World Equestrian Center - Ocala

Literally the best horse show place ever!! I come here ALL THE TIME and I would honestly just live here if I could. This place is so magical and it has great tourist attractions as well!! The staff are soooooooo nice, the facilities are absolutely beautiful and high quality, and the food is AMAZING!! I would live off the food lol. The barns and stalls for the horses and people are super nice and I think the horses appreciate being there too lol. Everything is very organized and super luxurious. I love coming here and I always look forward to it. This place is so amazing that I cannot use enough words to describe how much I love it there!!

This is a place that deserves your attention. Families will enjoy every minute. Many venues occur throughout the year, such as the current light show. There will be a fee that includes parking. You also have the opportunity to experience great art in the gallery. Please visit their website for additional information and details.

We went to Winter Wonderland at the World Equestrian Center and it was beautiful! If you want to visit with Santa or the Grinch I do suggest getting there early because the lines for them both fill up fast! I highly suggest going and seeing this beautiful display of lights they offer. You will not be disappointed! They even offer golf cart rides from your car to the front entrance!

We stayed three nights at WEC Home Away From Home cottages. We didn’t realize it when we booked our reservations, but these cottages are where workers at WEC live, or that’s what we were told while we were there. Everyone in the cottages around us seemed to leave and return from work at the same time everyday. They have lots of visitors and they park wherever they can find a spot, including on the grass between units and at the back side of the units. We even had somebody park on our parking pad while we were paying for that space. There is a strong skunk smell periodically in the area and it was extremely bad on Saturday evening. On Sunday evening a community party was held between two of the units. Everyone seemed friendly and we didn’t have any trouble, but I wanted to mention that there are lots of people living in the cottages so readers can make a decision if this is the right place to book a reservation for themselves. The cottage was VERY clean and beautifully decorated. Whoever cleaned our unit should get a bonus. Spacious three bedroom and two baths with a nice walk in shower in the primary. Very quiet also; we didn’t hear any outside noise. Large TV in the LR and all three bedrooms with good channel selection. Good water pressure and hot water. My only complaints with our cottage were: 1)a large gap around front door. It was so large that bugs, mice or even a small snake could enter. It was chilly outside when we were there and the cold wind easily blew into the cottage. I stuffed some paper towels into the gap. 2)No dish soap provided. 3)Pillows are very firm. I felt like my head was lying on a rock all night. Mattress could also be a little better. 3)Refrigerator door looked like someone had beat it with a chain. But the inside was very clean. 4)HVAC vents are in the ceiling and cold air blows down on your head. We turned it off at night. 5)Window blinds in the LR and one of the bedrooms had the cords cut and tied up too short so the blinds could not be let down all the way. We had to stuff blankets between the bottom of the blinds and the window sill so no one could look in. Overall, we really liked the cottage, but I don’t know if we would stay here in the future simply because we felt it was more a community of residents than vacationers.

We went for the Festival of Lights the weekend before Christmas. It was very well organized and the staff handled the flow of traffic very well. The event was magical. Light displays, Christmas trees, photo ops, singers, jugglers, fire dancers, and horse events. It was lovely to see so many families with small children enjoying themselves. Ticket prices were very reasonable. We plan on going again next Christmas.

I want to go back…. I got ready here with my bridesmaids and spent the amazing night here the day I got married, and wow it was great. The room was beautiful I have no words to explain how luxurious and HUGE it was. THE VIEW THEY GAVE US ?? speechless… The bed was so comfy. The employees were so sweet. Ryan the manager, did an outstanding job booking this room and making this day very special for us, they even gave us a meal voucher for the restaurant inside of this hotel which was just as good. Im glad we chose this hotel. 10/10 will be back. Enjoy the photos ! 💍

We were at this location for the second time. The first time was to go to a sale, but we missed it and instead we ate there and went to the hotel to shop. This time we went to a Winter wonderland event. I think we could have stayed all night long. We ended up going to the hotel again to shop. So pretty there and even though there were a lot of people, it is still enjoyable.

