Ocala, FL – Hunter/Jumper action returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala this week amidst an enchanted Winter Wonderland. In addition to Winter Wonderland and the 2022 USEF Fall Show Series, World Equestrian Center – Ocala is hosting the Taekwon-Do Christmas Championship and the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation featuring Jimmie Allen.
The 2022 USEF Fall Show Series resumes December 7 and runs through December 18 with competition Wednesday through Sunday. Watch top-level show jumping action on December 8 and December 10 in the WEC Grand Arena. December 8 will showcase the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix at 6pm* and December 10 will feature the $100,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix at 7pm*.
Visit Show Management System for the daily class schedule, orders of go, class counts, live scoring and results.
Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
*Weather Permitting.
Join us for a special VIP Reception during the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix on December 8 and December 15 at 6pm. VIP Reception ticket holders can enjoy complimentary beer and wine with hors d’oeuvres on the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel while watching top-level show jumping action in the WEC Grand Arena.
Purchase your VIP Reception ticket or join us for a special VIP Viewing and Dining Experience during the Saturday night grand prix. Ticketing information for both events can be purchased at the button below.
On December 9, join the Travis Mills Foundation in Expo 1 for a block party celebration with food and live musical entertainment, including a parachuting performance and patriot performances by Jimmie Allan, Kidd G. and Colt Ford. Ticket proceeds benefit the Travis Mills Foundation (Maine) whose mission serves veterans with lifelong injuries from service, and their families. Visit Never Give Up On Country, Travis Mills Foundation Benefit Concert Tickets, Fri, Dec 9, 2022 at 4:30 PM | Eventbrite for tickets and more information. *Parking fee does not apply.
Enjoy the Taekwon-Do Christmas Championship in Expo 2 on December 10. This international martial arts championship will be from 7am-5pm and is open to the public. $10 adult tickets will be sold at the door; entry for children is free.
Join World Equestrian Center – Ocala for a holiday breakfast on the terrace at Stirrups Restaurant on December 10, 17 and 18. Gather for a magical breakfast including story time with Santa, children’s crafts and photo opportunities. Children will receive a complimentary gift of Santa’s choosing!
9am | Breakfast with Santa
10am | Santa Storytime
10:15am | Photos with Santa and Gift Giving
Tickets are selling fast! Visit Tickets for Winter Wonderland 2022 in OCALA from ShowClix to purchase your tickets today.
Break out your ugliest sweater and join us at the Yellow Pony Thursday evenings during Winter Wonderland. Enjoy dinner, a special signature cocktail, and live music and stay until 9pm to see which sweater we select as the ugliest of them all to win a gift card! Parking fee does apply.
Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
VOL IV of the 2022 World Equestrian Center Magazine is out now! Grab a free copy in the CaptiveOne Advisors Arena 1 or read it online here.
What to Watch
Thursday
$24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix | WEC Grand Arena | 6pm Start (tentative)
Friday
$12,500 WEC Ocala 3’6″-3’9″ Hunter Derby | Hunter 1
$10,000 WEC Ocala 3′ Open Hunter Derby | Hunter 1
$10,000 WEC Ocala 3′ Jr/Am Hunter Derby | Hunter 1
$2,000 WEC Pony Hunter Derby | Hunter 3
Saturday
$100,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix | WEC Grand Arena | 7pm Start (tentative)
$15,000 Buckeye Nutrition Futures Prix | WEC Grand Arena
$3,500 WEC Ocala 2’6″ Non Pro Hunter Derby | Indoor 4
Sunday
$10,000 1.40m Jumper Classic | WEC Grand Arena
The 2022 USEF Fall Show Series will resume December 7 for another two-weeks of hunter/jumper sport before World Equestrian Center – Ocala kicks off the 12-week 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series. During the two weeks in December, the show will host the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix at 6pm (tentative) on December 8 and December 15. The $100,000 Grand Prix returns to the spotlight on December 10 and December 17 at 7pm in the WEC Grand Arena. Exhibitors, there is still time to book your stalls and place your entries. Click here to place your entries and view the December Prize List.
Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
Enjoy Saturday night Grand Prix action from the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel with an exclusive VIP Viewing and Dining Experience courtesy of Stirrups Restaurant. Each private VIP table overlooking the WEC Grand Arena will include a 3-course Chef’s dinner with complimentary beer and wine. Cash bar available for spirts and bottles of wine from our sommelier’s selections.
A reception will be offered on Thursday, December 8 and December 15 during the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix.
