What To Expect at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington’s 2024 Winter in the Midwest

World Equestrian Center – Wilmington (WEC) invites riders from across North America to make the most of the winter competition season at the 2024 Winter in the Midwest series, which has 16 weeks of competition starting on December 6, 2023, through April 16, 2024. Offering more than $4 million in prize money, the Winter in the Midwest series hosts competition for every level of horse and rider, from cross-rail classes to national-level grand prix jumping.

With the most showing opportunities for a show series in 2024, Winter in the Midwest also allows competitors to enjoy convenient on-site lodging and restaurants, a charming Vendor Village, abundant winter decor, a day spa, an old-fashioned candy store and a full slate of family-friendly after-hours events. WEC – Wilmington is committed to providing a quality experience for exhibitors, competitors and equestrian enthusiasts to enjoy top-notch sport in its climate-controlled, state-of-the-art equestrian venue.

For the Riders

The 2024 Winter in the Midwest series boasts United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Premier and National/Level 4 Jumper ratings. With weekly featured classes including a $30,000 Grand Prix on Saturday evenings, National Hunter Derbies on Fridays, a $3,500 Non-Pro 2’6” Hunter Derby and a $3,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby, the popular winter series has classes for everyone.

WEC – Wilmington welcomes a respected list of jumper course designers to the 2024 Winter in the Midwest series including Anderson Lima (BRA), Bobby Murphy (USA), Michael Pegg (CAN), Joe Carnicom (USA) and Scott Alder (USA). An established roster of top-tier panels are also slated to judge the hunter competition throughout the season.

The 2024 edition of Winter in the Midwest will bring an unmatched level of prize money of $37,000 to the hunter ring each week across four derbies. Winter Classic 5 on January 10-14, 2024, will be a World Champion Hunter Rider (WCHR) week, where riders will earn points in their respective regions in order to qualify for national year-end recognition and prizes.

The WEC – Wilmington Young Horse Incentive Program, an exciting and affordable new program for all young hunters and jumpers, will kick off at the 2024 Winter in the Midwest series. All 5-, 6- and 7-year-old horses are eligible to be nominated. All nominated jumpers will be eligible for the $45,000 Young Jumper Championship. Jumpers will pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees and jumper nomination fees will be FREE for every show through November 2024. All nominated hunters will be eligible for the Young Hunter Championship, where they will be offered back 100% of the nomination fees collected throughout the year as prize money (with a minimum of $2,500 guaranteed). Hunters will pay a one-time nomination fee to enter the program. Entry fees in the Young Hunter Division will be FREE for every show through November 2024. The Young Hunter and Jumper Incentive Championships are tentatively scheduled to take place during Fall Classic 3 in October 2024.

After-Hours Family Fun

Family-friendly events will be held each weekend after horse show hours for all exhibitors throughout the 2024 Winter in the Midwest series. Family, friends, competitors and dogs are welcome!

Winter Classic 1 will feature a Horseless Horse Show on Saturday, December 2, immediately following the conclusion of the grand prix in the Sanctuary warm-up arena.

Santa Claus is coming to Vendor Village on December 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Get your photo taken with Santa and put a good word in with the North Pole.

Exhibitors at Winter Classic 3 on December 13-17, 2023, can celebrate the holiday season with Gifts Under the Tree, where class winners select 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.

Lodging

Find comfort and relaxation just steps from the horse show in WEC – Wilmington’s on-site accommodations. On-site lodging offers convenience, along with all the comforts of home, including plush furniture, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and plenty of room for pets. WEC – Wilmington offers several lodging options including charming cabins, spacious Home Away from Home units, RV hookups and The Wilbur Estate. Visit wec.net or call 937-382-0985, option 3 to reserve your stay.

WEC – Wilmington looks forward to welcoming all competitors to the Winter in the Midwest series and wishes everyone the best of luck this season!

Prize List - Horseshowing.com
Photos - Winslow Photography
Videos - ClipMyHorse.TV

About World Equestrian Center
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.

Learn more at wec.net.

Media Contact:
Justin Garner
Justin.Garner@wec.net