Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center is excited to host the 2022 Special Olympics Florida State Equestrian Championship on April 8-9 in Arena 5. Special Olympic Florida Equestrian Athletes from all over the state will compete in the two-day equestrian championships. The event is free and open to the public. Please join us to cheer on these amazing athletes! For additional information, click HERE.
The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden is bringing back the jumbotron screen on the patio this week for the Masters Tournament! Enjoy a special menu featuring food inspired by Augusta National, including a Smoked Bologna Pimento Cheese Sandwich and Salted Pecan Caramel Popcorn. The bar will be pouring the iconic Azalea cocktail in honor of the tournament. We’ll see you Friday – Sunday for golf and a good time! Click HERE to view the specials.
The Marion Country Public Schools (MCPS) Career Fair will be held on April 9, from 9am -12pm in Expo 2. The MCPS system is hiring for all positions: teachers, custodians, bus drivers, food service members, etc. Click HERE for additional information.
Next Week’s Events
Mark your calendars for an array of exciting events next week! World Equestrian Center – Ocala is showcasing the National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Championships and World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s Dressage III CDI 3*. The week will also host the Peruvian Paso Horse World Show, Autism Awareness Car & Truck Show, an Easter Brunch at Stirrups Restaurant and an Easter Celebration.
The National Collegiate Equestrian Association National Championships will be held from April 14-16 in Arena 3 and Arena 5. The top NCAA Collegiate Equestrian Teams will qualify to compete in a bracketed format to determine the 2022 National Champions for dual discipline teams and single discipline teams. This event is free and open to the public. Premium club seating options are available. Visit CollegiateEquestrian.com for additional information.
The World Equestrian Center – Ocala international dressage competition, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, will return to World Equestrian Center – Ocala on April 14-17, 2022. The World Equestrian Center (WEC) Dressage III CDI3* show will also be a USEF/USDF-sanctioned Level 5 competition.
Entries close today, April 6 for the Dressage III CDI 3* USEF/USDF-sanctioned Level 5 competition. Entries can be sent to EquestrianEntries.com and the prize list can be found HERE.
Media interested in covering the World Equestrian Dressage III CDI3* can apply for credentials HERE.
The World Equestrian Center Dressage III CDI3* will offer classes such as the Large Tour Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle classes, as well as Small Tour Prix St. Georges, Intermediate-1 and I-1 Freestyle. The CDI classes will be held in the Grand Arena, with the Grand Prix on April 14 and Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3* on April 15 under the lights.
Join World Equestrian Center – Ocala for Easter! Gather the entire family for an elegant, buffet-style Easter Brunch on The Equestrian Hotel’s terrace at Stirrups.
Guests can savor their selections from the extensive, spring-inspired menu that features Easter brunch classics, including deviled eggs and warm cinnamon rolls, as well as action stations with creative offerings, like slow-roasted duroc pork loin and belly porchetta with Italian salsa verde.
Guests can find details and secure their required reservations online through Stirrups at Opentable.com
From 10am-2pm in Indoor Arena 4, you can celebrate Easter with spring crafts and face painting for the kids, along with Easter egg and cookie decorating courtesy of Signature Brands and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny!
Attention all egg-spert hunters! Ocala’s most delightful Easter egg hunt is coming to World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Free and open to the public, families of all ages can enjoy the timeless search for candy-filled eggs in Indoor Arena 4. The hunt begins at 12pm with divisions based on age. Be lucky enough to find the special golden egg and you’ll be treated to an Easter surprise. Don’t forget to bring your own basket!
Visit the WEC Calendar for more information regarding the events for next week.
Pick up your very own copy of the World Equestrian Center magazine! Copies are available in Arena 1 or read the issue online at World Equestrian Center Magazine VOL I 2022.
What To Do
Shopping
Many vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala have established storefront locations where they are open year-round. Below are our amazing retailers and their locations.
