OCALA, FL (352today.com) – All the world’s a stage. But the world came to Ocala in the last year, thanks to the World Equestrian Center (WEC).

A total of 34 Olympians competed this year at the Ocala equestrian facility which has cemented its global image by hosting internationally recognized competitions like the Longines League of Nations.

Martin Fuchs, of Switzerland, jumps during the second round of competition on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Cian O’Connor celebrates his ride during the final round of competition of the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

“The Longines League of Nations was really a coming out party for us,” said Leah Tong, WEC director of marketing and brand. “A lot of these riders have been competing at our venue over the past couple of years. This year, we really attracted a lot of those elite-level athletes with the League of Nations, those high-level teams.”

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The depth of the participation of both human and equine athletes who exhibited at WEC this year was on full display at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.

“I think it showcases the incredible facilities that we have,” said Tong. “The World Equestrian Center is able to host these world-class competitions. A lot of these riders hadn’t competed at WEC before the League of Nations, and they were just blown away. We heard nothing but the best in terms of not only the facilities that we provide for the equine athletes, but also the amenities that we have for the riders, their owners and all of their team connections.”

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Equestrian fans in North Central Florida will be able to see many of the athletes who medaled at the 2024 Olympic Games when they return to WEC to compete in the fall.

From show jumping to dressage, WEC was a perfect place for the riders to prepare for international competition.

“This is an Olympic level facility. We provide the atmosphere. In our arenas, it could be an arena you have in an Olympic Games or World Championship,” said Tong.

The top three finishers in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in individual show jumping all competed at WEC:

U.S. dressage team members Adrienne Lyle and Marcus Orlob also competed at WEC in 2024.

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Other Olympic horse-and-rider combinations who competed at WEC this year include:

Great Britain

  • Harry Charles and Romeo 88
  • Ben Maher

United States

  • McLain Ward and Ilex
  • Laura Kraut and Baloutinue

France

  • Olivier Perreau and GL Events Dorai d’Aiguilly
  • Simon Delestre

Ireland

  • Shane Sweetnam
  • Daniel Coyle and Legacy
  • Darragh Kenny
  • Cian O’Connor and Maurice

Canada

  • Mario Deslauriers and Emerson
  • Erynn Ballard
  • Tiffany Foster
  • Amy Millar and Truman

Netherlands

  • Harrie Smolders and Uricas van de Kattevennen
  • Wilem Greve and Grandorado TN N.O.P.

Germany

  • Richard Vogel and United Touch S

Belgium

  • Gregory Wathelet and Jamesbond de Hay

Switzerland

  • Martin Fuchs and Leone Jei
  • Pius Schwizer

Sweden

  • Peder Fredricson
  • Henrik von Eckermann

Brazil

  • Rodrigo Pessoa and Major Tom
  • Yuri Mansur

Mexico

  • Eugenio Garza Perez and Contago
  • Carlos Hank Guerreiro and H5 Porthos Maestro Wh Z

Israel

  • Ashlee Bond and Donatello 141
  • Daniel Bluman and Ladriano Z

Venezuela

  • Luis Larrazabal and Condara

For more equestrian-related stories, visit the 352today equine section.