Why migrate south for the winter when you can experience top-of-the-line horse showing close to home in the Midwest? The World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio is a first-class indoor show facility with four exquisite indoor arenas (and let’s not forget their new all-weather footing outdoor arenas just opened up this summer) and a laundry list of amenities that make them a must-see on your winter horse show schedule. With the help from the team at Draper Therapies and some of WEC’s biggest fans, we have rounded up some of the best kept secrets surrounding this facility to help you have the best trip possible in Ohio.
Restaurants to Die For
“The Mediterranean Cafe is AMAZING!” shared Tess Fortune, and JN editor, Meagan DeLisle has to agree: “We ate here while visiting WEC this past winter and the food was amazing! Tons of Italian options, but I wholeheartedly recommend the calzones!”
“The Spillway Lodge is an absolute MUST restaurant when at WEC,” commented Anne Warner. “It is very close to the show and the steaks and prime rib are amazing. Any given night it is heavily populated with the horse show crowd!” JN pro tip: make sure you have a reservation for the weekends or if your party is eight people or more!
Shelby Hamilton highly recommends Jen’s Deli located in downtown Wilmington. “Amazing food, coffee and smoothies! I ate there four days in a row!”
Several people sang the high praises of restaurant at the historic General Denver Hotel. Snag a bite to eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the 1928 hotel which has been kept in near original condition.
Amazing Onsite Amenities
“Their show office is very accommodating,” said Melissa Collins, “so friendly and helpful. Quite refreshing!”
“I enjoy the Sunday Service held every Sunday in the Sanctuary at 7:30AM!” said Jenna Buchan.
“The best thing is the junior Cadet Program,” Rhonda Willie advised. “Most folks ton’t know about that, but it makes showing a lot more affordable for the parents all the while teaching them key horsemanship skills. No other show offers this.”
“I would say the best thing is just the overall experience you get at the facility,” said Allie McBreen who frequents WEC regularly with the David Biesel team. “All of the staff is incredible to deal with, from management all the way down to the night crew that care for the facility and everyone in between!”
And of course, who doesn’t love the overall affordability of this top-notch show? Stall fees are $75 a week per horse, if prepaid, and they now have amazing luxury paddocks available for $350 a week.
Tips and Tricks
In need of a shortcut around this massive indoor complex? “You can cut through the main office hallways to get from the Roberts Arena to the jumper schooling ring,” Emily Deckelman shared.
“The best night to school in the hunter rings is Wednesday night for the amateur crew, if you are able,” said Lori Revis. “It is a lot less crowded than on Thursday evening!”
Bethany Siehr shared this life-changing gem: “If you need extra help the show office keeps a list of college kids enrolled in the Wilmington College equine program that can help clean stalls, hold horses, groom, etc…”
If you are in the market to buy or sell a horse, WEC is a great destination to do so. Be sure to check out the Facebook page created to advertise any horses available for sale or lease that you are bringing to Ohio.
Danielle Moraski reminds you to be sure to snag a snack while passing by the Roberts’ Barn. “They always leave dog treats, water and crackers out for everyone! So nice!”