By: Ashley C. Cagle / Photos by: Kathy Cline Photography
Ocala, Florida has always been known for an abundance of horse farms and equestrian events. From Thoroughbred farms, horse breeder sales, hunter/jumper shows, eventing, and even combined driving events, Ocala is known to be an all-discipline equestrian destination. Growing up in South Florida with the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington just down the road from us, we rarely experienced Ocala, Florida – unless it was to drive up to try a horse or pony. In 2012, my parents recognized how quickly South Florida was growing and decided to settle down in a slower pace in southern Ocala on a 16-acre farm to retire our show hunters and ponies.
Fast forward a few years, and now Ocala has surely grown into an even bigger equestrian destination. The World Equestrian Center opened this past January 2021 and is boasting with beautiful indoor and outdoor arenas complete with state-of-the-art technology, top-notch all weather footing, climate-controlled arenas and barns, lush grass paddocks, restaurants, shops, luxury amenities, and even chapel services on site! This is truly a one-stop-luxury destination for all equestrians.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to compete at the World Equestrian Center in the Intermediate Adult Hunters on a horse named, Sea Fever. He’s a 9-year old Dutch Grey Gelding in training with Ben Rosichan owned by Elizabeth Kneibert. He was the perfect horse to show at WEC and it really felt like a “unicorn” in the Indoor 4 arena. My husband, Andy Cagle, brought our 19-month old twins Sage and Sullivan to watch from the 2nd level of Indoor 4 in the luxurious “living room like” setting. It was the twins’ first time to watch “mama” compete.
It was truly a family affair, my sister Amy Balius and her husband Hunter brought their girl twins Ava and Addy to watch as well. The first trip we scored an 80.5, which was a great score for my first round back in the ring since 2019! The competition was very tough with over 45 entries in the class. Sea Fever and I ended up with a 4th, 6th, and 8th place over the weekend. After I finished riding, we strolled the twins around World Equestrian Center to check out some of the highlights.
Pictured below is Sage & Sullivan’s “Fairy Godmother”, Barbara Britt, who showed in the same division on her horse, Rio Viva. Showing in the Indoor 4 arena was really relaxing for both horses and riders. My family got to watch from the second level in the lounge area through the glass windows (perfect for the babies so they wouldn’t spook the horses!) It’s so much fun to get to show and enjoy the World Equestrian Center with family and friends around. Everything feels so much more “normal” up here right now compared to back at home in Wellington.
Picture everything placed on a massive scale, from the size of the stalls to the size of the jumbotrons, it’s a place where panoramic photography is really the only way to get a great picture! The hotel will be outstanding when it’s completed, and we can’t wait for the spa to open, too! We strolled around the outskirts of the hotel, and can only imagine the beauty inside. What sets the World Equestrian Center apart from any other equestrian venue is it’s beautiful centrally located Chapel, complete with magnificent stained glass windows and decadent crystal chandeliers above the pews. WEC recently just hosted it’s first wedding ceremony and reception on site, so for those of you in the market for a wedding location… This one is tough to beat!
Talk about a dream-come true for a destination equestrian wedding!
Very quickly worked up quite the appetite walking around World Equestrian Center. Be sure to wear your Fitbit or apple watch while walking around this venue, and you’ll quickly collect all of your stepping goals! Below are some of our top dining recommendations on site:
Ralphs Burger & Sandwich Shop– This is a classic Americana diner-inspired restaurant near the Stadium and outdoor hunter arenas. For breakfast, be sure to try one of the Cinnamon Rolls – they are Too DIE for! I recommend eating it after your ride… Treat yourself, you’ll thank me later 🙂
Filo’s Mexican Cantina – Traditional Mexican that has everything from street tacos, bowls, fajitas, quesadillas and more… The ‘create your own’ bowl is my favorite. Definitely a must-grab on site!
Viola & Dots – From pizza to pasta bowls, and even create-your-own salads, this restaurant is front and center close to the Grand Arena. Gluten free? The GF Pasta Bowl is excellent with the shrimp wine & garlic sauce… Yum!
Miss Tilly’s Lollipops – This candy shop is a dream come true for the sweet tooth. Definitely grab a slice of homemade chocolate fudge to go, or surprise your trainer and groom with a box of gourmet chocolates.
Don’t forget to bring home something truly unique from the World Equestrian Center by shopping at some of these fabulous boutiques. Take home a unique WEC souvenir at the General Store – they have some great J.Crew branded t-shirts, tumblers, and more!
Wooden handmade crosses are everywhere on the grounds at the World Equestrian Center; exhibitors, spectators, owners, trainers, and anyone who visits is encouraged to take one home (they are complimentary!)
Some of my favorite shopping destinations included:
Skiffingtons – for luxurious apparel and accessories – cashmere included… Skiffingtons carries everything for the stylish lady.
Grey Fox Designs – Danish born, American by design, Grey Fox Designs is a collaboration of Vera Bradley/Baekgaard family of brands showcasing classic leather, tweed, and canvas Tote Bags, Backpacks, and Crossbody and Messenger Bags, Wallets, and more.
Luxe EQ – Everything for the stylish rider. Lux EQ is now carrying a new line called Espoire, a South African brand featuring chic equestrian style riding shirts and breeches. The new Joie collection featuring the ‘running horses’ print is one of my personal favorites.
AG Leather – For fine crafted leather goods and leather repairs on site, AG Leather also sells belts, wallets, keychains, coasters, handbags, totes, and more.
World Equestrian Center General Store- Stock up on some super cute J.Crew World Equestrian Center apparel at the General Store. We’re loving the colors and styles! Whether you’re going as a spectator, or you’re an avid equestrian competitor, the World Equestrian Center is truly the place-to-be in Ocala, Florida. Now we know why it’s called the “horsey Disney World”… It’s the most magical place for all equestrians!
One of the highlights of the week was being interviewed by the World Equestrian Center for their ‘Sunday Spotlight’ Rider Series on their website… Check out the feature here!
What’s Coming up at World Equestrian Center? An exciting Summer Series complete with 10-weeks of Hunter/Jumper competition… Mark your calendars! For more information, check out WorldEquestrianCenter.com
