Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala is hosting an exciting week of equestrian events including the April Dressage CDI3* presented by Hampton Green Farm & Discover Dressage, the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) Championships and Team USA Olympic Silver Medalist, Sabine Schut Kery will host a Through the Levels Masterclass in Dressage.
Watch elite international Dressage competition in the WEC Stadium Thursday through Sunday at World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the April Dressage CDI3* Competition presented by Hampton Green Farm & Discover Dressage. There is no charge for admission or parking!
Catch grand prix dressage action on Thursday and Friday evening under the lights in the WEC Stadium. The FEI Grand Prix to Freestyle CDI3* will be held Thursday, April 13 from 6:30pm-8:30pm.
On Friday, April 14 watch the world’s best horse-and-rider combinations dance to music from 7:30pm-9:30pm during the Grand Prix Freestyle CDI3*. The top-level Dressage action doesn’t stop there, the Grand Prix Special CDI3* will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 3:40pm-5:39pm.
The WEC Stadium is located across from Expo Center 1, next to Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop. Attendees may park at Expo Center 1. Results, daily ride times and the prize list can be found HERE. Please note, CDI ride times will not be available until the night before each competition day.
The NCEA National Championships will be held from April 13-15 in Arena 3 and Arena 5. The top eight college equestrian dual discipline teams and top four college equestrian single discipline teams will meet in a bracketed competition to crown a national champion. The student-athletes compete in flat, fences, horsemanship and reining. This event is free and open to the public. Visit collegiateequestrian.com for more information.
The NCEA National Championship can be watched live and on-demand here for Horse and Country members. While there is a pay-per-view option to purchase access to the event through H&C Freestyle for $14.99, H&C are also offering a special promo code to NCEA competitors and their fans that can be used for 15% off an annual membership to H&C for the ability to view the event live as well as for access to thousands of hours of other live events, training content, masterclasses, and equestrian entertainment. H&C encourage all teams to share this promo code with friends and family. The promo code is NCEA15 and is good for use from April 9-16, 2023 at this link.
On Saturday, April 15, Team USA Olympic Silver Medalist Sabine Schut Kery will give a Through the Levels Masterclass in Dressage in the CaptiveOne Advisors Indoor Arena 1. Sabine will be working with a number of Young Horses through to the Grand Prix throughout the day as she demonstrates the training techniques that has made her one of the most respected names in the sport of Dressage. Click HERE to purchase your tickets today!
World Equestrian Center Magazine VOL I 2023 is out now! Grab your FREE copy in the lobby of the CaptiveOne Advisors Arena 1 or read it online HERE!
Upcoming Events
WEC Spring Festival powered by Gary Yeomans Ford
May 13, 2023
Bring the family to the WEC Grand Plaza as we roll out an outdoor celebration of spring with live music, yard games, a kid’s zone and more at the WEC Spring Festival powered by Gary Yeomans Ford, formally known as WEC Blueberry Festival. Enjoy the freshest seasonal fare and shop at the artisanal farmer’s market with a wide-ranging assortment of handmade goods from local vendors. Register separately for the 8am Daisy Dash 5K Run and purchase tickets for the 9am pancake breakfast at the links below.
8am to 4pm | WEC Spring Festival Live music, local vendors, children’s activities. Free admission.
8am Start | Daisy Dash 5K Race Separate race registry required at runsignup.com
9am to 10:30am | Pancake Breakfast $20 per person (kids under 6 free with adult ticket); Pre-purchase online HERE.
If you are interested in being a vendor for this event please contact the exclusive event organizer, Kim Kent at kimberly.kent@wec.net
Kentucky Derby Hat Party
Don your biggest hats and your best derby attire and join us for juleps on the terrace! Saturday, May 6 from 5pm-7:30pm, your favorite Kentucky Derby Hat Party reception is back at The Equestrian Hotel. The Hat Party features a Jumbotron view of the race, small plates, live music and an included bar serving select derby-day cocktails. Tickets come with your choice of a derby hat or a Woodford bourbon bottle. Event is 21+. Secure your tickets for the event online at www.showclix.com/event/2023-kentucky-derby-hat-party
Passport to Germany
Journey with us to Germany by way of food and wine! Passport to Germany, the second event in our 2023 Wine Series presented by Wheels Up, will transport you across the sea in exploration of the flavors of German culture on Friday, June 16. Gather on the terrace from 6:30pm-9pm to explore German culture and taste over 100 selections from the country’s unique wine-making regions. Small plates, wine samples and live music provided throughout the evening. Visit www.showclix.com/event/2023-stirrups-wine-series-germany to secure your ticket for the event and view the full menu. Event is 21+
2023 World Equestrian Center – Ocala Dressage
Top caliber dressage will return to World Equestrian Center – Ocala in 2023 when the venue hosts ten dressage competitions, presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The schedule includes three Fédération Equestre International (FEI) internationally rated CDI3* shows and two CDI-W (World Cup Qualifying) shows with concurrent US Equestrian (USEF)/United States Dressage Federation-rated (USDF) classes as well as five additional nationally rated events (Pending USEF & FEI Approval). Click here for prize lists and more information.
Worship
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
Visit all of the vendors at World Equestrian Center – Ocala to finish your holiday shopping and pick up that special something for that special someone. Find a gift for everyone on your list at our amazing retailers, listed below along with 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
- Firm Water Road
- Walden Performance and Recovery
UF Health Arena – Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Kelsey’s Rhinestones
- The Farm House, Inc.
- La Mundial Boots
- Rough Cut Boutique
Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- Basic Equine Health, LLC
- Everleigh Collection LLC
- Parlanti
- Chi Rho Ranch
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. We offer personalized service as well as a range of treatments and aids to ensure your horse performs at its best.
We offer ACVSMR performance evaluations and provide several rehabilitation modalities as well as state-of-the art diagnostic imaging. Our sports medicine specialists are supported by on-site board-certified veterinary radiologists with specialty certification in equine diagnostic imaging who provide real-time feedback on imaging and perform complicated imaging during your horse’s visit, ensuring that we provide the highest quality imaging for your horse. We offer standing CT scan, standing PET scan, standing MRI and high-powered X-ray equipment. To learn more about our offerings, visit hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/wec or contact us at (352) 414-3858 for information and appointments.
Hours of operation:
Equine Hospital
Mon-Sat, 8am-5pm
Small Animal Hospital
Mon-Sun, 8am-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, April 12 | Noah Hunton
Thursday, April 13 | Jeff Jarrett
Friday, April 14 | Palomino Blonde
Saturday, April 8 | Walker Mathison
Day at the Spa
Spring Clean the Mind and Body
Head into spring with a fresh new look! For the month of April, receive 20% off all hair color services.
Rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit in our 7,000-square-foot, full-service Calluna Spa. Featuring multiple massage treatments, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and a hair salon for men and women.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9am-7pm
Sunday, 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
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-8pm
Closed April 24-28
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.
Breakfast 6am-11am | Lunch/Dinner 11am-8pm
Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
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.
Wednesday-Sunday | 11am – 6pm
Closed Monday & Tuesdays
Closed April 24-28
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 | 11am-8pm
Closed April 24-28
352.414.7876