200,000 Sq. Ft of Custom Surfaces Installed in Advance of the Ohio Fall 2018 Indoor Season
WILMINGTON, Ohio – June 25, 2018 – Top equestrian sports venue World Equestrian Center has invested in all new footing for their entire indoor complex in Ohio, which encompasses more than 200,000 square feet of riding space. The massive footing upgrade began June 18 and is expected to take 18-21 days from start to finish. This timeline ensures that the indoor complex will be ready for the upcoming Quarter Horse shows and Fall Hunter / Jumper show series.
The process includes removing the existing footing from all of the indoor arenas to expose the limestone base. The base of each arena will then be graded and leveled in preparation for installation of the new competition surfaces. As part of the project, more than 4,500 tons of material, a custom blended mix of premium sand / GGT fiber, will be installed in each of the schooling and competition areas. According to GGT Footing, their German Geo Textile Footing offers a scientifically formulated combination of cushion and support that can enhance a horse’s performance while promoting improved physical health and longevity.
Working closely with Drew Discount and his team from Discount Dirtworks, World Equestrian Center General Manager Brandon Saxton will oversee the footing removal and upgrade. Discount Dirtworks is known for the development and management of competition surfaces at some of the world’s finest events, including the Global Champions Tour in Miami, Florida.
Saxton has been General Manager of the World Equestrian Center facility and manager of its horse shows since the inaugural Fall 2016 season. Since then, more than10,000 horses have shown at the World Equestrian Center’s Wilmington, Ohio facility. A footing specialist, Saxton understands the importance of installing the right surface for the job and how critical a role proper maintenance plays in ongoing footing performance.
“My team and I are constantly watching the rings, working the footing and listening to feedback from trainers and exhibitors,” said Saxton. “We understand that footing is a main priority for our exhibitors and we’re making this investment proactively to ensure safety and longevity for the horses who show at World Equestrian Center.”
Lauded for their commitment to providing a new approach to horse showing that includes an emphasis on safe sport in a family-friendly environment, the World Equestrian Center has become home to 26 weeks of USEF rated Hunter / Jumper shows each year. In addition, the facility hosts several top AQHA shows and a number of breed shows as well as specialty events including the USHJA’s Emerging Athletes Program, Gold Star Clinic and Young Hunter Pony Championships.
“We’re always trying to make the horse show experience better for the horses and people,” said Roby Roberts, whose vision drives the World Equestrian Center management. “An investment in great footing is just one of the ways that we can help to keep World Equestrian Center among the top places to show horses in the United States.”
In addition to new footing, World Equestrian Center’s Ohio facility is undergoing several improvements this summer including the development of an outdoor show complex, a permanent Vendor Village and an expanded restaurant facility at the popular Paddock Club. When finished, investment in the summer 2018 World Equestrian Center improvement projects is estimated above $1million.
About World Equestrian Center
Located in Wilmington, Ohio, the World Equestrian Center features more than 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled riding space, making it one of the largest indoor/outdoor equestrian sport venues in the world. The state of the art facility features premium footing, permanent stabling and onsite accommodations as well as more than 26 weeks of rated Hunter / Jumper competition.
Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family friendly environment, the World Equestrian Center promises their exhibitors an experience built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.
Coming soon, the World Equestrian Center will debut a brand new location, providing world-class equestrian competition and equestrian-inspired country club living, all adjacent to the fabulous Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala, Florida. For more information please visit http://www.wec.net.
Media Contact:
Candace FitzGerald
603-738-2788
candace.fitzgerald@wec.net