Welcome to the first week of the World Equestrian Center ‘Winter in the Midwest’ 2020 circuit. The spirit of the season is alive at WEC as festive holiday décor adorns the showgrounds and we prepare for that final push toward Christmas. Between amazing offerings from our vendors to the abundant holiday decorations, Vendor Village has transformed into Santa’s Village.
Remember to pick up your copy of the stunning 2020 World Equestrian Center Calendar showcasing beautiful images from our photography partners, Andrew Ryback Photography and Winslow Photography, you might see a photo of you and your horse featured! Be sure to grab yours at the new horse show office, located on the first floor of the Sanctuary Arena, before they are all gone. While you’re there, grab a WEC Winter in the Midwest 2020 prize list to go along with your calendar.
What to Watch
Friday | $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby – R+L Arena
Saturday | $7,500 Futures Prix and $25,000 WEC Grand Prix – Sanctuary Arena
$2,000 Non Pro 2’6” Derby – Roberts Arena
Classes from the Sanctuary and R+L Arena are live-streamed daily courtesy of ShowNet. Find the link on WEC.net.
Where to Eat
Savor the culinary creations at the Paddock Club this week, with the return of the $19.99 all-you-can-eat buffet. Drop-in Friday and Saturday to cozy up on overstuffed leather sofas and take part in this delicious feast. The kitchen will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. both days to keep the service coming and buffet fresh. You can also visit the Paddock Club on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday to order from the restaurant’s hearty menu.
The Rider’s Lounge will continue to offer breakfast items and coffee as well for more daily options. Snacks are also available for exhibitors visiting the Junior Rider’s Lounge. Look for another exciting event happening in the Junior Rider’s Lounge, details below.
What to Do
Santa is coming to town! Mark your calendars for next Saturday, December 14th to see jolly St. Nicholas himself in Vendor Village. Visitors can find him from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. bringing his holiday cheer to the village storefronts. This is the perfect time to tell Santa what’s on your Christmas list and snap a photo or two. Santa loves reindeer but did you know he’s fond of dogs too? When you’re visiting with family don’t forget to bring your precious pooches, maybe they’ll ask Santa for extra treats under the tree. With everyone present, you’ll be well on your way to filling this year’s Christmas photo album.
Festivities don’t end there–the Junior Rider’s Lounge is hosting a Christmas crafts contest each week of our December shows. Riders can make a decoration in-house and bring them by A Sudden Impulse for display and contest entry. We will announce three winners each Saturday at noon, be sure to have your entry submitted before then. Featured prizes include a kid’s long-sleeve or short-sleeve shirt, lanyard, bag, and our very own plush mascot, Sandy Bottoms! You can find the Junior Rider’s Lounge in Roberts Arena adjacent to A Sudden Impulse.
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.
Chaplain Larry Speelman continues his five-week series “What it takes to Win,” now in its third week. This Sunday’s sermon is titled “Committed;” below is Chaplain Larry’s description.
There is a place every winner will come to before they experience the reality of their goals and dreams. That place is called commitment! An anonymous quote spells it out this way, “Commitment is the glue that bonds you to your goals.” Being committed is what keeps a winner focused on the prize ahead. Following God’s plan for your life definitely requires commitment if you are going to realize victory in the end. This week’s message will encourage you to stay determined and “Committed” to win in your spiritual life!
You can attend a quick, 15-minute service on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the ingate of the Sanctuary Arena. We provide coffee and pastries and all are welcome: people, dogs and horses. A 45-minute service will take place later that day from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the chapel in Vendor Village. For those unable to attend, please visit WEC.net to listen to Chaplain Larry’s sermons available as weekly podcasts.
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, just in time for holiday gift-giving.
On the topic of gifts, there’s no better place to do your holiday shopping than the World Equestrian Center. Look for our “Holiday Shopping at WEC” post later this week to see a carefully curated list of items for the sophisticated horse-lover. Some vendors will be offering deals on their products and services, and we want you to take advantage of all they have to offer. A Sudden Impulse will be open with its own holiday specials, plus, WEC gift cards redeemable in the horse show office, the International Grille & Café, the Paddock Club and A Sudden Impulse.
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. Services include haircuts, styling, color, manicures, pedicures and massages. Text Diane Bayless (937-428-4984) for all of your hair and nail needs and Katrina Hale (513-623-9087) for a relaxing massage.
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, Horse First Supplements, Osphos, Perfect Products, R+L Carriers, Sport Data, Inc., 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.