Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala is set to host a variety of equestrian events this week including week VIII of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series and the APHA Zone 9 Southern Classic horse show.
Make your way to Indoor Arena 5, February 23-25, to catch the excitement of the APHA Zone 9 Southern Classic. This six-judge show features trail, showmanship, western pleasure, and hunter under saddle, among other featured classes. Spectators are welcome! There is no charge for admission or parking. For more information about the event, click here.
Spectators of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series can look forward to two captivating night classes in the WEC Grand Arena this week. Thursday evening features the $35,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3* at 6pm, followed by the $100,000 LeMieux Grand Prix CSI3* on 7pm Saturday.
The excitement continues on Sunday morning at 9am (tentative) with the $50,000 Golden Ocala National Grand Prix, held in the WEC Grand Arena.
Spectators are welcome! There is no charge for admission or parking. Visit HorseShowing.com to view the daily class schedule, class counts, orders of go, live ring status and results. For live scoring visit Ryegate.Live.
Join World Equestrian Center – Ocala on Saturday nights during the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series for an unmatched experience. Choose from the Grand Prix Dining Experience presented by Wheels Up and the Grand Prix Reception Experience, each offering remarkable views and world-class hospitality.
Grand Prix Reception Experience
Reserve a seat with a premium view of the Grand Arena to watch the grand prix action while you enjoy a reception with included hors d’oeuvres and charcuterie from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, along with a complimentary drink ticket and dedicated private cash bar. | $75 per person, tax additional
Grand Prix Dining Experience presented by Wheels Up
With a table offering the most coveted view of the Grand Arena, you can enjoy top-level equestrian sport under the lights at The Equestrian Hotel. Indulge in a three-course chef’s dinner featuring complimentary beer and wine. A cash bar will be available for spirits and bottles of wine from the in-house master sommelier’s selections. Full circuit tables are available for purchase for 11 weeks of Saturday night grands prix through January 4, 2024, followed by weekly table sales.
** Please note, week XII March 20-25 tickets will be sold separately at weclonginesleagueofnations.com.
Upcoming Events!
8th Annual VOCAL Furball, Paws and Pearls presented by Lugano Diamonds
“Paws and Pearls” is the theme for the 2024 Furball and promises to be a perfect evening of blending VOCAL’s mission of solving the homeless pet problem with the glamour of a black-tie optional event.
Purchase tickets, become a sponsor or donate auction items for the 2024 Furball. For additional questions, please contact Furball Event Chair Lauren Carpenter at furball@vocalforpets.org.
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party presented by Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Grab a Guinness and raise a glass to the Irish as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day block-party style in front of Exposition Center 1 on Saturday, March 16. Returning for another year, you can show up in green from 4pm-7pm and shamrock out to the live music from Dublin Beat, jig along with the Irish dancers, and sample traditional beer and fare from the Emerald Isle.
Tickets include entertainment, beer samples, and all your food from a small-plate menu chocked full of Irish pub classics, like corned beef and cabbage, beef stew and shepherd’s pie potato bowls. Enjoy music, yard games, face painting, beer samples and cash bars pouring all ye favorite St. Paddy’s sips. Buy your tickets today!
Easter Celebration
From 10am to 2pm in Indoor Arenas 1 and 4, you can celebrate Easter at World Equestrian Center – Ocala! This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and will feature Easter egg and cookie decorating courtesy of Signature brands, along with spring crafts, face painting and a DJ. Meet the Easter Bunny and don’t miss the Easter Egg hunts in Indoor Arenas 1 and 4. Be lucky enough to find the special golden egg and you’ll be treated to an Easter surprise. Don’t forget to bring your own basket!
12pm Egg Hunt | Indoor Arena 1 | Under 4, and ages 5-9
12:30pm Egg Hunt | Indoor Arena 4 | Ages 10 and up
2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series Grand Finale Week and Longines League of Nations™
The grand finale of the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series, March 19-23, is set to thrill with a week-long showcase of five-star Jumping competition, featuring the highly anticipated North American qualifier for the inaugural Longines League of Nations™ Team Competition. For the 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series finale week ticketing information and event schedule, visit https://www.weclonginesleagueofnations.com.
World Equestrian Center – Ocala will welcome some of the world’s best Jumping athletes to take center stage in the WEC Grand Arena to compete for more than $1.5 million in awards and prize money throughout the week.
