It’s quite a week at World Equestrian Center – Ocala as we have a full list of family-friendly events including the Region 12 Arabian/Half Arabian Championship Show, Belgian Malinois National Specialty Show 2022, Ocala Feathered Horse Classic, Festivals of Speed Thoroughbred Weekend, Kentucky Derby Hat Party on the Stirrups terrace and a Kentucky Derby FREE viewing.
Join World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the Festivals of Speed on May 7 in the Grand Plaza from 10am – 4pm. General admission is $20 per person, children 12 and under are free. Additional VIP offering is available. Click HERE for tickets and information.
Starting after 4pm, join us for the Kentucky Derby FREE viewing in the Grand Outdoor Arena. Watch the 2022 Kentucky Derby unfold on the Jumbotrons at World Equestrian Center. Come dressed in your finest derby attire and dine with us at the many restaurants around the plaza or enjoy special offerings from the pop-up food court serving hamburgers, hotdogs, wood-fired pizza, and street tacos. Sip classic Kentucky Derby cocktails and sample Stella Artois at the on-site cash bars. Bring the whole family and join us for this FREE event!
Watch the Run for the Roses in style at The Kentucky Derby Hat Party. Catch all the action this year on the Stirrups Terrace at The Equestrian Hotel from 5pm-7:30pm. Pull out your best Derby attire and watch the iconic race while enjoying chef-attended food stations serving Southern-style favorites and fun specialty cocktails including Mint Juleps. Tickets include one ladies hat and a bourbon bottle per couple—supply limited! Reserve yours at www.showclix.com/event/kentucky-derby-hat-party.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is also hosting equestrian and canine events this week! All the equestrian and canine events are free and open to the public to spectate. View World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s SITE MAP for arena locations.
The Region 12 Arabian/Half Arabian Championship Show will be held from May 4-8 in CaptiveOne Advisors Arena 1, Arena 4, Hunter 3, Hunter 4 and the Grand Arena. Click HERE (starting on page 26) to view the daily schedule.
The Belgian Malinois National Specialty Show 2022 will take place from May 3-7 in Arena 3. For additional information about this event click HERE.
On May 6-8 the Ocala Feathered Horse Classic will be held in Arena 2 (UF Health Arena). Gypsy Vanner Horses will compete in all disciplines including driving, western, english, dressage and liberty. Click HERE for more information about the Ocala Feathered Horse Classic.
Happy Mother’s Day from World Equestrian Center – Ocala and A Sudden Impulse Boutique! Stop by A Sudden Impulse Boutique in Arena 4 for a Mother’s Day Sale on May 7. Get a special gift for 20% off storewide.
Upcoming Events
Blueberry Festival powered by Gary Yeomans Ford
Bring the family to the Grand Plaza as we roll out a berry celebration of spring with live music, yard games and more. Enjoy the best blueberry fare, including blueberry pie, jam and beer. Shop at the artisanal farmer’s market from with fresh and handmade goods from local vendors. The festival is free and open to the public. Don’t miss the 8am Blueberry 5k Fun Run and Walk (separate $20-$25 registry required) or the 9am $10 Pancake Breakfast before the festival!
*Interested vendors: please contact event organizer Kim Kent by email at kimberly.kent@wec.net.
Visit the WEC Calendar for more information regarding upcoming events.
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 – Arena 1:
- Ariat
- Arista Equestrian
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
UF Health Arena – 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, May 4 | Palomino Blonde
Thursday, May 5 | Scott Davidson
Friday, May 6 | Ecliff Farrar
Saturday, May 7 | The Mudds
Day at the Spa
Need a Mother’s Day gift? Treat Mom to a day at Calluna Spa. A special package is available for the holiday:
Momma Mia Manicure & Pedicure
Slip away for a dreamy Steamed Lavender Milk Manicure and Pedicure. With a beautiful soothing leg massage and a complimentary gel polish upgrade.
2 Hours | $130
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to time of treatment. Valid credit card needed at time of booking. Four-hour cancellation policy. Late cancellations and no shows will be charged 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. Click HERE for the Prize List and additional information.
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.