Wilmington, OH – Winter Classic #2 kicks off this week at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington with elite competition in all three rings. The Sanctuary Arena will welcome a decorated group of horse-and-athlete combinations to tackle the $10,000 WEC Welcome Stake on Thursday evening. The R+L Arena will play host to a field of nearly 45 hunter athletes as they take on the $15,000 USHJA National Open 3’ Hunter Derby and the $15,000 USHJA National Non-Pro 3’ Hunter Derby. Saturday evening in the Sanctuary will feature the $10,000 Triple Crown Futures Prix and the $30,000 WEC Grand Prix. All events are free and open to the public. For estimated start times, counts, orders of go and results visit HorseShowing.com.
Join us Friday evening at 5pm for Christmas Trivia in the Paddock Club! Exhibitors will step into the Christmas spirit by participating in a fun night of trivia. Prizes will be available.
The Holiday Braiding Contest will take place Saturday afternoon in Vendor Village from 11am-4pm. Exhibitors will parade their horse around Vendor Village to show off their horses festive Christmas themed braids for a chance to win a prize.
Join Young Equestrians For Christ upstairs above the Sanctuary on Thursday evening at 6pm! The youth service meets weekly for approximately one hour with fun music, a Bible teaching and snacks. There is a weekly drawing that attendees can enter with a grand prize drawing at the end of each series!
What to Watch:
Thursday:
$10,000 Welcome Stake | Sanctuary Arena
Friday:
$15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby 3’ – Non-Pro | R+L Arena
$15,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby 3’ – Open | R+L Arena
$3,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby | R+L Annex
Saturday:
$10,000 Triple Crown Futures Prix | Sanctuary Arena
$30,000 WEC Grand Prix | Sanctuary Arena
$3,500 Non-Pro Derby 2’6” | R+L Annex
Shopping
- A Bit of Class Salon and Day Spa
It’s no secret that every equestrian could use a little pampering during their downtime at horse shows – treat yourself! Join us at A Bit of Class Salon and Day Spa located in Vendor Village. The salon offers a wide selection of services – everything you would find at a traditional salon!
- The Apothecary
When it comes to products, The Apothecary offers everything, both prescription and non-prescription, needed for the horse, small animals and even humans. For equines, medical supplies are abundant. They also offer services like pre-purchase exams, lameness exams, digital radiographs, ultrasonography, shockwave treatment and emergency care.
- The Sugar Shack
Your sweet tooth at the World Equestrian Center! Visit The Sugar Shack to satisfy all of your sweet cravings.
- Dark Horse Coffee Co.
Dark Horse Coffee Co. is now serving up all of your favorite Starbucks creations! Completely customize-able hot, iced and frozen beverages. Quick snacks can also be purchased here. They even have popular fall flavors like Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Apple!
- Shaggy Chic Pet Parlor
The Pet Parlor features a state-of-the-art iClean Dog Wash, plenty of dog treats and stacks of fluffy towels for furry friends to dry off after their baths.
- A Sudden Impulse
Get your WEC merchandise at this charming boutique featuring clothing, insulated drinkware, jewelry and more. A Sudden Impulse meets all of your on-site customization needs with our full-service monogramming and engraving services as well.
- That’s Invintage
That’s Invintage is a multi-faceted fashion and design influencer and creator of one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry, apparel, home decor, and extravagant displays. Our designs are created for individuals who are seeking the out-of-the-ordinary piece that can highlight their desired expression of unique style and individuality or define their space making it their own.
- Winslow Photography
Winslow Photography is the OFFICIAL show photographer. You may recognize owners Josh and Karrin Winslow and their fantastic team of photographers from the various shows held at our facility. Visit their booth located in the R+L Hallway.
- Saeks Chiropractic
Dr. Saeks of Saeks Chiropractic, L.L.C. is a familiar face at World Equestrian Center. Visit his tent booth in the R+L arena to make sure you are feeling your best!
