Ocala, FL – Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) CSI3* Show Jumping competition returns to World Equestrian Center – Ocala during the 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series. Horses were presented this afternoon to the ground jury for inspection with competition beginning tomorrow March 1 running through Saturday, March 4 in the WEC Grand Arena.
Spectators are encouraged to come out and support riders who are among the best equestrian athletes in the world as they compete in events throughout the week. Admission and parking are free.
The daily FEI CSI3* schedule in the WEC Grand Arena can be found below. To view the CSI3* and 2023 Winter Spectacular Show Series daily class schedule, live scoring, class counts, orders of go, estimated start times and results visit wec-ocala.showmanagementsystem.com.
Wednesday, March 1
$6,000 1.40m CSI3* Speed | 8am Start
$40,000 1.45m CSI3* Speed
Thursday, March 2
$50,000 Wheels Up Welcome Prix CSI3* | 7pm Start
Friday, March 3
$40,000 1.45m CSI3* Power & Speed | 8am Start
Saturday, March 4
$150,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI3* | 7pm Start
World Equestrian Center – Ocala newcomer Sarah Segal shared her initial thoughts about the facility, “This is my first time here, so I haven’t been able to check out the entire property, but I am already blown away. The [WEC Grand Arena] is beautiful and my horses seemed to enjoy their hack this morning. The stalls are also incredible – my horses were right at home and very content. I am looking forward to this week,” Segal shared.
Segal brought two of her top mounts Flintstone and Speedy Jump to compete this week, “I am hoping to do the Welcome and Grand Prix with Fred, [Flintstone]. Speedy Jump will do tomorrow’s opening class and Friday, and possibly the Welcome on Thursday.”
Devin Ryan from Long Valley, New Jersey is eager to compete aboard Sascha Abramson’s Hangover, “I am excited to be here and most importantly looking forward to some good results,” said Ryan. Previously having competed in the WEC Grand Arena during a Saturday night grand prix, Ryan was eager to return, “Last year I jumped under the lights on Saturday, but Hangover hasn’t been here yet this year. I am excited to get him back in that arena this week.”
Ryan shared his enthusiasm for the World Equestrian Center – Ocala venue, “This facility is amazing. What they put into it for the horses is pretty incredible. I hope they host a world championship here one day. The design is capable of hosting the top of the sport for a variety of disciplines. I am very excited to see what’s instore for the future.”
After the FEI jog Gwyneth Babington was presented with the Best Turned Out Award courtesy of Exceptional Equestrian for her stylish apparel and beautifully groomed horses. Thank you to Cindy Lay, Owner and Founder of Exceptional Equestrian who gave FEI athletes a welcome bag filled with merchandise from her on-site stores, located in Indoor Arena 3 and Indoor Arena 4.
Show Jumping fans can enjoy wall-to-wall livestreaming of the event courtesy of ClipMyHorse.tv.
Photos courtesy of Andrew Ryback Photography.
Videos available at ClipMyHorse.TV