OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The world’s best are coming to Ocala.
In 2025, the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala is introducing exciting new offerings for both spectators and exhibitors. Among the highlights are two $80,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) International Hunter Derbies. Many of the human and equine athletes competing at WEC this year are expected to participate in the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) World Championships 2026 in Aachen, Germany, and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, CA.
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“We’ve expanded to add for our hunter riders, two WCHR, the World Championship Hunter Rider program, and those events will be held week five (Jan. 28-Feb. 2) and week nine (Feb. 25-March 2), and along with that we’ll be hosting international hunter derbies for the first time during our winter series,” said Leah Tong, World Equestrain Center director of marketing and brand. “We’re really excited to expand those offerings to bring in some of the highest-level classes for the hunters that we can.”
WEC’s large-scale events, which saw great success in 2024, are also set to return with immense anticipation. This includes hosting the second leg of the Longines League of Nations™ for the first time. The series has proven so popular that events are nearly sold out.
Tickets for the CSIO5 Longines League of Nations™* (March 18-23) are in high demand, with only general admission tickets available. These provide standing-room-only access and do not include a seat. Similarly, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Qualifier CSI5* (Feb. 11-16) has limited availability, though a few seats may still be accessible. Reserve seating for both events is already sold out, but VIP tables and several premium options remain.