OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An international equestrian event that kicked off in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, makes its second stop at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala in a few weeks.
WEC plays host to the Longines League of Nations qualifier March 19-23.
The event truly puts Ocala on the world stage for the first time.
“The facility was built for these types of events,” said Justin Garner, the Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy for WEC. “From the quality of the facility and the capabilities we have from the hospitality side but also the equine side, we were born ready really from the beginning for events like this. We were awarded the event in July of 2023. So, we have really been planning for 8 months now into how everything is going to work.”
There’s a lot riding on executing everything successfully and Garner expressed confidence in the WEC team to pull off an event of this magnitude.
“We have a world class team at the World Equestrian Center whether it’s on the equine side, planning side. Many involved on the equine side have been through world games and international competitions and world cups,” said Garner.
The event involves the best in horse jumping from around the globe. More than 20 teams will be in the competition representing the top 10 participating nations:
1. Ireland
2. United States of America
3. France
4. Germany
5. Switzerland
6. Great Britain
7. Netherlands
8. Belgium
9. Sweden
10. Brazil
The WEC website proudly states “this prestigious event marks the dawn of a new era in show jumping, and World Equestrian Center – Ocala is thrilled to bring this excitement to our local community and the entire nation.”
“There will be several events folks here in town can get involved with,” said Garner. “The first will be Thursday night, March 21. That will be the five-star grand prix. That will be the individual competition so a lot of the riders who are coming in for the team competition will come in and enter individual horses as well. That will be really exciting. That will be our first five-star event to be hosted at the World Equestrian Center.”
Words like world class, prestigious and exclusive should not scare away the non-equestrian from attending. Garner says it’s affordable for anyone who wants to experience it.
General admission tickets cost $10. Reserved seats are also still available. Prices for those vary by day and start at $25. You can buy tickets online here.
Big Business
The event is expected to be big business for the hospitality industry in Ocala not just WEC.
Restaurants are gearing up for an influx of visitors and hotel rooms are in demand.
“Hotel rooms are at a premium that week in the city with everyone coming in for the event,” said Garner.
It’s something Marion County can count on contributing to the area economy for the immediate future, as WEC will host this event for at least three more years. A recent study by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association indicated the equine industry accounts for a $4.3 billion economic impact in Marion County with WEC spurring a significant amount of the growth.
Garner says the whole week will be exciting to watch with the big event being Saturday night. He says there will be an opening ceremony, course walk by all the athletes by country and lots of entertainment throughout the event.
He even hinted at a surprise for anyone attending the closing ceremony. He wouldn’t share details but indicated it would be worth staying until the end.
“With it being an Olympic year it’s pretty exciting having these athletes, many of whom will be competing for their nations at the Olympics. You can come and see them compete in person at probably one of the most exciting sports in the world.”
After Ocala, the competition travels to St. Gallen, Switzerland; Rotterdam, Netherlands; and on to the finals in Barcelona, Spain, in October.