We just strolled through the area after my daughter's gymnastics meet. It truly was the place to be for horse lovers! My girl recently started horse back riding and being at the WEC put a huge smile on her face! Might have to check out the lodging there one of these days.

For the equestrian enthusiast who seeks a higher level of luxury, sophistication, and entertainment, the World Equestrian Center offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled in a stunning locale where refined elegance meets the thrill of horse riding, this exclusive retreat is a haven for both professionals and aficionados of the equestrian world. Premier Amenities and State-of-the-Art Facilities The Equestrian Hotel boasts state-of-the-art horse stables, designed to accommodate elite horses and their riders. Whether you are an accomplished equestrian or a passionate spectator, the facilities here ensure comfort and excellence for both horse and rider. From training arenas to elegant show grounds, the hotel and event center are tailored to meet the highest standards in equestrian sport and entertainment including a second posh hotel called the Riding Academy. A Year-Round Calendar of Prestigious Events Throughout the year, the estate hosts a curated calendar of events, including prestigious equestrian competitions, shows, and private gatherings. These events attract the finest professional riders and serve as a gathering place for those who wish to witness the graceful precision of show jumping, dressage, and polo in an atmosphere of unrivaled elegance. A Gastronomic and Shopping Experience Like No Other The estate also offers a variety of nostalgic eateries and retail experiences that add charm and allure to the overall experience. Visitors can indulge in a delightful range of cuisines, from hearty meals to delicate sweets: Ralph's Burgers - A classic American diner offering a variety of mouthwatering burgers and milkshakes in a vintage setting. Ariat Boots - A luxury retailer where equestrians can shop for premium boots, apparel, and accessories that fuse style with performance. Miss Tilly's Lollipops - A whimsical candy shop that brings back memories of childhood, with a selection of hand-crafted lollipops, chocolates and sweets. Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe - A family-friendly toy store offering delightful gifts, plush toys, and equestrian-themed merchandise. Yellow Pony Pub & Garden - A chic pub and outdoor garden where guests can enjoy craft cocktails, local brews, and small bites in an equestrian-themed atmosphere. Emma's Patisserie - A luxurious patisserie that serves exquisite pastries, cakes, and other decadent treats, perfect with that morning coffee. Each shop, hotel and restaurant contributes to the unique charm of this esteemed venue, creating a memorable experience for visitors, whether you're relaxing between events or seeking a day of shopping and fine dining. Surely a place where every moment feels like a ride through paradise.

It is world class indoor and outdoor Equestrian training center. I was wow by the facility. Tonight we are here for their Christmas Light display. Entry is free. Parking range from 10 dollars to 30. When they have special characters, parking is more expensive. I would encourage you be there close to opening hours to avoid long line for vehicles. The light is spectacular. Plenty of the photo spot. You can take the photo with Santa but the line is long. Same as long line for special characters. The night we have visited is the frozen and olie. The visit may take two or more. I like the horse course.

Ocala is the Equestrian center of the world. There is a beautiful hotel on the grounds in addition to the stables and riding rings for the horses. We were there just as a junior jumping competition was starting. Beautiful horses and their riders came out on a course of jumps to be completed with a few errors as possible in the shortest time. While it might not have been relaxing for the competitors, it was very relaxing for us to watch these beautiful animals being led from jump to jump by their experienced riders.

Great venue for a volleyball tournament. Beautiful grounds and facility. Super nice people. I love how there's enough room to walk around the courts. Would definitely return to this facility again.

WOW, booked a weekend there over V day, little pricey, $800 a night . we had an arena view and the Longines world cup championship horse jumping was there the weekend we were ( thus the pricey note ) Room was awesome, staff was awesome as was the food. Dee and Thomas were great and made us feel very welcome. huge grounds with a lot going on. The big even was Saturday and there were plenty off food options at the arena. Several bars, live music and various entertainers. Going back soon! regular price is around 2-300$ a night for a great room.

We went to a "garage sale" at Expo 2 in the vast complex that is The World Equestrian Center. The Expo building is huge, clean, bright, has good bathrooms, and parking. So I know little about horses, and we did not attend an equine event, but I was impressed with the place as a whole, very nicely kept grounds, many large facilities, I will think warmy of attending relevant events in this venue

Excellent hotel, terrific restaurant and a good gym. Service was excellent! Our second stay as this is a convenient halfway spot between us and the northern east coast. Be sure to make reservations for Stirrups and enjoy fine dining!

