Ocala, FL – World Equestrian Center – Ocala launched Sports at WEC, a new sports organization out of World Equestrian Center – Ocala’s premier multipurpose facility. Sports at WEC will offer a variety of diverse sports training programs to the greater Ocala area, starting with the Academy 54 recreational youth soccer camp beginning the week of June 17. The indoor soccer camp is geared toward children ages 5 through 14 of all skill levels. Learn more at sportsatwec.com.
This week, World Equestrian Center – Ocala has two fun, family-friendly events happening. Bring the whole family out to Mother’s Day Brunch May 12 on the Stirrups’ terrace at The Equestrian Hotel. This special brunch in honor of mom features an extensive, fresh menu and live music. Call Stirrups at 352.414.7864 to inquire if reservations remain.
The Florida Paint Horse Club May Mane Event returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala May 10 – 12 in Indoor Arena 3. Visit Florida Paint Horse Club for more information.
Upcoming Horse Shows
2024 Summer Series
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is pleased to announce entries and stall reservations are now open through HorseShowing.com for the 2024 Summer Series. Spanning nine weeks of Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper competition from June 11 through August 11, 2024, the series showcases classes for all levels. Kicking off with three weeks of international competition, starting with a FEI CSI2* from June 11-16, followed by FEI CSI3* from June 18-23 and culminating in an exciting CSI4*, CSI2* week from June 25-30.
2024 Summer Series Dates:
Summer Series I: 6/11/24-6/16/24
FEI CSI2*/ Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series II: 6/18/24-6/23/24
FEI CSI3* / Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series III: 6/25/24-6/30/24
FEI CSI2*/CSI4* / Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series IV: 7/3/24-7/7/24
Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series V: 7/10/24-7/14/14
Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series VI: 7/17/24-7/21/24
Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Sumer Series VII: 7/24/24-7/28/24
Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series VIII: 7/31/24-8/4/24
Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
Summer Series IX: 8/7/24-8/11/24
Premier Hunter / Level 6 Jumper
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.
May Day Barrel Bonanza
The May Day Barrel Bonanza held May 16-19 in Indoor Arena 5 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.
Coming Soon!
Whiskey Dinner at Yellow Pony Pub & Garden with Sazerac
Thursday, May 30, 2024 | 6pm – 9pm
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
It’s all about bourbon, whiskey and rye at Yellow Pony Pub & Garden. Thursday, May 30, join us for an exclusive five-course, whiskey-paired dinner on the patio from 6pm to 9pm.
Sample premium Sazerac whiskeys like Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye and Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery selections, expertly paired by Master Sommelier Roland Micu. Learn about each rare offering on the menu from Council of Whiskey Masters certified specialist, Todd Paschall. Tickets are limited for this exclusive event.
Passport to the Mediterranean
Friday, June 14, 2024 | 6:30pm to 9pm
Journey with us to Passport to the Mediterranean, the second event in our 2024 Wine Series presented by Wheels Up as we transport you to the vast Mediterranean region on June 14. You’ll travel with us on the terrace from 6:30pm to 9pm to enjoy wine, small plates and live music inspired by the 22 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
Known for diverse terroir and warm climate, wines of the Mediterranean display flavors of spice and minerals, along with floral notes and subtle earthy characteristics which reflect the tradition and experimentation of the broad, seaside region. Attendees can look forward to sampling some of the world’s most beloved grape varieties like Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and other esoteric varieties from iconic regions like Tuscany, Italy; Rioja, Spain; and Santorini, Greece among many others.
The night will incorporate the flavors of the Mediterranean with small plates inspired by land and sea from Portugal to Israel and everything in between, including falafel and grilled octopus.
Academy 54’s Recreational Youth Soccer Camp
Join us in Exposition Center 2 for the first two weeks of Academy 54’s fun-filled recreational youth indoor soccer camps.
Camp is designed for players of all ability levels with a focus on skill development, conditioning, and most importantly, fun! Play on premium artificial turf under the guidance of skilled coaches.
Camp Dates:
Monday, June 17 – Friday, June 21: Ages 5-9
Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28: Ages 9-14 *Waitlist Available*
Learn more about camp offerings and register online at sportsatwec.com
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!
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, May 8 | Becky Baby
Thursday, May 9 | Mark Smythe
Friday, May 10 | Grass Campers
Saturday, May 11 | Uptown Music
Calluna Spa
Mother’s Day
Indulge in some of Mom’s favorite things this Mother’s Day! Join us for mimosas with any booked service on Saturday, May 11 or Sunday, May 12. Book an appointment today! (21+)
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
Open for brunch, Tuesday, May 14 until 4pm
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
Closed for lunch, Tuesday, May 14 from 11am-4pm
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-June 10: Wednesday-Saturday, 11am-8pm | Sunday, 11am-6pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
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.
April 28-June 10: Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday, 11am-6pm | Friday & Saturday, 11am-8pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
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-June 10: 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.
April 28-June 10: Daily, 11am-8pm
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