Memorial Day is around the corner and while some are planning vacations away from home, there is plenty to do here in Ocala this summer, particularly at WEC. The World Equestrian Center hosts events year-round. We invite you to explore what’s in store for you this June.
Summer Series of Hunter/Jumpers and Activities
It’s time for nine weeks of elite hunter/jumper competition sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF)! This series offers all levels of competition from lead line to Grand Prix and showcases four weeks of Fédération Equestre International (FEI) CSI3* competition. The 2023 Ocala Summer Series begins with Week II. Here is the schedule of events:
| Summer Series II 6/13-6/18 | FEI CSI3*/ Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series III 6/20 – 6/25 | FEI CSI3*/ Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series IV 6/27 – 7/2 | FEI CSI3*/ Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series V 7/4 – 7/9 | FEI CSI3*/ Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series VI 7/12 – 7/16 | Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series VII 7/19 – 7/23 | Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series VIII 7/26 – 7/30 | Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series IX 8/2 – 8/6 | Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
| Summer Series X 8/9 – 8/13 | Premier Hunters/ Level 6 Jumpers |
Grand Prix Qualifiers and Dining Experiences
From June 15 through July 6th, Wheels Up presents two types of Grand Prix entertainment events to enjoy: the Thursday Night receptions on the terrace of the Equestrian Hotel and the dining experiences on Saturday evening. Thursday nights bring elite international competition with the world’s best show jumping competitors in the Grand Prix Qualifier FEI CSI3*. Guests will enjoy small plates and complimentary beer and wine.
Saturday Night’s Dining Experience offers a table overlooking the WEC Grand Arena, where a three-course Chef’s dinner will be provided while you enjoy the top-level equestrian sport. This year, they are offering an FEI Grand Prix Package which h includes all four Saturday night FEI CSI3* Grand Prix and tickets to the weekly Thursday night qualifiers.
The World Equestrian Center Offers More than Equine Events
The World Equestrian Center is about much more than horses this summer! Besides the Summer Series and the Grand Prix events, it’s a wonderful place to visit. Between shopping at the many prestigious stores, you might enjoy one of these upcoming June activities.
National Donut Day
Friday, June 2nd is National Donut Day and Emma’s Patisserie is extending it through Saturday!
How did the tradition get started? In 1938, a fundraiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army. They strove to help those in need during the Great Depression, and to honor the Army “Lassies” of World War I who served doughnuts to soldiers at the front lines in Europe. Emma’s Patisserie will be carrying on the tradition of National Donut Day with six custom donut flavors: Mango & Cream Cheese, Meyer Lemon, Bischoff Cream & Cookie, Pistachio Cream & Crispy Raspberry, Starburst, and Chocolate & Almond Rocher.
did you know?
Donuts were often cooked in the helmets of American Soldiers, often called “Doughboys.”
Adoption Services
Available through:
The Ocala Pet Palooza!
The World Equestrian Center goes to the dogs on Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday, June 4th with the 2023 Ocala Pet Palooza! If you love animals and pets, this is the place to be! There’s a full schedule of events, from pet parades and costume contests, through agility courses and best trick contests. This indoor event has demonstrations on training, reptiles, and educational sessions on emergency planning for your pet family.
There will be on-site adoptions available, and plenty of exhibitors selling everything you could need for your pets. You can even bring your friendly, leashed pet to enjoy the fun!
Stirrups Wine Series: Passport to Germany
On June 16, Stirrups presents its second in the 2023 Wine Series: Passage to Germany. Travel only as far as the World Equestrian Center and gather on the terrace to be transported throughout along the Rhine in West Germany to lesser-known areas in the eastern plains. They’ll have over 100 selections of wine to taste along with small plates and live music to enjoy. Lift your glass and join us in toasting, Zum Wohl!
did you know?
usually, the germans toast with the phrase “prost!” but when in more formal situations, it’s “Zum Wohl,” which means “To Your health!”
Father’s Day Brunch
The World Equestrian Center celebrates fathers on June 18th at Stirrups on the terrace for a brunch for the whole family from 11am-1pm. Taste buds will be tantalized with a steak-centric menu featuring grilled goods like smoked pork belly or apple cider barbeque. There’s an over-the-top Bloody Mary bar and a cocktail made with an exclusive Maker’s Mark private barrel for an additional price.
Performing at the Yellow Pony
If you’re looking for dinner, drinks, and the best entertainment, the Yellow Pony is the go-to spot! Every Wednesday through Saturday features a new headline performer. The atmosphere at the Yellow Pony is fantastic, as it’s a globally inspired pub and garden. Check out the performance schedule here.
