World Equestrian Center

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Tours

1. WEC Golf Cart Tour

   Rent a cart at the WEC General Store to cruise around this self-guided golf cart tour of the property. (Approximately One Hour)

   Stops

   1. Sergeant Reckless

      Welcome to World Equestrian Center, one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places!

      World Equestrian Center - Ocala is the largest equestrian complex in the United States. Visitors and guests can discover top-level equestrian sport as well as a full calendar of seasonal events, including festivals, holiday celebrations, car shows, dog shows and so much more.

      At the iconic entrance to the Grand Plaza, stands a bronze statue of Staff Sergeant Reckless to proudly welcome guests and exhibitors from around the world. Staff Sergeant Reckless, a Mongolian-bred mare, is a decorated U.S. warhorse who served in the Fifth Marine Regiment during the Korean War.

      Fun Facts: 

      • Sgt. Reckless served as a pack horse, carrying supplies and ammunition

      • She made solo trips to deliver goods to front-line units 

      • As one of America's heroes, she earned many accolades in recognition of her contributions, including a Purple Heart, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, among others

   2. Miss Tilly's Lollipops

      Miss Tilly’s Lollipops is a unique sweet shop with an oldfashioned feel, where indulging is strongly encouraged. Delight in specialty ice cream flavors and homemade fudge, or sample an array of decadent chocolates, confections and coffees. Dessert is the star of the show at Miss Tilly’s — the perfect place for a tasty treat.

      Fast Facts:

      • The dessert shop is named after a loveable bulldog named Tilly

      • This sweet shop sells over 82,000 scoops of ice cream each year

      Have a craving? Drop by and treat yourself to a WEC favorite, buckeyes!

   3. A Sudden Impulse

      A Sudden Impulse boutique is your go-to destination for official WEC merchandise and unique equestrian-themed gifts. 

      Fun Facts: 

      • Features exclusive custom embroidery, engraving and printed designs  

      • Offers merchandise for competitors, spectators and your four-legged family 

   4. Indoor Arena 4

      Indoor Arena 4 is one of six state-of-the-art, climate-controlled indoor arenas at WEC, designed for competition in any weather. Each arena features more than 90,000 square feet of space with top-of-the-line performance fiber blend footing and exclusive mezzanine suites for prime viewing. 

   5. Chapel

      A nondenominational place of worship, the charming chapel at WEC is open to the public for services. 
      
      Fun Fact:

      • Public services offered twice a week on Wednesday and Sundays in English and Spanish
      • Stained-glass windows created by local Ocala artist
      • Swarovski crystal is used for the chandeliers

   6. Barns

      WEC is home to 25 barns (A-Y) offering nearly 3,000 stalls. Designed with comfort and safety as top priorities, each barn supports the needs of horses of all sizes. 
       
      Fun Facts:  

      • Stalls measure 12×14 and 12×12 and are fully matted  

      • Barns include climate control and individual stall fans for optimal air flow 

      • Each barn features temperature-controlled tack rooms and wash bays 

      Please do not touch the horses or drive the cart through the barns. 

   7. Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop

      Ralph’s Burger & Sandwich Shop offers a diner-inspired menu featuring burger-joint classics. Enjoy fresh burgers, sandwiches, fries and signature homemade milkshakes. 

      Fun Fact:  

      • Serves more than 46,800 burgers each year 

      Try a slice of the carrot cake, made fresh with eight pounds of carrots in every cake! 

   8. World Equestrian Center Stadium

      The Stadium features thousands of iconic purple stadium seats and can accommodate more than 7,000 spectators.  
       
      Fun Facts: 

      • Features all-weather footing for year-round events

      • The covered grandstand includes giant built-in fans to keep spectators cool 

      • Also hosts non-equestrian events such as concerts and marching band performances  

      Did you know? Country artist Craig Morgan has performed here! 

   9. WEC Grounds

      The WEC grounds are meticulously maintained and adorned with beautiful flowers, trees and greenery to create a vibrant and serene environment. 
       
      Fun Facts: 

      • More than 500 live oaks have been transplanted on property since construction 

      • Each fall, 4,000 Boston ferns are ordered and used throughout the summer and winter show series 

      Flower Varieties: 

      • Fall/Winter: Dianthus, Viola, Pansy, Geranium, Petunia, Alyssum 

      • Spring/Summer: Zinnia, Angelonia, Impatient, Begonia, Penta, Salvia, Ageratum, Marigold 

   10. Exposition Center 1

       Two state-of-the-art exposition centers, Expo 1 & 2, are designed to accommodate a diverse range of association meetings, conventions, trade shows and pop culture events.
       
       Fun Facts: 
       

       • Each expo offers over 132,300 square feet of flexible event space
       • Used for concerts, car shows, canine events, conferences and more

       Did you know? Ocala's Comic Con is held at WEC and has had more than 12,000 attendees in previous years! 

   11. Turn-out Paddocks

       On Your Right: Turnout Paddocks

       Nearly 200 are available for horse show exhibitors. 

   12. UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC

       The 40,000-square-foot UF Veterinary Hospital at WEC provides world-class veterinary care and treatment for horses, dogs and cats, with separate Small Animal and Equine hospitals. 

