World Equestrian Center Ocala
What to know before you visit World Equestrian Center in Ocala: show dates, what is free, where to eat and where to stay, checked against WEC's own site.
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By Darrin DeTorres, Only In Ocala. Facts checked Oct. 21, 2026, against World Equestrian Center's Ocala site (FAQ, show series, events, dining and lodging pages), the HITS Ocala venue page and the Ocala/Marion County visitors bureau. AI tools helped gather the sources and draft this page; each fact was checked against those sources before publishing. See our editorial guidelines.
What is the World Equestrian Center in Ocala?
World Equestrian Center (WEC) – Ocala is a horse show venue and resort at 1750 NW 80th Ave. in northwest Ocala, set on 378 acres according to the Ocala/Marion County visitors bureau. WEC runs its own hunter/jumper, FEI and dressage shows nearly year-round, and anyone can walk in to watch most of them free.
Beyond the arenas, the property has two hotels (The Equestrian Hotel and The Riding Academy Hotel), an RV park with nearly 300 slips, 13 restaurants, cafes and bars, shops, a spa and pools, and seasonal events such as the Ocala Food & Wine Festival and Winter Wonderland.
One tip from WEC's own FAQ: horses are not on the property every day, so check the events calendar or our WEC Ocala schedule before you drive out to watch a show.
Where is World Equestrian Center Ocala, and when is it open?
General Access:
Open to the public every day; restaurant, shop and spa hours vary by venue
Spectating:
Free for most competitions; some special events need tickets
Parking:
Complimentary self-parking
What is on the WEC Ocala campus?
Facility Overview
WEC describes its Ocala property as an equestrian and resort destination offering competitions, lodging, dining, shopping, a spa and events for riders and non-riders alike. The Ocala/Marion County visitors bureau lists the campus at 378 acres. WEC publishes an interactive campus map, and our WEC Ocala map guide breaks the campus into zones.
World-Class Facilities
WEC lists indoor and outdoor arenas, including the open-air Grand Arena, home of the WEC Premier Cup, and WEC Stadium, where the WEC Vaulting Premiere opens Nov. 27, 2026. Its Summer Series runs in six air-conditioned arenas.
Equestrian Community
WEC has become the hub of equestrian sport in Ocala — widely recognized as the Ocala horse country. The facility draws riders, trainers, and equestrian enthusiasts from across the globe. Browse the full calendar of equestrian events in Ocala to plan around major competitions, or explore horseback riding opportunities throughout Marion County. WEC also hosts the annual All for the Horses Expo, and equestrian events extend beyond WEC to venues like the Florida Horse Park, home to the Let's Go Show hunter/jumper series.
What horse shows and events happen at WEC Ocala?
WEC runs its own USEF hunter/jumper series. The 2026 Fall Series ran Sept. 23 to Oct. 11. Next are the November Series (Nov. 4–15, National Hunter/Level 5 Jumper) and the December Series (Dec. 1–13, with CSI3* and CSI4* weeks), then the 2027 Winter Spectacular, listed for Jan. 6 to Apr. 4, 2027, with 13 weeks of competition (dates pending USEF and FEI approval).
Schedule:
Full dates on our WEC Ocala schedule
Saturday grand prix classes headline most show weeks. Coming up: the $75,000 Wheels Up American Standard Regional Grand Prix (Nov. 7), the $75,000 Hampton Green Farms American Standard Regional Grand Prix (Nov. 14) and the $120,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix CSI3* (Dec. 5), all in 2026.
Frequency:
Most Saturdays during show series
WEC lists 10 dressage shows in 2026, six of them FEI-rated CDI competitions, with no admission fee for spectators. The remaining 2026 dates are Oct. 23–25, Nov. 13–15 and a CDI-W on Dec. 9–13. The WEC Vaulting Premiere opens in WEC Stadium on Nov. 27.
