The following announcement was released on May 12 from World Equestrian Center – Ohio.
Experts predict that a second wave of the coronavirus is likely later this year. Given those predictions and after discussions with our state and local health officials, we have elected to close World Equestrian Center – Ohio from September 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Due to the facility’s enclosed environment, we believe this is the right thing to do for the safety of our staff and exhibitors.
Our Ocala facility opens January 5, 2021 with a 12-week show series at what we believe will be the safest facility in the country.
- Our WEC Premier Championships will move to Ocala featuring the Premier Equitation Cup and two Hunter Classic Premier Cup Classes with a new car awarded to each class winner.
- The Equitation Cup will feature the new $100,000 trainer bonus.
We will be making an announcement in the near future about what to expect at World Equestrian Center – Ocala along with a revised prize list.
Photo by WEC.
The World Equestrian Center – Ohio facility will reopen in April 1, 2021 with an expanded prize list for a spectacular spring and summer circuit. Until that time, we will be busy with a spate of improvements to the facility designed to increase air circulation, reduce barn aisle traffic and allow for social distancing. These include:
- Upgrading our ventilation system.
- Adding Dutch doors to stalls.
- Installing additional overhead doors on the indoor rings.
In recent weeks, we’ve been adding wash rack dividers, concrete flooring and garage doors in barns and installing 52 new Home Away from Home accommodations. We expect to put the finishing touches on the fitness facility and Starbucks amenities this summer.
Making this decision now will allow those trainers and exhibitors who planned to attend our WEC Ohio fall and winter shows to adjust their schedules and attend to the details that accompany horse show travel.
About the World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center features two premiere multidisciplinary horse show venues located in Wilmington, OH and Ocala, FL. Our Wilmington, OH facility includes more than 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled indoor riding space and features premium footing, permanent stabling and on-site accommodations. The facility hosts 32 US Equestrian rated hunter/jumper horse shows each year as well as top AQHA shows, breed shows, clinics and other events. Slated to open in 2021, the World Equestrian Center Ocala, FL will provide world-class equestrian competition in all disciplines and equestrian-inspired country club living adjacent to the fabulous Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club.
Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, the World Equestrian Center promises their exhibitors a horse show experience built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction. For more information about WEC, click here.
Editor’s Note (May 15): In response to readers’ questions regarding stall reservations for the winter circuit, WEC has kindly advised not stall reservations had been made yet for the fall or winter horse shows; no refunds therefore needed to be issued. Fall or winter prize lists also had not yet been released. WEC Ocala shows are still slated to begin January 5, 2021 and there are no plans to delay opening at this point.