The Equestrian Hotel:
- Lugano Diamonds
- The Debonair Collection
- Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe
- Calluna Spa
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Indoor 1:
- Ariat
- Ocala Shoe Shack division of Tack Shack of Ocala
- Rough Cut Boutique
- Arista Equestrian
Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
- LM Boots
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
- Parlanti
Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6:00pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, April 6 | Brandon Dull
Thursday, April 7 | Miranda Madison
Friday, April 8 | Ecliff Farrar
Saturday, April 9 | The Joey & Jenny Duo
Day at the Spa
Start your year off with a relaxing day at Calluna Spa. Located on the second floor of The Equestrian Hotel, Calluna Spa offers multiple massage treatments, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair salon for men and women. Give yourself the treat of a beautiful blowout this new year! Receive a complimentary glass of champagne and a blowout for $50. Book an appointment by calling 352.414.7862.
Calluna Spa is open Monday – Saturday from 9am-7pm and on Sunday from 10am-5pm. Click here to learn more.
Where to Eat
Located Within The Equestrian Hotel:
Stirrups Restaurant
Prime steaks and chops, sustainable Florida seafood and southern inspired seasonal specialties, served in a refined dining room and terrace overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 6:30am-11am | Saturday – Sunday: 6:30am-1pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday, 5pm-9pm | Friday – Saturday, 5pm-10pm
352.414.7864
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Boasting an outdoor patio and fireplace, this lobby gastro lounge offers shareable starters, pub fare, traditional draft beers, bourbons and whiskeys.
Sunday – Thursday, 11am-12am | Friday – Saturday, 11am-1am
352.414.7865
Emma’s Patisserie
A blissful, freshly baked array of authentic French macarons and European-inspired pastries are served within an ambiance of old-world elegance at this very special shop located within the Equestrian Hotel.
Open daily: 6am-8pm
352.414.7866
Restaurants throughout the facility:
Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
Design your own salad or pasta masterpiece with an assortment of delicious meats and toppings. Viola & Dot’s features pizzas and calzones crafted with homemade dough, classic Italian entrees and decadent sweet desserts.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
352.414.7877
Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop
A classic, diner-inspired menu with a few contemporary upgrades! Ralph’s invites you to enjoy signature burgers, salads and sandwiches topped off with a homemade milkshake. Open for lunch and dinner, start your day with a breakfast sandwich or enjoy an evening slice of pie.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7875
Miss Tilly’s Lollipops
Indulging is strongly encouraged at this unique sweet shop where specialty ice cream flavors and homemade fudge are the stars. With an array of chocolates, confections and coffees, Miss Tilly’s is the perfect place for a tasty treat.
Open daily: 11am-9pm
352.414.7878
Filo’s Mexican Cantina
Traditional Mexican flavors coupled with custom-made convenience. Filo’s serves up street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and much more in a vibrant dining room and open-air patio.
Open daily:
Breakfast: 6am-11am
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
352.414.7876
2022 World Equestrian Center Horse Shows
World Equestrian Center – Ocala 2022 Summer Hunter/ Jumper Horse Show Series Featuring FEI 3* Competition
Join us for the 2022 World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series featuring USEF sanctioned hunter/jumper and two weeks of FEI 3* competition. The series is comprised of nine weeks of hunter/jumper shows running consecutively from June 15-August 14, 2022. FEI 3* competition takes place from June 21-July 3, 2022. The World Equestrian Center – Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series features nearly $3.5 million in total money and prizes.
A Sudden Impulse NSBA & Futurity Horse Show
Save the date for the A Sudden Impulse AQHA & NSBA and Futurity, April 20-30, 2022 at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. A Sudden Impulse AQHA & NSBA and Futurity horse show is managed by An Equine Production. Click the link below now to view the show bill.
2022 Dressage Show Dates
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is excited to announce nine dates for dressage competition in 2022 presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The events will span the year from January through December and include USEF/USDF nationally-rated competition. Click here for more information.