Make Plans for the Final Dressage Show in 2022 at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
World Equestrian Center – Ocala will host one more dressage competition in 2022 presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, on December 15-18, 2022.
Entries can be placed through Equestrian Entries | The fast, easy way to sign up for horse shows (eqentries.com). Entries close on December 7, 2022. Click here to view the prize list.
The remaining show is a qualifying competition for the Great American/USDF Regional Championships.
- Dressage V | 12/15/22 – 12/18/22
2023 USEF Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Entries, select weekly stalls and the prize list for the 2023 USEF Winter Spectacular Show Series are now available. The 12-week series is comprised of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition running consecutively from January 4, 2023 through March 26, 2023. Week IX, February 28, 2023 through March 5, 2023 will showcase Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI3* competition. The Premier Equitation Cup Championship returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Click here to place your entries and view the 2023 Winter Spectacular Prize List. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.
Chapel Services
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is now hosting Sunday Services with Chaplain Edwin in The Chapel. The Sunday Services are 20 minutes long and open to all. Attendees can park by Barns E & F. See the weekly Chapel Service schedule below.
Sunday Services
7am – English
10am – English
11am – Spanish
Wednesday Service
6:30pm – English
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
UF Veterinary Hospital at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
The UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC offers leading-edge care to equine athletes on site as well as horses from the surrounding area. Our team of consists of specialists who are board-certified in equine sports medicine as well as experienced performance horse veterinarians. We are well versed in the demands of each individual horse sport and offer a range of treatments and aids to ensure your horse performs at its best. We offer ACVSMR performance evaluations for lameness, purchase, neurologic, respiratory, poor performance as well as additional categories, including soloshot videography, gastrointestinal tract examinations and telemetric electrocardiography.
In addition to sports medicine, we offer a variety of rehabilitation treatments and programs, as well as state-of-the art equine diagnostic imaging by board-certified veterinary radiologists. To learn more about our offerings, visit hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/wec or call (352) 414-3858 for information and appointments. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
A Sudden Impulse Boutique
Stop by A Sudden Impulse Boutique for the latest and greatest World Equestrian Center branded merchandise. A Sudden Impulse is located in Arena 4, right behind Miss Tilly’s Lollipops. The boutique features a collection of jewelry, beautiful apparel and perfect gifts for your family and friends. A Sudden Impulse is also the exclusive shop for custom embroidery, engraving and printing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
Use code BLOG for 10% off online of purchases.
Visit A Sudden Impulse at WEC or purchase your items online at suddenimpulse.com.
Entertainment
Each week The Yellow Pony Pub & Garden located within The Equestrian Hotel hosts live entertainment from 6pm-9:30pm. Here is the entertainment lineup for this week:
Wednesday, December 7 | Donny Sawyer
Thursday, December 8 | Gily & The Girl and an Ugly Sweater Contest!
Friday, December 9 | Conrad Marcum
Saturday, December 10 | Mark Smythe
Please Note: A $30 per vehicle parking fee will be in place Thursday through Sunday from 3pm-9pm starting November 25 through December 24 while WEC – Ocala hosts Winter Wonderland. Pay on-site or pre-pay for parking HERE.
Day at the Spa
Stop by Calluna Spa to shop luxurious products for those you love. Their holiday baskets are curated by expert staff to combine wellness, skincare and salon products in a gorgeous display – prefect for holiday gifting!
Mon – Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 10am-5pm
Call 352.414.7862 to book your appointment or click here.
In Need of a Doctor Visit?
World Equestrian Center – Ocala would like to welcome LifeForce Healthcare, LLC as the facility’s personal on-call primary care service. LifeForce Healthcare will be available to the venue’s exhibitors, visitors, vendors and guests for on-call medical provider visits at and around the World Equestrian Center – Ocala facility. Call 352.873.3800 to book your on-call appointment today.
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
Christmas Eve
Breakfast: 6:30am-11am | Dinner: 5pm-10pm
Christmas Day
Breakfast: 6:30am-1pm Brunch | Dinner: 5pm-8pm (8pm last seating)
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
Christmas Eve
11am-10pm
Christmas Day
11am-8pm
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
Christmas Eve
6am-6pm
Christmas Day
6am-5pm
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
Christmas Eve
11am-9pm
Christmas Day
11am-5pm
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-11pm
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
Christmas Eve
Breakfast: 6am-11pm
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
Christmas Day
Closed
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
Christmas Eve
11am-9pm
Christmas Day
11am-5pm
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:
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
Christmas Eve
Lunch/Dinner: 11am-9pm
Christmas Day
Closed
352.414.7876