Here are Keri’s spine surgery results.
After two major horseback riding accidents, Keri lived with debilitating spine pain for 20 years. She saw several doctors and pursued procedures at other hospitals with little success. Everything changed when she came to UF Health, where our neurosurgery team discovered damage far beyond what her diagnostic scans revealed—damage that might have meant an even longer and more difficult road. But, complex spine surgery conducted by our expert surgeons allowed her to immediately start on the road to recovery. Today, she’s back to yoga and to living a life free of back pain.
Human progress has no finish line. HumanProgress.UFHealth.org
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THE HORSE ...
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The horse…. nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave.
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The Cushman® Hauler® 800 is built to power through any workday with exceptional reliability. With a 400-pound bed capacity and extensive customization options, the Hauler 800 is designed for hard work, whether it’s transporting heavy loads or managing tasks around the property. The Cushman Hauler 800 ensures the highest performance is given every day.
Move through your season. The right way.
In competition, every detail matters –from the stable to the in gate.
That’s why Wheels Up is designed to move with you – seamlessly, flexibly, and on your terms . Sure, it’s not the only way to fly private. But it is the right way.
Left photo: Rachael Osborn Photography
Right photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo: Daniel Newcomb
Photo: Winslow Photography
Sharn Wordley of Wordley Martin
Photo: Elite Equestrian Photo
Welcome to WEC
t World Equestrian Center, excellence extends beyond the competition arena into the programs, spaces and people that shape every experience at each venue. In this issue, we highlight the stories and settings that define that standard, from athlete development and world-class sport to thoughtfully designed venues and signature events. Each feature reflects a continued commitment to Quality, Class and Distinction across every discipline and destination.
Our Equestrian Profile features The Road to the Top Program, created by Katie Monahan-Prudent and four-time Olympian Laura Kraut, to help build the future of show jumping through opportunity and education. The program provides mentorship, training and competitive pathways for selected young talent aspiring to reach the top of the sport.
A New Chapter for Romance showcases The Equestrian Manor at WEC – Ocala as the setting for unforgettable events of every size and style. With a grand staircase, multiple ballrooms, outdoor venues, rooftop dining and a dedicated bridal suite, every moment of a celebration can unfold seamlessly in one place.
We revisit the highlights of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series, including the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala, the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala and the WEC Premier Equitation Cup, all featuring elite levels of equestrian sport.
From packed competition calendars to seasonal celebrations,
both venues offer something for everyone to enjoy this fall and winter. Discover what Ocala and Wilmington have to offer and plan your visit.
Timeless by Design takes us Inside The Equestrian Manor’s Restaurant Collection, where we learn more about the thoughtful design details, from hand-selected materials to spatial elements engineered for grandeur. The result is a setting equally suited to a casual weeknight dinner or a once-in-alifetime celebration.
We hear from athletes from around the world in the World Equestrian Center Experience, sharing why they choose both WEC – Ocala and WEC – Wilmington as their competition venues, including Olympic Gold Medalists and athletes
ranked among the top 10 in the FEI world rankings.
As we look ahead to another exciting season, we remain dedicated to creating experiences that inspire competitors, guests and visitors alike. Whether you are joining us for world-class sport, unforgettable events, exceptional dining or a weekend getaway, we invite you to experience all that World Equestrian Center has to offer. Thank you for being part of our community: We look forward to welcoming you to both Ocala and Wilmington.
God Bless,
The Roberts Family
Editorial: Leah Tong | leah.tong@wec.net
Photo: Daniel Newcomb
scene at wec
PHOTOS BY WINSLOW PHOTOGRAPHY
Scene at WEC
2026 Winter in the Midwest at WEC — Wilmington
Scene at WEC
2026 Winter in the Midwest at WEC — Wilmington
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Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography
Scene at WEC
Winter Spectacular at WEC – Ocala
The Wilbur Estate is a stunning plantation-style mansion with five elegant luxury suites. Each suite offers all the comforts of home, including a completely outfitted custom kitchen, upscale furnishings, linens and beautiful art.
The spacious porch and garden provide guests with a tranquil place to relax after a day of showing. Accommodations are centrally located on the showgrounds, just steps from arenas, stabling and the Paddock Club. VIP parking is included in your stay.