Disciplines:
Hunter, jumper, equitation, dressage, vaulting
WEC operates on seasonal schedules with major activity during fall and winter months. The facility hosts events ranging from local qualifiers to national championships, making it a year-round destination for the equestrian community. The WEC Summer Series runs June through August with over $3 million in FEI prize money.
Best Season:
Fall through spring
Is HITS Ocala at the World Equestrian Center?
No. The two are often confused, but HITS Ocala is a separate show organization with its own venue, HITS Post Time Farm, at 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala, FL 34482. HITS lists its 2026–27 Ocala Winter Circuit from Oct. 22, 2026, to Apr. 18, 2027. If your rider's entry is with HITS, set your GPS for Post Time Farm, not NW 80th Avenue.
What is WEC Winter Wonderland?
WEC's holiday lights event is Winter Wonderland, which WEC says has more than four million lights. In 2026 it runs Nov. 27 to Dec. 23 in the Grand Plaza. Our Winter Wonderland 2026 guide has the details.
What to Expect:
- Light displays across the Grand Plaza, including a life-sized lighted horse and carriage and a walk-through Christmas tree
- Meet Santa (Indoor Arena 2) and Greet the Grinch (Indoor Arena 1) photo stops
- Line dancing lessons and roaming performers on Fridays, Saturdays and special dates
- Hot cocoa, seasonal bites and sweets; cash bars for adults
- Holiday shopping in WEC's boutiques
- Sold separately: virtual reality rides, Breakfast with Santa (Saturdays), a Kids' Character Brunch (Sundays) and holiday movie nights
When:
Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2026; ticketed entry 3–9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday plus Dec. 20–23; lights on at 5 p.m.
Admission:
Sun., Wed., Thu.: $8 advance, $11 at the door. Fri., Sat. and Dec. 20–23: $14 advance, $16 at the door. Children 4 and under free. Tickets are date-specific and final sale (WEC Winter Wonderland page).
Where can you eat and shop at WEC?
WEC lists 13 places to eat and drink, all open to the public. The steakhouse Stirrups and the Yellow Pony Pub & Garden are inside The Equestrian Hotel; Genievieve's (Italian), The White Willow (sushi and yakitori) and The Polo Pony are in The Equestrian Manor. Every venue is in our WEC dining guide.
Quick and casual options:
- • Filo's Mexican Cantina
- • Ralph's Burger & Sandwich Shop
- • Viola & Dot's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria
- • Emma's Patisserie (two locations)
- • Miss Tilly's Lollipops, The Tack Room and the General Store
The facility includes an expo hall and shopping areas featuring equestrian-related vendors, retail shops, and specialty stores. During events, additional vendors offer riding equipment, apparel, gifts, and equestrian products.
Shopping Features:
- • Equestrian retailers
- • Tack and equipment shops
- • Apparel vendors
- • Gift and specialty stores
- • Seasonal expo vendors
What should you know before visiting WEC?
WEC says most competitions are free for spectators and general admission is complimentary. Ticketed exceptions include Winter Wonderland, the Food & Wine Festival and some special events.
WEC offers complimentary self-parking. The property is built to be walked; WEC also rents golf carts and publishes an interactive campus map.
Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable clothing are recommended. Florida's weather can be sunny and warm, especially during show season. Bring chairs or blankets for outdoor seating areas.
Horses are not on the property every day, and WEC notes that competition horses are not available for public riding or petting. Check the events calendar before you go to confirm show dates and times.
WEC says it welcomes families and dogs. The Riding Academy Hotel has pet-friendly rooms; The Equestrian Hotel does not allow dogs in rooms. Children 4 and under get into Winter Wonderland free.
Beyond the arenas, WEC lists restaurants and cafes, shops, a spa, pools and seasonal family activities. Restaurant, shop and spa hours vary by venue.
Where can you stay at or near WEC?
On the property, WEC lists The Equestrian Hotel (248 rooms and suites, many overlooking the Grand Arena; no dogs in rooms), The Riding Academy Hotel (390 pet-friendly studios and suites), an RV park with nearly 300 slips and full hookups (water, sewer and electric). WEC also rents Home Away from Home and Crownwood vacation rentals a few minutes away. Off the property, Ocala has hotels along I-75 and SW College Road.