Amazing time was had at the Ocala Food and Wine Festival at the World Equestrian Center! 11/2/24. The campus is huge upon arrival with buildings labeled by letters and gorgeous grounds for the horses. Parking was easy. The event was $150 per person but so worth it! ALL you can eat and drink (no lie!) and there were at least 20 food vendors and 20 wine+spirit vendors (see pics). They had chefs on stage showcasing their dishes and even the kid from Master Chef Jr. I left stuffed to the brim bc I tried every single food dish at each food booth, and a little inebriated with my designated husband driver (who did not get his moneys worth bc he's very conservative in trying new foods and does not drink). I look forward to coming back every single year for this event!

While visiting Gainesville did some research on what to do on a beautiful Saturday and cool morning. The World Equestrian Center popped up as a location to go visit. It was 40 minutes south of Gainesville. Drive was not bad and quickly through I-75. Upon arrival we encountered this huge location with arenas, center court, hotel and shops. This place is as big as going to Epcot Center in Disney World. We happened to witness a horse competition of the non profit Special Olympics. It was very inspirational. There were two major shows, Arabian horses, dog competition and people practicing. The shops are beautiful with options to buy attires, boots, hats and much more. We were there for at least 4 hours. Then too the car to see the other locations. It's a lot of walking. Beautiful place to go but make sure to look at the calendar of events before heading over there.

Ten stars And I don't even ride a horse! What can I say, a picture is worth a thousand words in this instance. If you want to get in the holiday spirt you must go to the WEC. I have never seen such beautiful & elaborate Christmas decorations in my life. Not even in NYC. We went during the day on a Tuesday ( free parking) Wed- Sun parking is $30 but it's worth it. Just walk around & see the beauty of the season. As an added plus watch riders on their majestic horses practice jumping. So many selfie opportunities too with the decorations. Make sure you tour the grand hotel & stop to see the stunning Christmas tree in the lobby decorated with huge angel wings. If you want an upscale dining experience stop into or make reservations in one of their restaurants or grab a bite outdoors at one of the kiosks set up for the holiday or do what we did & go informal Mexican. ( see my review for Filo's) I can't say enough about this place during the holidays. Next year I'd love to book a room to have more time to see the place at night. I heard Santa comes to visit every night. Definitely a place to take the kids. Just note it's outdoors & there is a lot of walking. And ... they are dog friendly as I saw several poop stations around the venue. Just make sure your dog is horse friendly because there are a lot around of you go daytime. Great addition to the holiday rotation for me.

Lots of Christmas lights & attraction for the kids too take pictures for this Christmas season even got to see some horses in the stables as we left.

Brides and grooms, beware. My fiancé and I signed a contract with the World Equestrian Center in December 2023 for our wedding ceremony in the Chapel and our reception on the Stirrups Terrace. We were thrilled, believing we had secured our dream wedding. However, just 41 days before our big day, I discovered on WEC's website that they were hosting a Grand Prix event in the main arena and selling tickets for a dining experience on the Stirrups Terrace where our dream reception was to take place. Learning about this significant change online, rather than through our WEC representative, highlights their unprofessionalism--unacceptable for a venue of this caliber. When we confronted WEC, they admitted to being aware of the conflict but insisted we relocate our reception to another area. All that was offered to my fiancé and I for this massive inconvenience was a 40 x 40 tent for 74 guests. Since we were unwilling to move our reception to a new location, WEC cancelled our contract with 37 days to go before our wedding date. They also refused to mass cancel our room block so my fiancé and I had to contact every guest that booked at the hotel to call and cancel. This breach of contract has utterly ruined our wedding day. It feels like a blatant bait-and-switch, driven by greed; they clearly prioritize making money over honoring commitments to their clients. They will toss aside your wedding contract if a better offer comes along. I strongly advise prospective couples to consider other options before trusting the World Equestrian Center with such an important occasion.