- The Custom Fox
The Custom Fox has all you need to survive a horse show! Their mobile trailer offers a plethora of products for both the horse and rider, each hand-selected and tested by Beth’s family of horsemen. This store is conveniently located in their mobile tack shop outside the R+L Hallway.
- Equestrian AF
Equestrian AF Apparel, traditionally an online boutique, offers an abundance of quirky tops that resonate well with horse lovers. Their Instagram can be found at: @equestrianAF_apparel
- 70 Degree
70 Degree is back at WEC and offers cute and casual riding clothing as well as fun accessories. Find them inside Vendor Village, across from A Sudden Impulse.
- The Tacky Horse
The Tacky Horse carries merchandise for both the horse and the rider that allows both to be happy and comfortable. Visit their booth in Vendor Village to shop for all your tack, equipment, apparel, farm supplies, and gifts!
- 2nd Round Equestrian
2nd Round Equestrian offers used apparel, tack, footwear, horse items, and accessories. Visit 2nd Round Equestrian in Vendor Village next to The Sugar Shack to shop all consignment items!
- Day Six Animal Massage
Day Six Animal Massage provides ethical and effective care for animals through individual massage & acupressure sessions and become part of their wellness team by working together with owner’s and veterinarians for their best interest. Visit them in the R+L Hallway to learn more about activating, regenerating and repairing your own stem cells.
Where to Eat
Open to exhibitors every day at 4 p.m. during horse show days, The Paddock Club is one of the family-friendly, World Equestrian Center restaurants as well as a gathering place featuring a full bar, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi and multiple comfortable seating areas. Stop in to dine or enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail.
For a quick grab, The International Café at the World Equestrian Center is conveniently located outside the Roberts Arena and next to the Horse Show Office. The International Café opens at 7 a.m. on show days. The cafe features a classic on-site dining menu consisting of full breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We offer daily specials and a selection of beer and wine.
Worship
Larry the Preacher Guy provides weekly services at World Equestrian Center. You can attend a 15-minute service on Sunday at 7:30 a.m. at the in-gate of the Sanctuary Arena. All are welcome: people, dogs and horses. A second service will take place later that day at 11:00 a.m. in the Vendor Village chapel. For those unable to attend, please visit WEC.net to listen to Chaplain Larry’s sermons available as weekly podcasts.
Join us every Thursday at 6pm upstairs in the Sanctuary Arena for Youth Ministry. There will be food, fun, music and devotions!
Lodging at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
Guests are advised to make lodging reservations at their earliest convenience to ensure they secure accommodations close to the showgrounds. Reservations can be made at wec.net or by calling 937.382.0985 ext. 3
World Equestrian Center – Wilmington has myriad on-site lodging options for guests:
- The Wilbur Estate – The Wilbur Estate is a stunning, plantation-style mansion with five elegant luxury suites. Accommodations are centrally located on the horse showgrounds, just steps from arenas, stabling and the Paddock Club. Free Wi-Fi and VIP parking are included in your stay at The Wilbur Estate.
- Cabins – Each of our cabins sleep up to six guests and is within walking distance from our arenas and barns. Two of our cabins are handicap accessible. Free Wi-Fi included.
- Home Away from Home Park – Directly across the street from our horse show entrance, our 130 Home Away from Home units have two or three bedrooms with a fully equipped kitchen and living and dining room area. Free Wi-Fi included.
- Camping Sites – World Equestrian Center has many camping sites equipped with electric, water and sewer for $225 per week (or any portion thereof), you must reserve these on your entry form or stall reservation form. Please check-in at the horse show office for a pass prior to parking your RV.
Special Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors
Interested in sponsorship or advertising? Contact adam.bray@wec.net.
About World Equestrian Center
World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.
These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.
Dedicated to offering great sport and fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.
Make sure to visit the WEC Blog and follow us on social media @worldequestriancenter for full coverage on all feature classes! Results can be found at HorseShowing.com.