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.
CDC depiction of COVID-19 virus
The World Equestrian Center which will be busy with improvements to the facility will reopen in April 1, 2021 with an expanded prize list for a spectacular spring and summer circuit.
© 2020 by CDC
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 Jan. 5, 2021 with a 12-week show series at what we believe will be the safest facility in the country. Our WEC Premier Cup Championships will move to Ocala featuring the Premier Equitation Cup and two WEC Hunter Classic Premier Cup Classes with a new car awarded to each class winner.
The Premier 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.
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 and 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 World Equestrian Center - Ohio fall and winter shows to adjust their schedules and attend to the details that accompany horse show travel.
About World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center features two premiere multidisciplinary horse show venues located in Wilmington, Ohio and Ocala, Florida.
Our Wilmington, Ohio facility includes more than 200,000 square feet of climate-controlled indoor riding space and features premium footing, permanent stabling and onsite 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, Florida 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.
Press release provided by Candace FitzGerald