Ocala’s World Equestrian Center is soaring. With the first U.S. Nations Cup-style League of Nations team competition set for March 20-23, the facility’s visibility is also being raised by introducing World Championship Hunter Rider competition that weekend and Feb. 7-11.
Budget-priced standing-room-only general admission tickets are available at this link for the League of Nations team competition, which will draw squads from 10 countries. For more information go to www.wec.net.
At the same time, the All for the Horses Expo, an equine industry tradeshow, will be held March 22-24 at WEC. It will offer an expanded schedule of events and a larger selection of equestrian and lifestyle vendors than it had last year. General admission and parking for the Expo will be free.WE
The Riding Academy Hotel, a companion to the 5-star hotel already operating on the property, is set to be ready for guests shortly.
Meanwhile, work has begun on a 180,000-square-foot event center set to open in 2025. It will offer meeting and event space, a grand ballroom and four new restaurants, including two rooftop concepts. Additionally, The Shoppes Off 80th, an upscale outdoor shopping venue offering space for 28 new retailers, is slated for completion in 2025.
The University of Florida Health Family Medical Center will offer on-site care for people, just as the University of Florida Veterinary Center that opened in 2022 did for horses.
On the equestrian front, a sixth indoor arena will accommodate an expanded dressage lineup, while seven more outdoor rings are also being constructed.