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The Future is Now All the larger-than-life stories you’ve heard about the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala are true. // B Y R O N A L D W. W E T H E R I N G T O N
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he World Equestrian Center (WEC) is part of a family legacy that has its origins in top Quarter Horse breeding and competition. With a rich history in Ohio as the “Showplace of the Midwest,” Roberts Arena hosted decades of top AQHA competitions and events. Over the years, the family became known in the industry as well-respected breeders, competitors and event hosts. In 2015, a significant investment was made in the Ohio facility infrastructure with new indoor arenas FOR THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, and stabling; horse show dates were THE WEC IS A GO-TO procured, and the DESTINATION FOR SHOPPING facility shirted its focus to hunter/ AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES. jumpers. In 2016, THE FACILITY the Roberts Arena was officially INCLUDES HIGH-END has been the impetus rebranded as CLOTHING, SPORTING behind the Golden Ocala the WEC. Equestrian and Golf Club. The WEC brand EQUIPMENT, JEWELRY “We are committed to debuted with AND ANTIQUES STORES. changing equestrian sport a distinct logo in the United States for that celebrated the better, and we are in it for the long term,” a love for the horse and a passion for says Roby Roberts. equestrian sports. The Ocala WEC is a 378-acre In late 2016, WEC announced the development of a second, much larger facility multidisciplinary facility. There are 22 outdoor rings, four indoor arenas and polo fields. here in Ocala. The Ocala facility will be the There are four indoor “flex space” arenas for largest indoor/outdoor equestrian facility in the world when it opens this month with a 12- non-equestrian events, plus more than 200 turn out paddocks. There are miles of hiking week winter hunter/jumper circuit. trails, and a cross country course designed For more than 15 years the Roberts family 12
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Photos by Maven Photo + Film, courtesy of World Equestrian Center
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by Captain Mark Phillips. Over 3,000 mature trees are planted with acres of dedicated green space, plus an additional 300 acres set aside for future expansion. “Perhaps most importantly, our facility is being built for the safety and comfort of the horses that will compete there,” emphasizes Roberts. “Other shows offer tent stabling