Grand Opening
Nov. 6
2021
World Equestrian Center Ocala grand arena and grounds WEC equestrian arena close up with competitors
About the Facility

A Vision That Redefined Equestrian Sport

The World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida stands as the largest equestrian venue in the United States and one of the most remarkable in the entire world. Sprawling across 378 manicured acres in the heart of Marion County, WEC is the crowning achievement of the Roberts family — founders of R+L Carriers, one of America's premier trucking companies.

Conceived and built as a legacy project, the facility officially celebrated its grand opening on November 6, 2021, following years of meticulous planning and construction. Larry Roberts and his family poured an estimated $1 billion into creating a destination that would celebrate the equestrian sport at every level — from beginner riders to Olympic champions.

Set within Ocala's legendary "Horse Capital of the World" identity — a region that boasts more horses per capita than anywhere else on earth — WEC elevates this heritage to extraordinary heights. The surrounding Marion County is home to over 400 horse farms and produces a disproportionate share of America's top thoroughbred racehorses and show horses.

Owned & operated by the Roberts Family / R+L Carriers
~$1 billion private investment in Ocala's economy
Located in Ocala, FL — Marion County's Horse Capital
Year-round competition calendar, 52 weeks a year
Largest equestrian venue in the United States
Draws competitors from 30+ nations annually
The WEC Story

A Legacy Built Over Decades

1950s

Ocala, FL earns its enduring title as the Horse Capital of the World, as horse breeding and training farms proliferate throughout Marion County.

2018

The Roberts family — founders of R+L Carriers — breaks ground on a transformative vision: the world's most complete equestrian destination in Ocala.

2021

World Equestrian Center Ocala officially opens its gates on November 6, 2021, welcoming riders and spectators to a $1 billion facility unlike anything seen before.

Today

WEC operates 52 weeks a year with world-class hunter/jumper, dressage, Western, and multi-discipline events drawing tens of thousands of visitors from across the globe.

On-Site Amenities

A World Within a World

From luxury lodging to championship arenas, WEC is a fully self-contained destination that defines a complete equestrian lifestyle.

The Equestrian Hotel luxury exterior at World Equestrian Center Ocala Signature Luxury
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The Equestrian Hotel

The jewel of WEC's hospitality offerings, The Equestrian Hotel is a breathtaking 248-room luxury property adorned with equestrian-inspired décor, soaring ceilings, and sweeping views of the competition arenas. Guests enjoy resort-style pools, a state-of-the-art spa, concierge services, and the unparalleled experience of watching world-class horses perform from their balcony. The Riding Academy Hotel adds an additional 105+ rooms. Combined, WEC offers over 700 rooms of premium accommodations on campus.

Indoor and outdoor competition arenas at World Equestrian Center World-Class
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Championship Arenas & Stadiums

WEC boasts 16 competition arenas covering every equestrian discipline. The crown jewel is the 5,000-seat covered Harmony Arena — ideal for grand prix jumping and championship dressage. The massive Outdoor Arena accommodates 10,000+ spectators. Additional indoor arenas include climate-controlled facilities for year-round performance regardless of Florida weather.

WEC premium horse stabling and barn facilities Premier
🐎

Premier Stabling — 4,500+ Stalls

With over 4,500 permanent and temporary stalls, WEC can accommodate horses from hundreds of competitors simultaneously. Stabling facilities feature premium flooring, climate control, dedicated veterinary areas, farrier stations, and easy ring access.

Fine dining restaurant inside the World Equestrian Center Farm-to-Table
🍽️

World-Class Dining

Multiple on-campus dining establishments range from elegant fine dining at The Stirrup and Spiced at WEC to casual café fare and grab-and-go options. The hotel's signature restaurant offers panoramic arena views, perfect for dining while watching evening Grand Prix classes.

Equestrian boutique shopping at World Equestrian Center Equestrian Boutiques
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Boutique Shopping & Vendor Row

The WEC marketplace features curated equestrian boutiques alongside a sprawling vendor village that activates during major shows. Visitors browse premium saddle shops, bespoke apparel, veterinary supply vendors, custom boot makers, and equestrian art galleries.

World Equestrian Center expo center and convention facilities Events & Business
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Expo Center & Convention Facilities

Beyond horses, WEC offers a full-service expo and convention center capable of hosting trade shows, corporate retreats, weddings, and private galas — making it the premier event venue in Central Florida outside of Orlando.

