World-Class Show Jumping Returns to Ocala: FEI World Cup and League of Nations Headline WEC Winter Spectacular

There are only a handful of places on the planet where you can watch Olympic-level show jumping under the lights on a Saturday night, stroll through a luxury resort village, and never pay a dime for admission. This winter, Ocala is one of them.

The World Equestrian Center is in the middle of its 12-week Ocala Winter Spectacular, a marathon of hunter/jumper and dressage competition that runs through March 22. But two anchor events elevate this season from regionally significant to globally relevant: the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala (February 7–15) and the Longines League of Nations (March 17–22). Together, they carry more than $1.7 million in prize money and draw riders and teams from across the globe to Marion County. Spectator admission is free for both events.

FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala — February 7–15

The FEI Jumping World Cup is the sport's premier individual championship series, a season-long circuit that determines which riders qualify for the annual World Cup Final. The Ocala leg is one of only a handful of North American qualifiers, meaning the performances in Ocala's Grand Outdoor Arena directly affect which athletes earn their place at the pinnacle of the sport.

The week builds toward the $300,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Grand Prix on Saturday, February 14, contested under the lights of the Grand Outdoor Arena. Expect courses set at 1.60 meters — roughly five feet three inches — demanding precision, speed, and nerve from horse and rider alike. For spectators who have never watched top-tier show jumping in person, the combination of floodlit evening competition and the sheer athleticism on display makes this one of the most accessible introductions to the sport.

The week also features the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship, where the country's top junior riders compete for a brand-new SUV and $100,000 in trainer awards. It is a showcase of the next generation of American talent, and a reminder that Ocala is not just hosting the world's best — it is developing them.

Longines League of Nations — March 17–22

If the World Cup is about individuals, the League of Nations is about flags. Formerly known as the Nations Cup, this team-based format pits the world's 10 best national show jumping squads against one another over a week of competition. Each nation fields a four-rider team, and results count toward the overall Longines League of Nations series standings.

The 2026 Ocala stop is the second leg of the global series, carrying more than $1.4 million in total prize money. The headline class is the $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5* on Thursday, March 19 — the highest-rated competition level in international show jumping. Confirmed participants include reigning series champions Great Britain and the return of Brazil, alongside eight other nations yet to be announced.

For those looking to make an evening of it, Grand Prix dining experience tickets are available separately, offering a reserved table with a view of the arena.

The League of Nations is one of the most prestigious international equestrian competitions held anywhere in the United States, and its presence in Ocala is a direct reflection of the facility's global standing.

Spectator Guide

Both events offer free general admission for spectators. The World Equestrian Center is located at 1750 NW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34482.

Beyond the arenas, the WEC campus offers a full day's worth of activity. Seven on-site restaurants include the Wine Spectator-awarded Stirrups, and the resort village features luxury shopping, a golf course, spa, and golf cart rentals for navigating the sprawling grounds. Climate-controlled indoor arenas mean competition continues regardless of weather, and outdoor viewing areas offer a more casual spectator experience.

Arriving early is recommended, particularly for the Saturday night Grand Prix on February 14 and the CSIO5* Grand Prix on March 19. Parking is free, and the venue is family-friendly with no age restrictions.

Why Ocala

The question isn't whether events like these could happen somewhere else — it's why they keep happening here. The Horse Capital of the World designation isn't ceremonial. Marion County is home to more than 1,200 horse farms, and the World Equestrian Center's 4,000-acre campus was purpose-built to host competition at the highest international level.

The region's mild winter climate makes it a natural training base for riders and horses from across the hemisphere, and WEC's infrastructure — multiple arenas, on-site veterinary facilities, permanent stabling — means the logistical demands of an FEI-sanctioned event can be met without temporary buildouts. TIME magazine recognized the facility as one of the 2024 World's Greatest Places, and the 2026 Winter Spectacular schedule makes a strong case for the distinction.

The economic ripple extends well beyond the arena gates. International competitions bring trainers, grooms, veterinarians, farriers, and spectators who fill hotels, restaurants, and local businesses across Marion County for weeks at a time.

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The full Ocala Winter Spectacular schedule runs through March 22, with competition most weeks. For more on what's happening across the community, explore the Only In Ocala events calendar or discover things to do in Ocala.