       Fun Facts: 

       • Equine services include sports medicine, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, regenerative therapies and performance evaluations 

       • Small animal services include primary and urgent care, integrative medicine, boarding and groomin

   13. The Riding Academy Hotel

       The Riding Academy Hotel offers a relaxed, pet-friendly stay just steps from everything on property. Its 390 spacious studios and suites include separate living and sleeping areas, ideal for families, pets and long weekends. Guests also enjoy an outdoor pool with a walk-up bar, The Tack Room grab-and-go market and convenient access to on-site dining, shopping and year-round events. 
       

       Tip: Guests can order up a Waterford or another equestrian-inspired cocktail at The Tack Room to enjoy poolside! 

        

   14. Future Development

        

        

       Opening in 2026, The Shoppes Off 80th will double WEC’s retail footprint with 28 new storefronts offering luxury brands and top equestrian retailers, including a Dover Saddlery flagship store. 

   15. The Equestrian Manor

       Now open at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, The Equestrian Manor sets a new standard for luxury events. This state-of-the-art venue offers multiple ballrooms, private meeting suites, outdoor pavilions, and four additional restaurants including The Polo Pony, Emma’s Patisserie, The White Willow, and Genievieve’s. 

       Transform your next gathering into an unforgettable experience. Book now to bring your next meeting or weddings to WEC.

   16. UF Health

       UF Health at WEC provides convenient on-property access to orthopedic and sports medicine care, a retail pharmacy, walk-in services and other urgent needs. As a founding partner of WEC, UF Health brings the expertise of academic-based medical care to its state-of-the-art 10,000-square-foot facility.  

       Did you know? The pharmacy fills pet prescriptions for dogs, cats and horses, including compounded medications mixed on-site  

       Tip: Skip the trip off property. Walk-in care and pharmacy services are just steps away. 

   17. General Store

       The General Store offers grab-and-go essentials such as laundry detergent, snacks, fresh coffee, deli items, wine and beer. Guests will also find propane, bagged ice and an ATM. 

       Tip: Use the General Store for quick shipping — FedEx, UPS and Amazon packages can all be sent or received here. 

   18. RV Park

       With nearly 300 full-service slips featuring water, power and concrete pads, the RV Park offers a convenient stay for RV owners. The area includes a 24-hour laundromat, ADA-accessible showers, a fuel station, a vacuum and air station and a guest trash compactor. 

       Fun Fact: 

       • The RV Park includes a divided dog park with dedicated areas for small and large dogs 

   19. The Equestrian Hotel

       The Equestrian Hotel features 248 luxurious rooms and suites overlooking the Grand Arena. Visitors and guests can walk through the grand lobby and stop by the hotel's retailers and three signature restaurants: Stirrups, Yellow Pony and Emma's Patisserie.   

       Fun Facts:  

       • Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe features hundreds of toys, including the original Geoffrey the Giraffe from Toys “R” Us (he's 16-feet tall!)  

       • The Debonair Collection is home to the official scent of the hotel, Rosso Nobilo  

       • Stirrups Restaurant features an in-house sommelier and a wine cellar with more than 6,000 bottles.

       Did you know? Executive Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond has been featured on The Food Network!  

       Feel free to stop and explore The Equestrian Hotel. 

   20. Filo's Mexican Cantina

       Filo’s Mexican Cantina serves traditional Mexican flavors and is the perfect spot for convenient dining, including breakfast. Enjoy street tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more in a vibrant dining room and open-air patio. 

       Fun Fact: 

       • The most popular item is the Street Taco, with 51,000 orders each year! 

       Tip: Cool off with one of Filo's signature margaritas!   

   21. Grand Outdoor Arena

       The Grand Outdoor Arena is a central focal point of WEC and hosts major equine competitions and special events on the surrounding plaza.  

       Fun Facts: 

       • Home to most series Grand Prix competitions 

       • Offers ringside service on the terrace including multi-course chef’s dinners  

       • Features covered grandstands on two sides with seating for more than 1,500 spectators 

   22. Shop at World Equestrian Center – Ocala

       WEC offers world-class shopping for equestrian and luxury living. With about 30 retailers and more to come with The Shoppes Off 80th, guests can browse fashion, beauty, décor and cuisine. 

       Fun Fact: 

       • Six exclusive boutiques offer designer fashion, luxury home décor and equestrian-inspired accessories 

       Visit the WEC Shopping Page to learn more about the on-site retail. 

   23. Viola & Dot's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria

       Viola & Dot’s Italian Kitchen and Pizzeria features handmade pizzas, classic Italian entrées and decadent desserts. Guests can build their own salad or pasta with a variety of delicious meats and toppings. 

       Fun Facts:  

       • The flour used in pizza dough is sourced directly from Italy 

       • Pizza and pasta sauces are made with authentic Italian San Marzano tomatoes 

       • More than 96,000 pizza slices sold each year — that’s 16,050 whole pies! 

   24. Photo Opportunity

       We hope you enjoyed the tour! Be sure to capture a photo in front of the Grand Arena to remember your visit at WEC. 

       Tag @wecocalaresort on social media and use #wecocala for a chance to be featured on our story!