If you (like me) have been drooling over the luxury renderings of the Ocala location of the World Equestrian Center, the time has come! Late last night, the team at WEC Ocala not only released their 2021 Show Schedule, but they have already opened up reservations for the January 2021 hunter jumper circuit. One might think that 2100 stalls might take a while to fill, but gauging by the initial response on social media, I wouldn’t be surprised if the pre-sell out fairly early. Here is what you need to know about what is to come at this insanely impressive new show venue.
Photo courtesy WEC Ocala
Prize Money and More
According to the press release put out by the team at WEC Ocala, there will be 12 weeks of winter hunter/jumper shows beginning January 5, 2021. Each week has a proposed prize money allotment of $400,000 and plans to feature the following classes weekly:
- $10K Non Pro Hunter Derby 2’6
- $10K National 3′ Hunter Derby Open
- $10K National 3′ Hunter Derby Non Pro
- $30K WEC Hunter Derby
- $10K WEC Pony Hunter Derby
- $25K WEC Welcome Stake
- $75K WEC Grand Prix
- $25K WEC Futures Prix
There is just one small hiccup in WEC’s amazing plan… undertaking the USHJA and USEF mileage exemption process. With HITS Ocala literally just down the road, without the exemption from the mileage rule, WEC cannot host rated shows. WEC released this statement regarding this issue:
“World Equestrian Center is currently undertaking the mileage exemption process through the US Equestrian and USHJA for the above dates. Should World Equestrian Center be denied recognized dates, management is committed to running unrecognized horse shows on the dates above or a combination of recognized and unrecognized depending on the decisions reached by US Equestrian and USHJA in order that our owners and competitors may plan accordingly.”
Even if they are unable to obtain rated status, I still imagine their shows will have a waitlist of excited competitors eager to set hoof in their new state-of-the-art arenas. The hype leading up to the opening of WEC Ocala has been immense. I drove past the construction site a few weeks back, and I must say, it is pretty freaking impressive. I wouldn’t mind to show there rated or not.
Don’t Hold Your Horses, Get Your Stalls
If you cannot imagine missing out on opening week at WEC Ocala, you better hurry. They have already opened up stall reservations for their winter hunter/jumper circuit. Weekly stalls are going to run you $250, while circuit stalls for 12 weeks are $2,500. You can make your reservations now via www.horseshowing.com, and payment will be due in October 2020.
With 2100 permanent stalls in 23 steel and concrete barns (17 of which are climate controlled), WEC Ocala isn’t going to have a hard time fitting in the massive amount of competitors who are going to want to call WEC their home for the winter. These barns and stalls were built with horse comfort in mind with features such as:
- Stalls in 12×12 and 12×14 sizes to accommodate larger horses
- Air circulated by 8 24’ Big Ass® fans in each barn, while each stall is equipped with individual fans
- Stalls feature Stable Comfort Mattresses by AmberWay Equine
- Each barn has 12 hot and cold wash racks and 12 secure/lockable tack rooms
- 24-hour security will be on-site with surveillance cameras in each barn as well
- And each barn has its own individual restroom facilities for both women and men
To learn more, check out the official press release regarding stall reservations put out last night by WEC Ocala.
What to Expect from WEC Ocala
If you have been living under a rock and have missed out on the amazing updates put out by the WEC Ocala team, never fear! We have rounded up the amazing renderings, and behind-the-scenes looks just for you to drool over.