Five Can't-Miss Horse Shows and Events in Ocala

Ocala may not be a well-known destination outside of Florida, but those who work, compete, or enjoy life with horses know it well. Ocala is dubbed the “Horse Capital of the World,” to no surprise. This Central Florida city is surrounded by lakes and plains, making it the perfect spot to raise horses. Though the summer can get incredibly hot and humid, Central Florida has an ideal year-round climate for horse rearing and training. Equestrian enthusiasts flock to the small Florida city each year for several horse events and shows in Ocala.

 

Are you searching for Wellington real estate in hopes of attending more equine-related events? Perhaps your search for property in Village Walk in Wellington, Florida, has you wanting to get more involved in the equine community. Whatever your specific goals, The Drahan-Keiser Team can help. Read on for upcoming horse shows and events in Ocala, Florida. You won’t want to miss them!

 

In the Horse Capital of the World, you’ll never have to wait long to enjoy a horse show. The World Equestrian Center (WEC) is hosting the 2nd Annual Ocala Summer Hunter/Jumper Horse Show Series starting June 8, 2022. Horse performers, owners, trainers, and enthusiasts enjoy ten weeks of events and competitions, with the week three and week four Grand Prix prizes set at $140,000. If you’re looking to support riders or simply enjoy the event's buzz, there’s something for everyone in the schedule of events.

 

The World Equestrian Center is home to a 248-room hotel featuring suites, a pool, a spa, a salon, and a fitness center. If you aren’t able to book at the WEC, there are several other hotels and Airbnb options in the area as well. Inside The Equestrian Hotel, you’ll also find many delicious restaurants and ample shopping opportunities. Stop by Emma’s Patisserie for coffee and pastries, Yellow Pony Gastro Pub for a quick lunch, or delight in Stirrups for a proper steak dinner with all the fixings. Another perk of staying in The Equestrian Hotel is the golf cart rental available to help you get around. This way, you’ll never need to spend precious time searching for another parking spot on busy event days.

For three days at the Florida Horse Park during the first week of February, join big-name competitors and state-of-the-art hitch wagons driven by some of the best drivers in the horseracing industry at the AdventHealth Grandview Invitational. On display during the competition are Belgian, Clydesdale, and Percheron horses. Competitive events include ladies' single cart, junior card, unicorn, and all-breed six-horse and eight-horse hitches, among others. Whether you’re in Ocala to compete or just to cheer on those in the saddle, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the competition.

 

Following the Florida Horse Park events, the draft horses are moved to the World Equestrian Center for Grandview World Nights. The elegantly designed black-tie evenings are sure to wow and impress. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, ball gowns, and entertaining horsemanship make it quite an elegant affair.

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, one of the longest-running and most well-known shows in the Ocala area, is sure to delight and impress. This fantastic show made its way to Ocala in 1982 and has called this Central Florida city home ever since. Enjoy 12 weeks of hunter/jumper events in this USEF-Rated competition beginning in December and running through March each year.

 

If it’s jumping and driving you’re after, look no further than the Live Oak International held every March. Known as the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping competition in the United States, the 2023 show runs from March 16-19. Gates open at 8:00 am every day of the competition, and events run throughout the day.

 

Whether you’re competing, watching the shows and events, or looking to connect with other equestrians, this event is sure to delight. VIP and tailgating experiences are available for those hoping to elevate their experience. General admission tickets are also affordable, making the event an unforgettable experience at any price point.

 

If you enjoyed your time watching the World Equestrian Center’s summer event, make a plan to attend the WEC Winter Hunter/Jumper Show Series as well. The winter event begins in January and runs through March, where there are 12 weeks of shows compared to the ten weeks of shows during the summer events. Winners are awarded millions in prizes throughout the competition.

 

Like the summer event, the winter series is also held at the World Equestrian Center. The WEC is a large facility hosting tradeshows, weddings, conventions, and horse shows. The massive facility boasts everything from a 248-room hotel and shopping center to dining and golf cart rentals to traverse the campus. The hotel can accommodate any guest’s preference with its fitness center, spa, pool, salon, shopping, and dining.

 

Are you searching for Wellington real estate in the hopes of finding a home in the Horse Capital of the World? Perhaps you prefer the resort-style community Village Walk in Wellington, Florida, for its pristine gardens, lakes, and ample amenities. No matter your Wellington real estate preference, the Drahan-Keiser duo can help. They have helped countless buyers find their perfect home in Ocala, Florida, while keeping close to their core values of honesty and integrity. Numerous equestrians have relied on Jennifer Drahan and Betsy Keiser for their unparalleled experience and a real estate experience with heart. If you want to buy or sell your Wellington real estate, reach out to The Drahan-Keiser Team today.