Luxury spa and amenities inside The Equestrian Hotel at WEC Wellness & Spirit
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Spa, Chapel & Leisure Amenities

The Equestrian Hotel's full-service spa offers massages, facials, and wellness therapies. A non-denominational chapel on the grounds serves as a peaceful retreat. Resort pools, a fitness center, walking trails, and a children's discovery area complete the lifestyle destination.

WEC full hook-up RV park and camping for equestrian exhibitors Full Hook-Ups
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Full-Service RV Park

WEC's RV park offers hundreds of full hook-up sites (water, electric, and sewer) within easy walking distance of the barns and show rings, designed to accommodate large combination rigs, horse trailers, and luxury motorcoaches.

Grand Prix show jumping at World Equestrian Center Ocala

World-Class Competition, Every Weekend

Hunter / Jumper · Dressage · Western · Multi-Discipline
Events & Lifestyle

The World Competes Here

The WEC Ocala calendar runs 52 weeks a year — truly making this a non-stop equestrian paradise. With over $20 million in annual prize money offered across its shows, WEC attracts the very pinnacle of equestrian talent from across North America and internationally.

The facility hosts 36+ weeks of hunter/jumper competition alone, including prestigious CSI (international) grand prix shows with six-figure prize money. Dressage enthusiasts enjoy CDI (international) rated shows, while Western lovers find cutting, reining, Western pleasure, and breed shows throughout the year.

WEC Grand Championship Hunter/Jumper Shows

Year-round · Multiple circuits · All levels welcome

Up to $500,000 Grand Prix

CDI Dressage at WEC

FEI-rated international dressage competition

International Stars Competing

WEC Western Spectacular

Reining, cutting, Western pleasure, horsemanship, halter

$100,000+ Prize Money

WEC World Championship Qualifier Events

Qualifying events for national and world championships

Elite Level Competition

Saturday Night Lights Grand Prix

Signature evening events with live music & entertainment

$250,000 Prize Money

Non-Equestrian Events & Expos

Car shows, food festivals, concerts, corporate events

Year-Round Community Events
Join the WEC Newsletter — Never Miss a Show
Community Impact

Transforming Ocala

The World Equestrian Center has fundamentally reshaped Ocala's economic landscape since its 2021 opening. The facility draws an estimated 1.3 million+ visitors annually from across the nation and around the world, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into Marion County's economy.

Hotel occupancy rates in Ocala have surged dramatically during WEC event weeks, with demand overflowing into communities as far as Gainesville and The Villages. Ocala restaurants, shops, and service businesses report record revenues correlated directly to WEC's event calendar.

For real estate, the impact has been even more dramatic. Home values within a 10–15 mile radius of WEC have appreciated significantly above state averages, and demand for equestrian properties — farms, ranches, horse facilities — has surged to historic highs.

1.3M+ Annual Visitors
$400M+ Annual Economic Impact
3,000+ Jobs Created
400+ Horse Farms in Marion County
Luxury equestrian estate near World Equestrian Center in Ocala Florida
Real Estate Near WEC

Buying a Home Near WEC

Whether you dream of a luxury equestrian farm steps from the show rings or a resort-style home in a master-planned community, living near WEC opens a world of lifestyle possibilities.

Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club luxury homes
Ultra-Luxury

Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Homes from $1.5M – $10M+

The most prestigious address near WEC. A private, gated golf and equestrian community featuring a world-class golf course, on-site equestrian facilities, and bespoke estate homes. Just minutes from WEC's front gates, residents enjoy the ultimate dual-lifestyle of golf and horses.

Ocala Preserve active adult community near World Equestrian Center
Active Adult

Ocala Preserve

Homes from $330K – $800K

A sought-after active adult community by Shea Homes, Ocala Preserve sits just 3 miles from WEC. Featuring resort amenities including a clubhouse, fitness center, resort-style pool, tennis, pickleball, kayaking, and 3+ miles of nature trails.

Calesa Township new homes near WEC Ocala
Family Community

Calesa Township

Homes from $290K – $550K

A vibrant new master-planned community just west of WEC, designed for families and professionals who want modern construction, top-rated schools, and easy access to WEC's year-round events. Featuring trails, parks, and resort pools.

