By TPH Blog Editor SARAH WELK BAYNUM
The grand opening of World Equestrian Center (WEC) in 2021 broke records, becoming the largest equestrian complex in the United States.
This world-class, multi-indoor and outdoor arena facility offers state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate numerous disciplines within the equine industry.
Since 2021, more equestrians than ever have flocked to WEC – Ocala—especially during the winter months.
World Equestrian Center already boasts impressive accommodations, The Equestrian Hotel, which overlooks the Grand Outdoor Arena. Then, in 2022, WEC began building a second hotel on its expansive grounds—a 390-room addition which will accommodate even more people who plan to stay.
“There just weren’t enough hotel rooms in general, and certainly after the first couple years we saw the overwhelming response from exhibitors that wanted to be on property. So, we pulled the trigger on The Riding Academy Hotel back in 2022,” Justin Garner, Senior Director of Operations and Brand Strategy at WEC tells The Plaid Horse.
The Equestrian Hotel was created with the goal of being a beautiful hotel with lots of impressive amenities. However, while the quality, class, and distinctive pieces match the rest of the venue, WEC had a different vision for The Riding Academy Hotel.
“You’ve got the spa, the restaurants, room service, and all the amazing things at The Equestrian Hotel. But in reality, we’re a large facility with a number of events and there was a need amongst the exhibitors. Not everyone who attends WEC wants to pay $500 dollars a night, and maybe they don’t need all those frills but still really want to be on the grounds. When we discussed The Riding Academy, we wanted a beautiful hotel, but we also wanted it to be a bit more of an affordable price point,” explains Garner.
While the price point might be a bit different in the winter months, you can expect them to be around $200 to $250 a night on average throughout the rest of the year.
While the design of The Equestrian Hotel has the feel of classic elegance, The Riding Academy has a warmer, friendlier theme.
WEC hosts not only a large volume of equestrian sporting events, but non-equestrian events and other sports as well. This was also taken into consideration when designing the hotel.
The majority of the rooms at The Riding Academy Hotel are suites, so it’s great for traveling with a family. Many of the rooms feature double beds and pull-out sofas. There’s also a fun pool area in the center of the hotel that’s convenient and entertaining for everyone.
“We wanted to make sure we had amenities for guests looking to travel affordably with the whole family, including pets. We already had The Equestrian Hotel for those who wanted luxury, as well as the Home Away from Home rentals and an RV park, so The Riding Academy Hotel fits in as an ideal hotel option for groups, families and those seeking pet-friendly accommodations,” says Garner.
The Riding Academy Hotel will serve as an anchor for the next phase of development around this part of the property. Construction has already begun on an expansive new meeting and event center adjacent to The Riding Academy Hotel, as well as a new outdoor shopping venue adding 25 to 30 retailers and four new restaurants.
Some of the amenities you can expect during your stay at are The Riding Academy Hotel:
- Outdoor pool and sundeck
- Splash pad for kids
- Dog park
- Two fitness centers
- 30+ boutiques and retail stores
- Grab and Go Market, The Tack Room
- Event center (2025)
- 7 restaurant options on-site, 4 new restaurants in 2025
You can learn more about The Riding Academy Hotel at www.ridingacademyhotel.com.
All photos by mavenphotoandfilm.
The 2025 WEC Ocala Winter Spectacular Show Series Dates:
Winter Spectacular III 1/14 – 1/19: CSI4*/CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular IV 1/21 – 1/26: CSI3*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular V 1/28 – 2/2: CSI4*/CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper/World Champion Hunter Rider Week held in the WEC Stadium
Winter Spectacular VI 2/4 – 2/9: CSI4*/CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper – Premier Equitation Cup Championship on February 8, 2025
Winter Spectacular VII 2/11 – 2/16: CSI5*-W/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular VIII 2/18 – 2/23: CSI4*/CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular IX 2/25 – 3/2: CSI4*/CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular X 3/4 – 3/9: CSI3*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular XI 3/12 – 3/16: Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular XII 3/18 – 3/23: CSIO5* Longines League of Nations™/CSI2*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper
Winter Spectacular I 3/26 – 3/30 (Pending Approval): Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper/ World Champion Hunter Rider Week*
Winter Spectacular II 4/1 – 4/6 (Pending Approval): CSI3*/Premier Hunter/Level 6 Jumper*
*Winter Spectacular I 3/26-3/30 and Winter Spectacular II 4/1-4/6 are pending approval. All FEI dates are pending approval. The 2025 Winter Series will start with Winter Spectacular III 1/14-1/19.
Exhibitors and trainers can also look forward to new, exciting opportunities. Prize list, stall, entry and further information will be released at a later date.
Questions can be directed to the Ocala Show Office at 352-414-7883 or email ocalashowoffice@wec.net.
