Spend December With Us! What To Expect at WEC – Wilmington's 2025 Winter in the Midwest Series

World Equestrian Center – Wilmington invites exhibitors to spend the winter at the 2025 Winter in the Midwest Series, which will feature 16 weeks of hunter/jumper competition sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) from December 4, 2024, through April 6, 2025, offering more than $4 million in prize money and awards.

Each week of competition at the 2025 Winter in the Midwest Series will feature family-friendly events, with special holiday-themed activities throughout the entire month of December. Exhibitors will find classes for every level, from cross rails to grand prix, and exciting featured competition each week throughout the series.

Weekly Jumper Highlights:

• $30,000 Grand Prix
• $10,000 Futures Prix
• $10,000 Welcome Stake

Weekly Hunter Highlights:

• $15,000 USHJA 3’ National Hunter Derby – Open
• $15,000 USHJA 3’ National Hunter Derby – Non-Pro
• $3,500 2’6” Non-Pro Hunter Derby
• $3,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby

WEC Christmas, which runs December 18-22, 2024, will also feature a $1,500 Gamblers Choice 1.0m, a $3,500 Gamblers Choice 1.10m, and the WEC Professional Medal.

After-Hours Family Fun:

Family-friendly events will be held each weekend after horse show hours for all exhibitors. Family, friends, competitors and dogs are welcome!

• Saturday, December 7, 6 p.m. to midnight: DJ Chris Lutz at The Paddock Club
• Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Santa Claus in Vendor Village
• Saturday, December 20, 6 p.m.: Christmas Trivia in The Paddock Club
• Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Santa Claus in Vendor Village
• Saturday, December 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Annual Gingerbread House Competition in Vendor Village

Exhibitors can also look forward to celebrating the holiday season and Gifts Under the Tree at WEC Christmas, where class winners can enjoy selecting one gift per blue ribbon throughout the show week!

World Equestrian Center – Wilmington thanks all of its sponsors and vendors for their gracious donations to Gifts Under the Tree.

2025 Winter in the Midwest Series Dates and Ratings:
USEF Premier Hunter/Level 4 Jumpers
*USEF National Hunter/Level 4 Jumpers

Winter Classic 2: 12/4-12/8
Winter Classic 3: 12/11-12/15
WEC Christmas: 12/18-12/22*
Winter Classic 5: 1/8-1/12
Winter Classic 6: 1/15-1/19
Winter Classic 7: 1/22-1/26*
Winter Classic 8: 1/29-2/2*
Winter Classic 9: 2/5-2/9
Winter Classic 10: 2/12-2/16
Winter Classic 11: 2/19-2/23
Winter Classic 12: 2/26-3/2*
Winter Spring Forward: 3/5-3/9
Winter Classic 14: 3/12-3/16
Winter Classic 15: 3/19-3/23
Winter Classic 16: 3/26-3/30
Winter Classic 17: 4/2-4/6

WEC events are free to the public.

Reserve Your Onsite Lodging at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington

Guests are advised to make lodging reservations at their earliest convenience to ensure they secure accommodations close to the showgrounds. Reservations can be made at WEC.net or by calling 937-382-0985 ext. 3.

WEC – Wilmington has a myriad of onsite lodging options for guests:

• The Wilbur Estate – A stunning plantation-style mansion with five elegant luxury suites. The Wilbur Estate is centrally located on the horse show grounds, just steps from arenas, stabling and the Paddock Club. Free WiFi and VIP parking are included in your stay.
• Cabins – Each cabin sleeps up to six guests and is within walking distance from the arenas and barns. Accessible options are available. Free WiFi is included.
• Home Away from Home Park – Directly across the street from the horse show entrance, the 130 Home Away From Home units have two or three bedrooms with a fully equipped kitchen and living and dining room area. Free WiFi is included.
• Camping Sites – WEC has many camping sites equipped with electric, water and sewer. Spots must be reserved on your entry form or stall reservation form. Please check in at the horse show office for a pass prior to parking your RV.

Click here to plan your stay.

About World Equestrian Center

Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Media Contact
Leah Tong
leah.tong@wec.net