Gorgeous, opulent and pristine rooms. This is an incredible hotel and venue for equestrian and dog shows. We were on property for 3 days for a corporate event. The staff were all very attentive and helpful. The equestrian center is a very unique complex and offers everything onsite from dining to shopping and accommodations. They also have a bakery and coffee shop as well as a chapel that can be rented for weddings. There are not as many dining options as there should be for such a sprawling complex and that was the only reason I did not give 5 stars. The dining options that were available were on the smaller side and I would have liked more variety.

Lizbeth and the WEC team are the best of the best! You will not find a better group. Lizbeth did a stellar job in coordinating the vendors and keeping everything on time. From the day before the wedding attending the rehearsal and meeting the wedding party to ensuring the outside lights were ready for a sparkler exit, she closely monitored everything. She oversaw that the reception area was perfect before the wedding, turned down the air conditioning in the chapel; she was ready and willing to help with anything, big or small. Lizbeth shuttled guests around in golf carts and at one point even held my dress. To find a wedding coordinator who becomes such a wonderful friend is the person that Lizbeth is. She made sure any dietary allergy needs were followed while working with the amazing banquet team of the World Equestrian Center. While guests ate dinner there was barely a sound- the food was the best food anyone had ever had, and all plates were finished. We have friends and family continuing to rave about the incredible food we know to be served only at WEC. We have so many memories from 5ks and events we have attended at WEC prior to our big day which made having our wedding there all the more special. The staff at the Riding Academy, where many guests stayed, and the whole wedding team are all the kindest and such hardworking individuals! Connie and Daniel who greeted guests at the new hotel were fabulous. Like the meal and dessert, the cake was delicious. Yohann is extremely passionate about what he does, and it shows. We look forward to eating the rest on our one-year anniversary! A huge thank you again to everyone at WEC! They all really care about what they do and will only provide the best. *Photo credit: Lyn Larson of Mahal Imagery Golf cart photo taken by guest

This place is absolutely gorgeous!! I moved from Ocala a long, long time ago, but I still have family there. When I visited the suggested that we should go check this place out and it did not disappoint. It's beautiful. The architecture, the decor, and so many beautiful horses. I had a delicious pastry from the patisserie, and the staff was so nice. I can't wait to go back and visit. Hopefully, I will stay in the hotel one day!

What a cool place. We stopped in with the intention of having lunch at the Yellow Pony but we arrived later then expected and found Filo's Mexican Cantina first so had lunch there. What we found more enjoyable was just walking around the entire complex. When walking be very aware of golf carts and horses. There are several barns and they are all impeccable. We saw riders training as well as a jumping competition. I would come again to watch a competition under the covered stands. There are several dining options from casual like FILO's to Yellow Pony with a horseshoe-shaped bar to elegant Stirrups which overlooks the arena Cool shops and restaurants. The chapel was beautiful and serene. The hotel lobby is gorgeous. I would plan another visit and stay longer when there is a special event or competition

This is one of the most beautiful facilities you could ever imagine for the Equestrian. I absolutely love the grounds, landscaping, chapel and restaurants. The arenas are equally gorgeous! You will be impressed coming here, especially the hotel and restaurants!

This place is AMAZING. It is in the middle of nowhere but we'll worth the trek. I wish I would have planned to stay longer to experience the vast grounds and all of the restaurants. It's beautiful, romantic and just a great experience

We visited the World Equestrian center today to see Winter Wonderland and we had a great time! It was our first time to the center and all of the lights and decorations were gorgeous! We also got to see horse jumping which was a first for me. Our infant son got his picture taken with Santa and the photos came out so beautiful. Santa was very nice, has a great sense of humor and his suit was obviously a quality piece! It is unfortunate that the Yellow Pony doesn't take reservations because we really wanted to eat there, but the expected wait time was 2 hours! Event parking was $30, but it was free to get your picture with Santa and they send copies to your cell phone. The hotel is stunning and the center is truly MASSIVE with everything from stables, a hotel, restaurants, a spa, and several boutiques. Rating from F to A+++ I give it an A++.