Equestrian estates and horse farms near WEC Ocala
Horse Farms

Equestrian Estates & Private Farms

From $750K – $20M+

Marion County offers an extraordinary inventory of working horse farms, training facilities, and equestrian estates within 5–20 minutes of WEC. From 5-acre mini-farms to 400+ acre thoroughbred ranches with private barns, training tracks, and luxury residences.

🏠 What Buyers Should Know When Purchasing Near WEC

1

Plan for Event Season Demand WEC draws massive crowds during major shows. Homes within 5 miles experience higher rental income potential and strong year-round buyer demand.

2

Verify Zoning for Horse Properties Marion County has multiple agricultural zoning classifications. A local expert like Carol Krokel can guide you through A-1, A-3 zoning to ensure your property legally allows horses.

3

Appreciate the Price Trajectory Properties near WEC have appreciated sharply since 2021. Buying now positions you ahead of continued growth as WEC's global reputation continues to expand.

4

Community vs. Farm: Know Your Lifestyle From luxury golf communities to working horse farms to resort-style active adult neighborhoods — the range of options near WEC is enormous.

5

Water Access & Pasture Quality For equestrian properties, assess well depth, irrigation systems, pasture quality, and paddock drainage. Florida's climate demands careful attention for horse health.

6

Schools, Services & Commute Ocala's NW corridor offers improving infrastructure. Carol knows which neighborhoods offer the best school districts, healthcare access, and commute connectivity.

Carol Krokel, Ocala equestrian real estate expert
Top Ocala Agent
Your Local Expert

Meet Carol Krokel

REALTOR® · Ocala Equestrian Real Estate Specialist

When it comes to buying property near the World Equestrian Center — and throughout Ocala's storied horse country — Carol Krokel is the name that serious buyers trust. With deep roots in Ocala's equestrian community and an unmatched knowledge of Marion County's diverse real estate landscape, Carol brings a rare combination of local expertise, market intelligence, and genuine passion for this extraordinary region.

Carol understands the nuanced differences between a luxury gated community like Golden Ocala and a working 50-acre training farm in NW Ocala. She knows which pastures have the best drainage for Central Florida winters, which communities sit in the prime WEC event buffer zone, and how to negotiate in a competitive market where equestrian properties routinely receive multiple offers.

Whether you're a professional rider seeking a farm within hacking distance of WEC, a retiree dreaming of resort living near the shows, or a family planting roots in one of Ocala's exceptional new communities, Carol will be your trusted partner from search to closing.

Deep local knowledge of Marion County's equestrian market
Expert in horse farm zoning, agricultural tax benefits (Greenbelt), and land evaluations
Specializes in luxury estates, equestrian properties & master-planned communities near WEC
Trusted by local riders, trainers, farm owners, and relocation clients from across the country
Strong network of Ocala-area inspectors, lenders, attorneys & equine specialists
Responsive, detail-oriented, and committed to your success in a competitive market
📞
Call or Text: (352) 555-1234
✉️
Email: Carol@hiddenoaksrealty.com
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Serving Ocala, Marion County & the greater WEC corridor
📞   Call Carol Now ✉️   Send a Message
Client Voices

What Buyers Are Saying

“

Carol found us a stunning 12-acre farm just 4 miles from WEC's main gate. Her knowledge of the local market, the zoning intricacies, and what to look for in a horse property was absolutely invaluable. We were from out of state and could not have done this without her.

Jennifer & Michael T.

Purchased 12-acre equestrian farm, NW Ocala

★★★★★
“

I've worked with real estate agents across three states and Carol is truly in a class of her own when it comes to the Ocala equestrian market. She knew every listing before it hit the MLS, and she negotiated us a phenomenal deal on our Golden Ocala home.

Robert S.

Purchased at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

★★★★★
“

As a competitive hunter/jumper rider who competes at WEC every season, living nearby was my dream. Carol understood exactly what I needed — proximity to the rings, quality stabling on-site, and a beautiful home. She delivered all three.

Sandra K.

Purchased equestrian estate near WEC, Ocala

★★★★★
Your Move Starts Here

Ready to Live the Equestrian Dream?

Homes near the World Equestrian Center represent one of Florida's most compelling real estate opportunities. Let Carol Krokel guide you to the perfect property in Ocala's extraordinary horse country.

Contact Carol Krokel Today Join the WEC Newsletter
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