Ticket Information
A range of tickets are now available for the spectacular week, with competition Wednesday through Saturday to culminate with elite, five-star Jumping in the WEC Grand Arena on Saturday afternoon and evening as the qualifier unfolds.
Attendees can purchase a $10 per day, standing-room-only General Admission tickets to watch the equestrian action Wednesday through Saturday.
Purchase General Admission Tickets
Reserve your seat to view the action in the WEC Grand Arena Thursday through Saturday. General Admission is included in the Grand Arena reserved seating price.
Purchase Grand Arena Reserved Seating Tickets
Experience the excitement from the most coveted view at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Witness elite Jumping performances throughout the week from Stirrups’ terrace, open for Wednesday breakfast through Sunday brunch.
Purchase Grand Terrace Dining Packages
Upcoming Horse Shows
2024 Dressage at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
WEC – Ocala’s 2024 dressage schedule, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage is bigger and better in 2024 featuring 15 qualifying opportunities throughout the year. The 2024 calendar includes eight national USEF/USDF-rated events, while those competing at the Fédération Equestre International (FEI) level will have six internationally rated competitions.
A Sudden Impulse AQHA, FQHA and NSBA Futurity & Orange Blossom Classic
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is pleased to welcome Quarter Horses back to the venue with two top events that will be AQHA, NSBA and FQHA approved.
A Sudden Impulse AQHA, FQHA & NSBA Futurity will be held from April 24-28, 2024 and the The Orange Blossom Classic will be held from April 17-21, 2024.
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
- John Craig
- Equestrian Collection
- Rooney’s – Now Open!
- J. McLaughlin – Now Open!
CaptiveOne Advisors Arena – Indoor Arena 1:
- Ariat International
- Gordon Reiss Insurance
- Walden Performance and Recovery
- Upper Echelon Academy
- La Mundial Boots
UF Health Arena – Indoor Arena 2:
- Stellina LLC/Romitelli Boots
- Haala Fashion LLC
- Farmhouse Chiropractic
- Hats Off Boutique
- Main Street Travel
- Rough Cut Boutique
Indoor Arena 3:
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- IDA Development, LLC
- I Love My Horse
- LeMieux
- Parlanti
- Chi Rho Ranch
Indoor Arena 4:
- The Farm House, Inc.
- Odette, LLC
- Sudden Impulse Boutique
- AGM Beyond Leather
- Exceptional Equestrian, Inc
- Grey Fox Designs
Join us for weekly Retail Bingo at World Equestrian Center – Ocala! Participate and get a chance to win a gift basket filled with special items from the stores featured on the bingo card.
Here’s how it works:
1. Pick up your bingo card from the Show Office.
2. Visit each listed store and receive a mark on the corresponding square on your card.
3. Once all squares are checked, return the card to the Show Office in Arena 1.
4. Drawings will be held every Saturday for cards received during that week. Winners will be notified using the contact information provided.
5. During Week 11, all previous winners will be entered into a grand prize drawing!
Good luck, and enjoy exploring the fantastic vendors at WEC-Ocala!
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
Shop at 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 Indoor 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.
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, February 21 | TJ Brown
Thursday, February 22 | Miranda Madison
Friday, February 23 | Allison Asarch
Saturday, February 24 | Mark Raisch
Calluna Spa
Rider’s Recovery
Schedule a 50-minute Rider’s Recovery massage in January or February 2024 and enjoy a $25 credit toward your service when you mention the Winter Spectacular Show Series! Visit callunaspaocala.com or call 352.414.7862 to make an appointment.
Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 9am-7pm
Sunday, 10am-5pm
Call 352.414.7862 or visit callunaspaocala.com to book your appointment.
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
Brunch: 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 | Kitchen service complete one hour prior to close
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.
Present-April 30: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-8pm | Sunday, 11am-6pm | Closed Mondays
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.
Present-April 30: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 6:30am-6pm | Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-8pm | Closed Mondays
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.
Present-April 30: Wednesday -Saturday, 11am-8pm | Sunday, 11am-4pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
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.
Present-April 30: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm | Friday-Saturday, 6:30am-8pm | Sunday, 6:30am-6pm
352.414.7876
Skip the Line:
Want to save time and skip the line? Online ordering is now available from select property locations! Simply place your desired order online and customize the date and time you’d like to pick it up on-site. Receive 10% off your first online order when you enter the code “FIRST” at checkout. Learn more at orders.wec.net