Booked two king rooms for 2 nights. Arena view. Rate all in 788 per room. check to confirm arena view again at check in. confirmed. yes ma'm. go upstairs and get view of a roof in back of hotel. don't complain as we want to enjoy our brief stay. check out charged 1600 per room. told too bad so sad. then today they charge another 200 to my card, mind you left yesterday and paid bill in full. called to inquire , it is for incidentals and I will get back if there are none. after I call and ask for receipt they send one. should read other one star review left by a bride and groom that had their wedding reception contrat cancelled 37 days out. Read owner response to that. Not 5 star. Treatmen is reprehensible

We came by to have lunch and stroll all of the Christmas Decorations. They were all amazing but our favorite outside was the Santa Bus and inside was the Gingerbread horse jump. The gingerbread smelled amazing. We came during the day only imagine even better in the evening.

The equestrian center has incredible facilities and hosts a multitude of positive activities, but it's crucial we address the parking issues to truly enhance our community's experience. The current parking inadequacy not only affects employees striving to serve the center but also impacts visitors participating in equestrian and sporting events, attendees of expositions, referees, police officers, and even families braving the elements on bikes during severe weather. We must prioritize solutions to ensure safe, accessible parking for everyone. This improvement is essential for supporting our staff, accommodating individuals with disabilities, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy or work at the center without undue hardship. There's ample space to expand and improve, making it imperative for future growth to include better parking facilities to foster a safer, more welcoming environment for all.

This place is Horse Heaven! Wait, that's terrible. Totally not a place for dead horses. But this complex is absolutely stunning and live horses will be telling Mr. Ed so he can tell us how appreciative they are of this place. Tons of stables surround the complex of indoor and outdoor arenas, event spaces and a pretty nice looking hotel (we didn't go in) and just an amazingly clean set of grounds. We were there for a non-horse event (FL Marching Band State Finals) and I'll say all the staff we encountered was friendly and helpful, the restrooms were kept amazingly clean for an event that lasted 12+ hours, and the concession stands kept delivering stadium quality nachos throughout the day. There were other restaurants on site we didn't try, but others seemed to be gobbling it all up. Ever since good ol' local horse Needles won the 1956 Kentucky Derby and his posters lined the bedroom walls of boomers everywhere, Ocala has grown and produced some of the finest horses, which is why it was named Horse Capital of the World (sorry Lexington). If I was monetarily rich and had a desire to own a horse or two, I would totally brush him and ride him and call him George at this place. Actually, I'd name my horse Principal Gelding, but that's another story.

Essentially Disneyland for Equestrian sports. Largest facility in the US with latest technology and a 5-star hotel overlooking the Grand Prix course.

Down and dirty: beautiful, clean, HUGE, friendly staff, shops, equine/dog shows, delicious treats, golf cart rentals, hotel, RV park,...need I say more? Housing: I rented the Home Away From Home. Great value for the space provided and was cheaper than one of the hotel rooms. The home was very new but seemed a little "thrown" together. Several water spots on the walls. It was clean and had everything we needed (towels, blankets, pillow, dishes, pots/pans,basic toiletries). It didn't have any salt and pepper so bring that with you. It has a keurig machine so bring kcups too if you want coffee. They have a washer and dryer but would recommend doing any laundry early as it's loud and you won't sleep when it's going. They are still adding more homes but when it's done I would highly recommend they have the street sign/entry sign bigger and lighted as it was really hard to find in the dark. It's about 2 miles off property so expect to drive to and from and you don't have access to the pool if you stay at the Home Away From Home. Food: we didn't eat at any of the restaurants so I can't really provide those reviews but we did eat at the candy and sweets shop. I got a cookie, it was good but not worth the $5 I paid for 1 cookie. My kids got ice cream and Italian ice and they devoured it so I assume they liked it. I do like that it's clean, efficient and many options from ice cream and Italian ice to coffee, smoothies and baked goods. Something for everyone. Shops: great shops with many cute items but very high dollar and expect to pay for it. However, the quality of the merchandise was legit and likely worth it but I didn't purchase anything at the horse/clothing shops. We did buy a few things at the toy store inside the hotel. Golf Cart: cart rental was fairly priced and the check in/out process was simple. Be warned that if you go 19 mph for more than 30 seconds your cart will shut down for 1 minute. Internal speeding time out I guess. . I definitely would recommend getting one if you plan on going to more than one arena as they are spaced out pretty far and would be a lot of walking (which isn't bad if you're trying to get your steps in ‍) Shows: we were there for barrel racing and dressage as spectators. It was well organized and efficient getting through each rider. Clean and plenty of space. They had concessions too if you were wanting food or drink. Staff: everyone we met was so nice and accommodating. Shared information and expertise.