Visit wec.net or call 937.382.0985, option 3 to reserve your stay. wec.net
at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Scene at WEC
Dressage at WEC – Ocala
& OCTOBER
2026 SERIES
9/23-9/27 | September
USEF Regional Hunter/Level 3 Jumper
9/30 - 10/4 | October I
USEF Regional Hunter/Level 3 Jumper
10/7-10/11 | October II
USEF Regional Hunter/Level 3 Jumper
Learn More at wec.net
STAY A moment
STAY A lifetime
By Lindsay Berreth
Building the Future of Show Jumping Through Opportunity and Education TO THE THE ROAD TOP PROGRAM:
Four-time Olympian Laura Kraut (USA) has worked with many young and developing riders throughout her decades in show jumping. When legendary rider and trainer Katie Monahan-Prudent approached her about an idea for a mentorship program four years ago, she was quick to get involved.
The Road to the Top program was created to provide mentorship, training and opportunities to carefully selected young talent aspiring to reach the top of the sport.
“I thought that it was a really important idea and I wanted to support [MonahanPrudent],” said Kraut. “What we’re looking for in Road to the Top are those kids who are in this because this is all they want. They want to get to the Olympics and they
want every tool in their toolbox to get them there.”
“It’s something I wanted to be part of because this sport has given me so much,” Kraut continued. “It is my life and it's been wonderful. I am
What we're looking for in Road to the Top are those kids who are in this because this is all they want. They want to get to the Olympics and they want every tool in their toolbox to get them there.
really happy to have a way I can give back. I'd love to see 10 or 20 kids get the opportunity to have the life I've had. It's something I never would have dreamed of when I was young, so if I can give that opportunity to others, that makes me feel good.”
Road to the Top launched in 2024 with the selection of two
candidates by an athlete selection advisory committee — West Coast rider Trent McGee, who is based with Monahan-Prudent, and Carlee McCutcheon, who is based with Kraut. McGee and McCutcheon are part of the Tier 1 Level, which was defined once an Apprentice Level was added and recently launched. The Apprentice Level provides a sixmonth apprenticeship for emerging show jumping professionals who
have already proven themselves in competition. These athletes will train inside an elite program, receiving consistent coaching, feedback and a formal evaluation at the end of their term.
The program is reaping huge rewards for McCutcheon, who was a highly successful junior rider, winning the 2023 ASPCA Maclay National Championship. She was given the ride on the 15-year-old Slovenian Warmblood mare Aralyn Blue (Chacco Blue x Apienne), owned by Road to the Top.
On January 10, 2026, they won the $120,000 Florida Coast Equipment Grand Prix CSI3* at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, the first three-star victory in the 20-year-old rider’s career.
“When I aged out, I was still deciding which path to take — whether I wanted to go to college or turn professional immediately.
When this opportunity came up, it became clear to me what I wanted to do,” McCutcheon said. “I think it has helped me grow a lot as a person and as a horse trainer. Having the chance to ride with people at the highest level of the sport gives me a huge advantage. I’ve learned so much from them because they've been doing it for such a long time.”
Under Kraut’s tutelage, McCutcheon moved up to the fourstar level this winter with Aralyn Blue.
“This time last year, I was competing in the Under-25 series with Aralyn Blue in Wellington and it definitely took me some time to get to know her,” she admitted. “[Her previous rider] Harry Charles (a British Olympic team gold medalist) is obviously one of the best riders and she is so experienced at a high level. She's such a big, strong, scopey horse, but in the last six months,
our partnership has really come together. She's just a wonderful horse in every way. She's so kind and forgiving, and I think that she really enjoys her job. She's amazing at it. Having a horse like her has really changed my career.”
In addition to riding and competing, the Road to the Top program teaches riders about horse care and management, like shoeing and veterinary care. “It's down to the tiny details that make the difference,” said Kraut. “It's teaching them to be
It's something I wanted to be part of because this sport has given me so much ...
The Road to the Top Program
Long term, we hope our riders become excellent horsemen and horsewomen and strong advocates for the sport and that they eventually represent our country as riders, which is really what the whole program is about ...
aware of those things and notice them on a day-to-day level.”
They are also learning how to run a business, how to interact with and cultivate owners and clients and how to collaborate with other professionals. “It’s all those things that, as you get older, you realize are important,” said Kraut. “Being a great rider, that’s sort of the first step. But there are another 100 steps to get you to the place you would call ‘the top.’ There’s no set curriculum — it’s learning, mainly by osmosis.”
Carlee is based in Ocala, Florida, with Kraut and her team, which includes her sister Mary Elizabeth Kent and Julie Welles.
