw it on my pony and take off riding. I don’t believe I ever gave much thought to the preparation one should take before a ride. However, watching skilled riders “saddle up” helped me realize how much planning happens before getting on a horse. A hasty outlook can weaken your preparation, especially when faced with life’s challenges. Are you ready for the ride you face in the new year? Much unknown, both good and not so good lies ahead, but God desires us to prepare for it all. Why not pursue His wisdom before you begin this new year’s ride?
You can attend a 15-minute service on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at the in-gate of the Sanctuary Arena. We provide coffee and pastries and 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.
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
We want to extend our thanks to our generous sponsors for their continued support: Antarès Sellier, Buckeye Nutrition, Coughlin Shadow, CWD, Dandy Products, Dover Saddlery, EquiFit, EquiJet, Flexi Equine, Osphos, Perfect Products, R+L Carriers, Sport Data, Inc., Sterling Thompson Equine, Tribute Equine Nutrition, Vetoquinol, and Voltaire Design. Many sponsors and their products are on-site weekly at World Equestrian Center, so be sure to stop in and say hello.