What an experience. Immerse yourself in a completely different atmosphere. The grounds are stunning. You wouldn't expect it based on the immediate surrounding area, but it's something special to behold and they are adding so much more to the property. Even if you are not into equestrian sports, you should visit and gain an appreciation for the skill and talent that goes into this sport.

The front desk is extremely rude they don't have good customer service. They messed up the reservation and had no motivation to help.

An amazing way to spend some time! We are in town visiting my inlaws and they took us to the equestrian center for an adventure. We have kids ages 8 4 and 2 and they were thrilled! There is so much to see and it's all FREE!!!! We watched the jumping for awhile, ate, walked the shops and hotel. The hotel is probably far fancier then we are but it's beautiful to walk through. The areas to walk through are super close to the horses so you can see them upclose and it's wonderful for the children (and adults!) Will definitely return!

Best horse show venue ever! All of the restaurants are friendly clean and great food!! Staff is amazing wherever you go on property. 5 star fantastic!!

This was amazing so clean and really pretty. The food here is also very good. We went to the yellow pony and there, New York steak was incredible and to die for our horse showed here because of the amazing footing.

Beautiful facilities but questionable billing practices. When adding classes beware. Website does not provide notification but if you add classes less than 10 days prior to show they bill 50 late fee. Shady practice without some type of online notice. I can understand if added day of class but not a days prior.

I took my mom to the World Equestrian Center this past weekend, not really knowing what to expect. My mother had driven around the area previously, and found it to be an interesting area that should be revisited when she had some more time, and this was the weekend to do it. It was a busy weekend, and there were a number of different events happening all over the complex, so getting around was definitely a slow drive, which we appreciated as that allowed us to look around and see a lot of things right from the car without having someone come up behind us wondering why we were going so slowly. We parked near the hotel, as that seems to be the center of things, and we also enjoy exploring hotels as they very often have some interesting things to offer. The bar (the Yellow Pony) was absolutely packed, with a line out the door and into the hotel lobby waiting for a table. Meanwhile there was no line for Stirrups, which is the hotel's high-end restaurant. Looking at the menu for Stirrups, I imagine it would be a good meal there, and the prices weren't insane, but the menu is not something that my mother is really into, and the time certainly wasn't right for a fancy meal. We walked around the grand outdoor arena which is just to the East of the hotel, and there was an international event in progress, so it was fun to see the horses and their riders performing. Had a chance to stop into a couple of the different smaller restaurants that are planted around the arena, and I got a distinct feeling of Disney... Let's face it... this place is the Disneyland of Horse lovers. Now, some take-aways... - There are no public water fountains anywhere, not even outside of the bathrooms in the hotel. This is Florida... it gets hot here... give us some relief! - Parking is a bit of an issue. I imagine that a parking structure of some sort along with perhaps a circulating tram system for when the big events are happening might be a good idea. Imagine if all of the different arenas were having events on the same day, and each one of those arenas had a full audience? There would not be parking for miles, and no way to get to them. - There is more construction ongoing, so perhaps these points I am making are planned to be taken care of in the future. The water one is concerning, though.

We went on a weekday when there were no events scheduled, and at first we though we should've planned better, but it turned out to be perfect. It wasn't crowded at all so parking was easy and we got right in the restaurant for lunch. You will still see riders in the outdoor arenas. The grounds are beautiful and the enormity of everything is very impressive. If you are visiting central Florida, you must add this to your list of things to do.