Equus Inn
A horse-themed boutique hotel ideal for equestrian visitors to Ocala.
Home Away From Home at WEC
WEC's own pet-friendly vacation rentals, listed alongside Crownwood Condos.
Vacation Rentals in Ocala
Private homes, cabins, and rental properties near WEC for extended stays.
Hotels Near I-75
Convenient hotel options along I-75 for easy access to WEC and the rest of Ocala.
All Ocala Hotels & Motels
Browse every lodging option in Ocala, from budget motels to full-service hotels.
Explore More Ocala Attractions
The World Equestrian Center is one stop on the best things to do in Ocala list; the guides below cover the rest of horse country.
Ocala: Florida Horse Country
Discover the equestrian heritage and horse farms that define Ocala.
WEC Show Schedule
Upcoming competitions, show dates, and events at World Equestrian Center.
WEC Campus Map
Layout of the 378-acre campus — arenas, restaurants, hotel, spa, RV park, and parking zones.
WEC RV Park
Nearly 300 RV slips on the property with full hookups (water, sewer and electric).
WEC Golf Cart Rental
Rent a golf cart to get around the 378-acre WEC campus — rates and booking info.
Calluna Spa at WEC
Full-service spa inside the Equestrian Hotel — massage, facials, salon, and equestrian recovery.
WEC Pool — Horse to Water
Heated pool and poolside bar at the Equestrian Hotel.
WEC Shops & Merchandise
General store, tack boutiques, gift shops, and the Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe.
WEC Careers
Job opportunities across hospitality, F&B, spa, retail, and equestrian operations.
WEC Live Stream
How to watch WEC Ocala live online — Grand Prix, hunter, jumper, dressage streams.
WEC Winter Wonderland
WEC's Winter Wonderland holiday lights, Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, 2026.
WEC Hotels & Lodging
The Equestrian Hotel, Riding Academy Hotel, and nearby accommodations.
WEC Dining Guide
All 13 places to eat and drink at WEC, from Stirrups to Ralph's.
Equestrian Events in Ocala
Full schedule of horse shows, competitions, and equestrian gatherings.
Longines League of Nations 2026
CSIO5* show jumping results, recap, and highlights from WEC Ocala.
Horseback Riding in Ocala
Trail rides, lessons, and riding experiences across Marion County.
Ocala Events Calendar
Find upcoming events and activities throughout Marion County.
Stirrups at WEC
Dine at the signature restaurant inside World Equestrian Center.
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Pub inside The Equestrian Hotel with craft beer, cocktails and pub fare.
Restaurants in Ocala
Explore dining options before or after your WEC visit.
Ocala Comic Con
Annual pop culture convention held at World Equestrian Center.
In Ocala for a Race? Make a Day of It
Run Florida Run's runner's guide to WEC, Silver Springs, and downtown after the finish line.
Frequently Asked Questions
World Equestrian Center – Ocala is at 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482, in northwest Marion County. Its main phone number is (352) 414-7900. The Ocala/Marion County visitors bureau describes it as set on 378 acres.
Yes. WEC says it is open to the public every day with complimentary general admission and self-parking, and that most competitions are free for spectators. Some special events need tickets or reservations, including Winter Wonderland ($8 to $16 per person in 2026) and the Ocala Food & Wine Festival.
Winter Wonderland is WEC's holiday lights event, running Nov. 27 to Dec. 23, 2026. Ticketed entry is 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday plus Dec. 20-23, with the lights on at 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 in advance or $11 at the door on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and $14 or $16 on Fridays, Saturdays and Dec. 20-23; children 4 and under are free.
No. HITS Ocala is a separate show organization with its own venue, HITS Post Time Farm, at 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala, FL 34482. HITS lists its 2026-27 Ocala Winter Circuit from Oct. 22, 2026, to Apr. 18, 2027. World Equestrian Center runs its own show series at 1750 NW 80th Ave.
