Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala is gearing up for an exciting weekend packed with events! Get ready for the kick-off event of the 2024 Stirrups Wine Series, Passport to Sonoma, presented by Wheels Up. Additionally, the Ocala Annual Arabian Horse Show makes its return to WEC – Ocala and car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Third Annual for the Love of Shelby Car Show, set to take place in Expo Center 2. The WEC Stadium will be abuzz with the thrilling Snowman Series Finale – Mounted Games Across America.
Embark on a journey to the beautiful wine region of Sonoma! Passport to Sonoma, the first event in our 2024 Wine Series presented by Wheels Up, will transport you to one of California’s most renowned and picturesque wine-growing areas on April 5, 2024. Travel with us on the terrace at Stirrups from 6:30pm to 9pm for an evening filled with exceptional wine tastings, small plates and live music all inspired by the Sonoma region.
Join us for a true celebration of wine, food, and culture on this memorable evening of exploration in the heart of Sonoma wine country. Tickets available online.
From April 5-7 catch the action from the Ocala Annual Arabian Horse Show held in Indoor Arena 1 and Indoor Arena 4. There is no charge for admission or parking. Learn more at oaha.org/shows.html.
Join us in Expo Center 2 on Friday, April 5 from 5pm to 9pm and Saturday, April 6 from 8am to 4pm for the Third Annual for the Love of Shelby Car Show.
For the Love of Shelby Car Show Pricing Breakdown:
Saturday-Spectator Admission $10 per person
Kids 12 and under Free
Saturday-People’s Choice Car Show Entry $45.00
Saturday-People’s Choice Day of Show Entry $50 (indoor parking can not be guaranteed- must have floor protection for under car)
Friday Night Charity Casino Night for the Carroll Shelby Foundation $150
Join us at the WEC Stadium for Mounted Games on April 6 and 7. Mounted Games is a branch of equestrian sport which displays a variety of speed-based relay races with teams of skilled riders and ponies. Levels include top international riders all the way to beginning riders at their first competition! Spectators are welcome and there is no admission cost.
Upcoming Events!
Saturday, May 4, watch the 150th “Run for the Roses” at World Equestrian Center during the Kentucky Derby Hat Party on The Equestrian Hotel terrace from 5pm to 7:30pm.
Sport your best derby attire and root for your favorite as you watch the race unfold. The Hat Party features chef-attended action stations serving elegant race-day small plates, including garden-cuterie, bourbon maple-stung fried chicken and more. Enjoy included samples of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and mint juleps, or purchase derby-day cocktails, beer and wine from the cash bars.
Tickets include your choice of one derby hat (available on a first-come, first-served selection basis) OR a bottle of Woodford bourbon, as well as beverage samples, small plates of cuisine and sample mint julep.
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
WEC – 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.
May Day Barrel Bonanza
The May Day Barrel Bonanza held May 16-19 will showcase competitors from across the nation. Barrel Racing stands out as one of the premier equine disciplines, highlighting thrilling displays of speed and tight turns, where the fastest time secures victory.
The May Day Barrel Bonanza welcomes participants of all ages and genders, making it a true family sport. The competition will have over $75,000 in prize money added and championship saddles and buckles will be awarded Sunday May 19 after a super Sunday finals.
See the May Day Barrel Bonanza Flyer for 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
- 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
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, April 3 | Kathleen Kane
Thursday, April 4 | Brandon Dull
Friday, April 5 | The Mudds
Saturday, April 6 | Charity Cox
Calluna Spa
Find Your Glow This Spring
Calluna Spa is a state-of-the-art 7,000-square-foot full-service salon and spa. Offering luxury salon services and luxurious body treatments with a team of elite providers, Calluna Spa in The Equestrian Hotel is Central Florida’s go-to wellness destination.
Relax, restore and renew with treatments from our diverse menu featuring a variety of unique massage options, body wraps, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair services for men and women.
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