Ocala, FL – Come indulge in a variety of delicious food and shop at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. No special events are happening this week, but next week will showcase an array of equestrian events including the May Dressage CDI3* presented by Hampton Green Farm & Discover Dressage with international competition in the WEC Grand Arena and national competition in the UF Health Indoor Arena 2 and in Indoor Arena 3. The Paso Fino Extravaganza will take over Arena 5 from May 25-28. Visit the WEC Calendar to learn more!
Watch top-level Dressage athletes from across the globe dance under the lights in the WEC Grand Arena on Friday, May 26 at 7pm (tentative) during the World Equestrian Center – Ocala May Dressage CDI3* competition presented by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage. The event is free and open to the public. Spectators also have the option to watch the action on the terrace of The Equestrian Hotel while enjoying a buffet meal along with an open bar during our Grand Prix Freestyle Reception presented by Wheels Up. Visit the link below to purchase your seat today!
Upcoming Events
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+
Father’s Day Brunch
Spend Father’s Day honoring Dad with brunch on the terrace for the whole family. Fill your plate with offerings from our steak-centric menu featuring grilled goods like smoked pork belly with apple cider barbecue and our popular buttermilk fried chicken. Don’t miss the over-the-top, build-your-own Bloody Mary bar and featured cocktail made with World Equestrian Center exclusive Maker’s Mark private barrel for an additional price. Two seatings available at 11am and 1pm. Secure required reservations online at OpenTable.$79++ for adults; $29 children 6-12; children 5 and under free with adult meal purchase.
2023 Ocala Summer Series
Entries and stall reservations are now open for the 2023 Ocala Summer Series featuring nine-weeks of elite hunter/jumper competition sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) from June 13 through August 13, 2023. In appreciation for our exhibitors and acknowledgement of a successful winter circuit and current economic challenges, World Equestrian Center has waived stall deposits. Click here to place entries, reserve stalls and view the prize list.
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 four Fédération Equestre International (FEI) internationally rated CDI3* shows and one 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 International
- 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, May 17 | Billy Buchanan
Thursday, May 18 | TJ Brown
Friday, May 19 | Tim McCaig
Saturday, May 20 | Uptown Music
Day at the Spa
Summer Cooldown Special
Enjoy a complimentary Cosmopolitan or Manhattan cocktail when you book a 50-minute Calluna Signature Massage, Signature Facial or Body Glow Exfoliating Treatment at the special price of $139. Mention “Summer Cooldown” at booking!
Promotion valid through June 29, 2023. Terms and restrictions apply.
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.
Tuesday – Sunday | 11am-8pm
Closed Monday
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
Breakfast 6:30am-11am | Lunch/Dinner 11am-7pm
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 – 8pm
Closed Monday & Tuesdays
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
352.414.7876