Kingdom of the Horse: Inside Ocala’s World Equestrian Center
- Noam Bedein SMC
- Jun 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 9
From crystal-lit lobbies to 7,000-seat grandstands, how Ocala’s epic campus redefines the bond between horse and human
We rolled into the World Equestrian Center–Ocala just as the late afternoon light filtered through centuries-old live oaks, bathing the more than 2,000-acre expanse in a golden hue. Our family climbed aboard a gleaming gold golf cart, hearts racing with anticipation. This wasn’t merely a venue—it was a living tribute to the ancient and enduring connection between horse and human.
Roaming the Equestrian Empire
Our first loop around the property revealed a panorama of equestrian excellence: six temperature-controlled indoor arenas and 23 outdoor rings, each laid with precision footing to support world-class performance. Then came the crown jewel—the Grand Outdoor Arena—an amphitheater spanning 128,000 square feet, with permanent seating for 1,400 and towering LED walls, ready to welcome international show jumping, dressage, and open-air gala concerts. Nearby, the WEC Stadium—with its iconic purple seats—accommodates up to 7,000 spectators for premier equestrian events and headline entertainment.
But WEC–Ocala is more than equestrian sport. When hooves fall silent, two cavernous expo halls—together offering over a quarter-million square feet of uninterrupted space—come to life with everything from comic conventions to culinary expos and canine extravaganzas. This multifaceted campus pulses with energy, inviting guests into a world where equestrian heritage meets year-round entertainment.
Retreating in Style
As dusk settled over the grounds, our cart rolled into the heart of WEC hospitality. Two flagship hotels welcome guests into settings that feel as much like retreats as they do resorts. The Equestrian Hotel offers 248 rooms of refined elegance, with high-beamed ceilings, equine-inspired artwork, and a European-style patisserie where buttery croissants fill the air each morning.
Just a short ride away, The Riding Academy Hotel provides a more casual but equally welcoming stay. With 390 pet-friendly studios and suites, private sundecks, and a serene pool tucked beneath sprawling oaks, this getaway blends comfort with equestrian charm. Mr. Pickles and Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe, located inside The Equestrian Hotel, delights young visitors and reminds us all that play has a place, even amid precision.
Families seeking extended stays will appreciate the 95 Home Away from Home units: fully furnished three-bedroom residences with kitchens, covered porches, laundry amenities, and pet-friendly policies—all set within minutes of the action. Whether indulging in resort luxury or settling into cozy independence, guests are invited to make themselves at home.
A Sanctuary for Wellness and Nature-Based Healing
Beyond its world-class arenas and luxurious accommodations, the World Equestrian Center–Ocala has become an increasingly sought-after destination for corporate, association, and wellness retreats. The campus offers a rejuvenating environment where high-end hospitality intersects with natural immersion, creating opportunities for reflection, renewal, and connection.
Corporate gatherings at WEC have included wellness-focused itineraries, where business meetings are paired with outdoor adventures—from kayaking crystal-clear springs and zip lining over lush forest canopies to golf outings and spa treatments at Calluna Spa, located inside The Equestrian Hotel. Association retreats have also flourished, with some inviting families to stay on-site and enjoy group functions in a setting that celebrates both equestrian heritage and holistic leisure.
With its seamless integration of equine inspiration, refined amenities, and the serene landscapes of Ocala/Marion County, WEC offers more than just events—it offers healing experiences. In an era where travel is increasingly tied to purpose and wellbeing, this equestrian sanctuary stands as a guiding model for destination retreats rooted in nature, excellence, and restoration.
A Destination Like No Other
More than a showcase for elite equestrianism, WEC–Ocala is fast becoming one of the world’s premier destination resorts—a place where excellence, elegance, and warm hospitality meet under the Florida sun. From chapel services beneath the trees to concerts on the lawn, the campus is designed not just to host, but to inspire.
This is where legacy meets innovation. Whether you're a competitor, a spectator, or simply someone drawn to the beauty and strength of the horse, WEC–Ocala welcomes you into its world—a world meticulously crafted for moments of wonder, connection, and unforgettable experiences.
Farewell at Dawn
Before the first light broke across the sky, we slipped away at 4 a.m., beginning our quiet drive to Orlando International Airport. The arenas lay in slumber, the live oaks standing tall in the hush of pre-dawn. We carried with us not just memories of an extraordinary visit, but a sense of having glimpsed something timeless: the enduring spirit of the horse, alive and thriving in the heart of Florida.
The writer is a travel photojournalist and wellness tourism specialist currently on a family emissary mission across North and Central America with Bedein – Agents of Hope.
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