Yes. WEC lists 13 places to eat and drink on the property, open to the public: Stirrups Restaurant, Genievieve's, The White Willow, The Polo Pony, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, Emma's Patisserie, Filo's Mexican Cantina, Viola & Dot's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, Ralph's Burger & Sandwich Shop, Miss Tilly's Lollipops, The Tack Room, Horse to Water Pool & Bar and the General Store. WEC says select full-service restaurants require or encourage reservations, while cafes and quick-service spots take walk-ins.
WEC runs hunter/jumper show series nearly year-round, 10 dressage shows in 2026 (six FEI-rated), Saturday grand prix classes and FEI CSI competitions. The next shows are the November Series (Nov. 4-15, 2026), the December Series (Dec. 1-13) and the 2027 Winter Spectacular (Jan. 6 to Apr. 4, 2027, pending USEF and FEI approval). Non-horse events include the Ocala Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 6-8), Winter Wonderland and a New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball.
The Ocala/Marion County visitors bureau describes the World Equestrian Center – Ocala grounds as 378 acres; WEC's own spectator page calls it a property of more than 2,000 acres. WEC says the campus has indoor and outdoor arenas, including the open-air Grand Arena; its Summer Series runs in six air-conditioned arenas. On-site lodging includes The Equestrian Hotel (248 rooms and suites), The Riding Academy Hotel (390 studios and suites) and an RV park with nearly 300 slips.
Yes, every day, according to WEC. Visitors can watch competitions, shop, eat, visit the spa or pools and attend seasonal events. Horses are not on the property every day, so check the events calendar first, and competition horses are not available for public riding or petting. WEC says it welcomes families and dogs.
Ready to Visit?
Quick Facts
- 378 acres (Ocala/Marion County visitors bureau)
- Open daily; free general admission and self-parking
- Most competitions free to watch
- Winter Wonderland, Nov. 27 – Dec. 23, 2026 (ticketed)
- 2027 Winter Spectacular listed Jan. 6 – Apr. 4, 2027
- 13 places to eat and drink
Explore Equestrian Ocala
WEC is the centerpiece, but Ocala's equestrian scene runs much deeper. Browse related guides for shows, riding lessons, horse property, and farm tours.
Horse Property in Ocala
Buying farms and equestrian estates in Marion County.
Horseback Riding
Lessons, trail rides, and riding programs across Ocala.
Horse Farms
Famous Marion County horse farms — visits and tours.
Horse Trails
Riding trails through the Ocala National Forest and beyond.
Ocala Horse Shows
Year-round competitions at WEC and Florida Horse Park.
Ocala Horse Trials
Eventing and combined-test competitions in Marion County.
All Equestrian Events
Master calendar of upcoming Ocala equestrian events.
Ocala horse country
Why Ocala holds the title and what it means for visitors.
Florida Horse Park
Polo, eventing, and cross-country at the Florida Horse Park.
Gypsy Gold Horse Farm
Rare-breed Gypsy Vanner farm tour just outside Ocala.
All for the Horses Expo
Annual equestrian expo at WEC.
Kids Horseback Riding
Family-friendly and youth riding programs.
World Equestrian Center en Ocala: guía para visitantes
El World Equestrian Center (WEC) está en 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala, FL 34482, teléfono (352) 414-7900. Abre al público todos los días con entrada general y estacionamiento gratis, y la mayoría de las competencias ecuestres son gratis para los espectadores. Los próximos espectáculos son del 4 de noviembre al 13 de diciembre de 2026, y el Winter Spectacular de 2027 está programado del 6 de enero al 4 de abril de 2027. Winter Wonderland, el evento de luces navideñas, va del 27 de noviembre al 23 de diciembre de 2026, con boletos de $8 a $16; los niños de 4 años o menos entran gratis. El WEC tiene 13 lugares para comer y dos hoteles en la propiedad.