OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The world’s best will be heading to Ocala this winter.

Once again, the best horsemen in the world will be competing at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) for the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series.

Starting New Year’s Day and going through March 23, 2025, the upcoming winter circuit at WEC will be showcasing the biggest and brightest names in equestrian sport, featuring show jumping and show hunter competitions that have been sanctioned by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

There’s a possibility of two additional weeks being added, featuring USEF sanctioned shows, starting from March 26 and continuing until April 6.

Horsemen and spectators will get to enjoy 14 weeks of exciting events, watching the top equestrian sports available. The new year brings with it an even larger global presence at WEC, with the five-star Longines FEI World Cup™ Qualifier from Feb. 11 through Feb. 16.

“This World Cup qualifier speaks to this level of competition that we want to introduce to fans in the United States and also here locally,” said Leah Tong, WEC director of marketing and brand. “And with the World Equestrian Center being named one of Time Magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places,’ we always want to continue to elevate what we have to offer here on the property.”

If that’s not enough, the return of the second leg of the Longines League of Nations™ will welcome in the spring, as it’s scheduled for March 18 through March 23. 

Erynn Ballard, who started her professional career in Ocala, has qualified for the 2024 Canadian Olympic show jumping team. She’s seen here competing in the Longines League of Nations at the World Equestrian Center. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

“Last year, when we hosted the Longines League of Nations™ it was an amazing success,” said Tong. “The world was truly introduced to what an amazing facility we have here, and now with this addition of this world cup qualifier happening a few weeks before our second hosted League of Nations, you’re going to see that next level of offerings here. We want to continue to be that place in Ocala that offers that family-friendly experience, but also presents the highest level of the sport. We’re very excited for that full series to come back.” 

The nation’s best hunter riders will be featured this coming winter as the WEC Stadium will play host to the World Champion Hunter Riders, starting 2025 off, Jan. 1 through Jan. 5, and they’ll return on Jan. 28 through Feb. 2.

For more information, go to WEC’s website.