My niece Keri (horse lover) and her husband Glen recently visited from Minnesota. We, of course, had to take them to this awesome facility. They first encountered Reckless, read the information on the plaque about this incredible animal, and learned that she 'wasn't a horse...she was a Marine'. Do take the time yourself to read her story. Next we went into one of the arenas to see the horses practicing for an up-coming event. Then we walked thru the first floor of the magnificent hotel...WOW! We finished our day as we walked back to the on-grounds chapel...serene, picturesque beauty. Breath-taking. Horses...of course...but so much more.

While visiting family in Florida, we visited the World Equestrian Center. This facility is very new, having opened this year (2021) and it shows. Large, impressive, and pristine, this establishment is beautiful to walk through an explore. As someone who isn't incredibly familiar with equestrian events, it was a little confusing at times to understand what events were happening when, as well as the timeline, but I still enjoyed exploring the property and watching a Paso Fino show. Most shops onsite are heavily oriented towards equestrian equipment and accessories, as expected. The ice cream/candy shop was cute and I really enjoyed the blueberry cheesecake ice cream I got. Also, Oktoberfest was going on while we were there, so we tried some German food and some domestic beer. This was very overpriced, but this is expected for the setting. The hotel is lavish and beautiful to walk through. I enjoyed my time here, though this isn't somewhere I would return frequently. Kind of a "glad I saw it" but I don't need to go again type of place.

Came here for Spookala this past weekend. This place is massive so I got lost easily. There weren't a lot of signs for the event I was going to. I had to get security to direct me to where I was going. Had to turn around one more time before finally finding where I needed to go. The event was in Building 1. It's massive inside the venue. Tried getting food but they didn't have much of a selection. I don't like breakfast sandwiches or the chips they were serving and I didn't feel like eating sandwiches, so I didn't eat the whole time. They also only had two restrooms, there should have been at least four for the amount of people who were there. Also noticed that the building itself didn't have anywhere you could charge your phone. I tried an outlet and nothing. Luckily I was able to use a vendors electrical strip so I could have some photos of my daughter and I during the event. I'm hoping they have the event at a different venue next year though because Ocala is in the middle of nowhere and I'd rather it be in the middle of everything since food and hotel are sparse out there.

You had a great Holiday display Of lights trees etc. yet you jeep the stadium lights on all night. Cant really enjoy. Tried to make dinner reservations was told full Yet while there half restaurant was empty Pathetic The show was lame - where were the horses? Wont be attending again

Great place, but whoever is in charge of handling schedule advertisements should be fired. When a person walks in the front gate there is a map of buildings and that's it. Any moron knows to put out a daily schedule of events. Very simple I'll help you. Arena 1. Jumping. 8-10am Arena 2. Dog and pony show 8:30-1pm. Very easy. That's why you have very few spectators. Online info is terrible. We've been here twice. Never going back.

Horseman's Disney. Enjoy getting to use this absolutely first class venue! There is no detail that has not been carefully selected to keep horses, riders and spectators very happy. The layout, footing, irrigation, lighting, dining, nightlife, lodging and much more. The prize money has also been fantastic!

First time being here, the location and building set up is beautiful and refreshing there is currently 1 hotel on site. Shopping stores and restaurants are located inside ,This equestrian center sits on 450 acres but will cover almost 40,000 so can Imagine how amazing it's gonna be in the future. Definitely a beautiful place to visit.

Beautiful hotel. Housekeeping service needs work. How can you be gone 6 hours and no one has cleaned your room ?

We brought our RV to join friends with their RV. This facility is fantastic. We participated in the Ocala Food and Wine Festival. Dinners served for over 250 guests. Food came out all at once, service exceptionally good, food was every bit as exceptional. Staff were polite, helpful and super organized. We will attend again next year and will probably go for other events as well. Beautiful.

