Ocala. Fla., is about to get much hotter, and we’re not talking about the weather.
The World Equestrian Center, which has a big show operation in Wilmington, Ohio, is opening a lavish new site in Ocala in January 2021, it was announced today. Set on 4,000 acres, it will have 17 all-purpose arenas and four indoor arenas (climate-controlled, like the stabling). A three-acre outdoor stadium will be geared to different types of events, not just horse shows.
A hotel will be part of the package, along with a fine-dining restaurant and four other on-site dining options. Three-acre housing parcels also will be available, and they can be bought in multiples as well.
The WEC hotel will have an arena view.
Plans call for holding recognized U.S. Equestrian Federation competitions, if possible, despite the mileage protection rule covering pre-existing shows. At present, HITS has a winter show series in Ocala and Chester Weber runs a jumper and driving show in the fast-growing area.
If WEC can’t get the dates for USEF-rated shows, it will run its own hunter/jumper series. It also will host dressage, para-equestrian, vaulting, reining and breed events. Non-equestrian activities will include weddings, dog shows, car shows and corporate events.
The technology being built into the project will accommodate key cards, digital video live streaming and a 24/7 security network.
The reason for the long lag time until the opening is to ensure the facility “is completely finished and in ready condition to safely host horses and exhibitors.” That’s good news for those who lived through the unfinished state of the Tryon International Equestrian Center during last September’s FEI World Equestrian Games