This year marks the fifth edition of the Ocala International Horse Show, held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. Located in the heart of Florida’s “horse country”, the facility is designed to host top-level competition across hunter, jumper and other equestrian disciplines. The scale and luxury of the facility set it apart and it has quickly become a must attend destination for barns across the country, and is the only ASB show held there. It offers enthusiasts and spectators alike the opportunity to compete in a luxurious and state of the art venue.

 

 Located in central Florida, October is a great time for an equestrian event, as the weather in northern states is beginning to cool and become more unpredictable. Visitors in particular love that the WEC is one stop shopping, with five star accommodations, food, shopping and the show all located within the 378 acre campus. The venue truly blends equestrian culture with resort comfort.

 

 Described as the largest equestrian complex in the United States, the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, as well as its sister facility in Wilmington, Ohio, were the brainchild of trucking magnate and equestrian enthusiast, Larry Roberts. Roberts, along with his wife Mary and son Roby first opened the Wilmington facility, which served as the blueprint for the Ocala branch, opening it in 2021. The Roberts family, with estimated wealth between 3 and 4 billion dollars, now owns several thousand acres in the area. The elder Roberts passed away in March of 2023 at the age of 77.

 

 The WEC offers large scale stabling and infrastructure, with thousands of stalls, many of which are in air conditioned barns with block stalls, shock absorbing mats and designed with the comfort and welfare of horses in mind.

 

 The center features six indoor arenas and 23 outdoor all-weather footing arenas. There are also miles of hacking trails for the hunter clientele to exercise outside the ring areas. The grand outdoor show ring spans 119,000 square feet, with three covered grandstands, flanked by 2 30 x 60 foot LED walls. Visitors can dine at one of several onsite restaurants, including one on the veranda of the hotel, which overlooks the ring. No stone is left unturned, and by and large, there is no need to ever leave the facility. There is even an onsite veterinary hospital, which is run in partnership with the Veterinary College at the University of Florida.

 

 Outside the ring, there is a monument to the Korean War hero mare, STAFF  SERGEANT RECKLESS, who was a mare of Mongolian horse breeding. Out of a racehorse dam, she was purchased in October 1952 for $250 from a Korean stableboy at the Seoul racetrack who needed money to buy an artificial leg for his sister. Purchased by members of the United States Marine Corp, she was trained to be a pack horse for the Recoilless Rifle Platoon, Anti-Tank Company. The highlight of her military career came in March 1953 during the Battle for Outpost Vegas when, in a single day, she made 51 solo trips to resupply multiple front line units. She was wounded in combat twice and was given the battlefield rank of corporal in 1953 and then a battlefield promotion to sergeant in 1954, several months after the war ended.

 

 The WEC has been a boon to the local economy, with surrounding hotels of lesser caliber charging highly upgraded rates during the event. Ocala and Marion County are widely known as the “Horse Capital of the World”, a term that both they and Lexington, Kentucky claim. Ocala, however, officially trademarked the title in 2001.

 

 Marion County, with over 1200 horse farms, including 400 thoroughbred farms, has a higher equine population than any other county in the United States. Its temperate climate and unique limestone soil are other attributes to bolster their horse capital claim. Located 35 miles southeast of Gainesville and 80 miles northwest of Orlando, the city is easy to get to via Interstate 75 and the Florida Turnpike. Many world champion thoroughbreds have trained there, including AMERICAN PHAROAH  and AFFIRMED, who was bred, born and trained in the county. On a historic note: On Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1883, a major fire virtually destroyed downtown Ocala. In rebuilding, the city used brick and other fire-resistant materials instead of wood, giving rise to the local nickname “Brick City”.

 

 Florida itself became the 27th state on March 3, 1845. Its history includes Spanish colonial rule, and plantation agriculture. St. Augustine, located on the eastern coast, is the oldest established settlement in the United States, established in 1565. During the War Between the states, Florida seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, joining the Confederacy. While not the site of major battles, it was vital to the cause for its supplies of meat and salt.

 

 The People’s Choice Award winner three years in a row, this year’s Ocala show was by all accounts a rousing success. The classes were well filled and the competition top notch, with many World’s Champions in attendance. The three member judging panel included Chad Cole, Gene Van Der Walt and Tammie Conatser. Kent Moeller lent his expertise as show manager, and Doug Shiflet served as official show photographer, with Richfield Video streaming the show. The theme of “Show. Relax. Repeat.” lived up to expectations with the many hospitality offerings. Parties and food were paramount, with fun events included, such as the golf cart decorating contest, which was won by Avalon Stables’ “T. Rex Express”. On Friday evening, a rousing “Carnival in Rio” Exhibitors Party was replete with colorful dancers in the ring. At the opening of each evening session, a different performer kicked things off with the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner”.

 

 As time passes, this show only seems to gain in popularity for its one of a kind experience, folks have already made their intentions to attend next year.

 

Photos courtesy of Saddle and Bridle magazine

 

 

 

 

 

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