2023 Iberian Horse Show at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Friday Oct. 20th. I am a regular visitor for a year, as I'm new to the area. While I love the facilities and entertainment, they still fall short on many logistical fronts over the year. There is very little if no information at the facilities for multiple events. No guides to direct audiences to the main entrances, no times, just a map. And when I write to them with economical solutions, the correspondences are not acknowledged. This Fall, my family and I attended the 2023 Iberian Horse reception and show afterwards. We arrived an hour before the show. It was so packed you could hardly move through the crowd. The lights in the event/arena were partially lit on both ends which suggested there might be a full arena show. But we also noticed on the far end of the arena a mobile wall. The entire arena's seating was packed, and standing room only at the far ends of the arena. We soon realized that the show was only being held at one end of the arena. The sound system was small/mobile for the event and directed to one end of the arena. Half of the audience was ignored by the performers except one rider who was adorned as a knight with a white cape. He saw the crowd and came to our end to ride, but none of the other performers did. My father, who has mobility problems had a tough time navigating the area and wore out fairly quickly. He can barely make it up a few stairs...as all the areas where the handicapped seats are set aside were full...and able bodied people were standing in front of those people, blocking their view. Why aren't there any ushers to ensure there aren't any fire code violations by blocking the access areas/aisles? This was the worst planning I have seen. There was no attempt to turn on the jumbotrons so the full audience could see the show, no full arena sound and sound quality was poor. There were no efforts made by the event planners to adjust. We left after the Colonial performers ignored half the arena. What a waste of our time. :/ If WEC hired me, I would make changes to the facilities, planning, and their communication processes, that would make visitors and performers experiences far better than mine.

I'm sorry but 5 stars is not enough! Listen People, the atmosphere, the food, the culture, it's all there! See, I know that Ocala, Florida is known for their horses and their passion but this was my first time visiting the Equestrian and I was mind blown. I wish I took more photos but as I walked around the arena, I just felt like jumping on a horse and riding one hahaha! It was truly electrifying. We started our journey walking around the arena where they have little gift shops and restaurants. Once we entered the hotel, we stopped by to Emma's Patisserie, where I locked my eyes on their delicious passion fruit cheesecake. Truly scrumptious and light to the taste, not too sweet and tart, it was perfectly made. This place was truly a buffet for your eyes and if you're new to the area and love horses I'd say stay a day or so in their BEAUTIFUL, jaw dropping hotel with the beautiful view of the whole city

A gem in Ocala. Definitely a place to go back to We rented a golf cart took in 3 or 4 different events. Ate at the Yellow Pony and dessert at the pastry shop

Horsey Disneyland! :) I'll have to bring my granddaughter back here. She's been riding horses for years and this is her Disneyland for sure. Whether you are a horse lover or not, you will find something to appreciate here. The arenas, indoor and out are pristine. The showmanship at the events is unmatched and the backdrop is beautiful. Bonus tip: It's a big place, rent a Golf Cart to see alllllll the acres and what it has to offer. There are shops and eateries inside some of the arenas and some toy stores, sweet shoppes, and restaurant/bars in the Equestrian Hotel. The lobby itself is worth touring as well. Behind the hotel (well I guess I'm front of the hotel) are acres and acres of outdoor grounds peppered with Live Oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Against the outdoor arenas and the green grasses, it's heavenly. Do take time to explore the chapel, the stables, the arenas, etc. If you are a horse person, go on an event day when there are even MORE vendors with lots of equestrian ware and horse gear. I'll be back with my granddaughter... for her, and for me too.

Just went to the Iberian Spectacular horse show last night and there was nothing spectacular about it. The horses only performed on a quarter of the arena grounds, so the other 3/4 was not used, leaving a crowd of people unable to see anything. People were upset and started leaving 15 min into the program. Felt sorry for the kids who couldn't see anything. This is my second botched event there, so have no plans to go back.

The most Amazing facility for equestrians! I enjoy that pups are allowed everywhere on property. The luxurious lobby was breath taking. I loved exploring the grounds, stores, restaurants and the many arenas. I thought it was touching to see the monument for Staff Sargent Reckless! This place is so huge it can host multiple events. Definitely worth dragging your hubby to.

The place is beautiful you can't deny that. The servers are all very professional and friendly. The food is OK (yellow pony) but it's VERY expensive for the food and drinks for what you get. Your really paying for the ambiance. They cater more to the out of town guests.