WEC – Ocala Welcomes First International Competition to New Dedicated Dressage Facilities
February 17, 2024 - Ocala, FL
Photo by MAVEN Photo + Film
Photo by MAVEN Photo + Film
Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography
As the first CDI of the 2024 show season is underway, exciting developments are progressing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) to enhance the experience for dressage competitors. With an increase in dressage shows for 2024, which are sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, as well as creating new competition arenas, WEC – Ocala maintains its support of the sport of dressage and growing its presence at the venue.
“There is a long-term vision for dressage at WEC – Ocala,” said World Equestrian Center CEO Roby Roberts. “We are focused on the future of the sport at our facility and excited about the enhancements. We have increased our dedication to dressage every year and will continue to support dressage as a vital part of equestrian sport at WEC – Ocala.”
Kim van Kampen of Hampton Green Farm noted, “We have worked closely with WEC – Ocala management and communicated with dressage riders to make sure that we hear their suggestions and continue to offer the very best experience for dressage competitors. We encourage feedback that will help us improve and keep WEC – Ocala at the forefront of the sport.”
The brand-new Indoor Arena 6 is set to debut in spring 2024, promising a state-of-the-art venue with impeccable footing and grandstand seating for spectators. This new addition, coupled with dressage stabling in the next building, will provide athletes with a spacious, climate-controlled environment to showcase their skills.
While the new indoor arena nears completion, work continues on the development of the seven outdoor arenas and surrounding areas. The outdoor arenas offer stunning views of live oak trees and a serene pond, serving as an elegant backdrop for competitors and their horses. Judges' booths, shaded holding areas, mature landscaping and horse-friendly pathways are just a few of the elements that will be completed in the upcoming months.
In addition to the primary dressage arenas, dressage competitors will also have the opportunity to compete in other elite arenas around the property such as the WEC Grand Arena and WEC Stadium throughout the year.
The 2024 schedule is filled with excitement, featuring six FEI-rated shows, including a CPEDI for Para Dressage riders set for March 28-31. Additional CDI3* events are planned for April and May with national shows in July, August and October, and the 2024 Great American Insurance Group/United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Region 3 Dressage Championships making its debut at WEC – Ocala in September. A World Cup qualifier is scheduled for November 14-17, followed by a final CDI-W on December 11-15, rounding out the exhilarating 2024 schedule.
To see a full schedule and learn more about dressage at WEC – Ocala, please click HERE.