“I thought it was a great idea for Carlee to base in Ocala this year,” Kraut explained. “She has a wonderful mare who I thought would be very suited to the three-and four-star grand prix classes there, which allow Carlee to hopefully have some success at that level. The World Equestrian Center facility there is beautiful, and so far, I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. I think it's
The Road to the Top Program
just going to add to her resume and also add to her confidence.”
Carlee had already ridden there with Mike McCormick and Tracy Fenney as a junior during the first summer the facility opened.
“I have Aralyn, who allows me to step up into the higher level, but the rest of the horses in my string are either younger or they need to be developed, so being at a facility that accommodates every level of horse is just amazing.”
Kraut is excited to see where Road to the Top goes next as the program heads into its third year.
“Long term, we hope our riders become excellent horsemen and horsewomen and strong advocates for the sport and that they
The Road to the Top Program
A
New Chapter for Romance
Every couple deserves a wedding that feels uniquely their own, where every detail reflects their story. The Equestrian Manor at World Equestrian Center –Ocala was built for exactly that.
Opened in January 2026, The Equestrian Manor was thoughtfully designed to host unforgettable events of every size and style. Inspired by palaces and great halls from the 18th and 19th centuries, this new luxury event space merges timeless elegance with the ability to create a celebration that is uniquely yours. With grand and junior ballrooms, romantic balconies, four restaurants offering private dining, a dedicated bridal suite and more, every moment of your celebration can unfold seamlessly in one beautiful place.
BUILT FOR YOUR WEDDING
The Equestrian Manor was designed with flexibility in mind, giving couples the freedom to shape each moment of their big day in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. Some couples begin the festivities with a lively welcome party on The Equestrian Manor’s expansive outdoor patio, where friends and family gather and cheers to the happy couple under the evening sky. Others may choose an intimate rehearsal dinner in one of the venue’s elegant private dining rooms, surrounded by wine at Genievieve’s with rooftop views, or sipping cocktails fireside at The Polo Pony.
On the morning of the wedding, the private bridal suite provides a beautifully appointed setting for the
Left photo: Emma Anne Photo
Top photo: Created Four Photography
Bottom photo: Eclectic Elegance LLC
wedding party to gather, prepare and savor the excitement of the day ahead. Thoughtfully designed with full-length artisan mirrors, floorto-ceiling drapery, refined finishes and elegant furnishings, the space is curated to ensure every moment feels special. An en-suite bathroom offers convenience for hair and makeup, while a dry bar creates the perfect space for an early toast. Just beyond, a private walk-out terrace reveals picture-perfect views of the World Equestrian Center grounds, adding an unforgettable backdrop to the bridal experience.
From there, couples can enjoy breathtaking photo-ops on the grand staircase before saying “I do” in any variety of distinctive settings,
each offering its own sense of place. Celebrate in the grand elegance of Miss Eloise’s Grand Ballroom, or choose the more intimate ambiance of Miss Amelia’s Meeting Room, thoughtfully designed to blend indoor and outdoor space. For an open-air experience, the partially covered ground-level pavilion provides a striking backdrop, framed by the dramatic four-story profile of the building rising above. For those seeking a more traditional ceremony space, the property’s charming stone chapel and oak canopy gardens are just a golf-cart-ride away from The Equestrian Manor.
The Equestrian Manor was designed with flexibility in mind, giving couples the freedom to shape each moment of their big day in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them.
Photo: Rachael Osborn Photography
Bottom photo: Daniel Newcomb
The Equestrian Manor at World Equestrian Center – Ocala sets a new standard for luxury events in Central Florida. Conveniently situated adjacent to The Riding Academy Hotel and The Shoppes Off 80th, guests can experience refined event spaces alongside extraordinary culinary offerings.
The celebration continues with endless possibilities. Host a rooftop cocktail hour at The White Willow’s rooftop bar, treat guests to a reception dinner crafted by our world-class culinary team or create an evening
filled with dancing, live music and late-night bites. The next morning, there's no rush to leave. Wrap up your weekend with a farewell brunch featuring a custom order from Emma's Patisserie, where guests deliver one last round of congratulations before heading home.
STAY STEPS FROM THE CELEBRATION
Celebrating at World Equestrian Center – Ocala means your entire wedding weekend can unfold in one beautiful destination. Brides and their wedding parties can relax with day-of hair, makeup and spa
Left & middle photos: Daniel Newcomb
Right photo: Emma Anne Photo
A New Chapter for Romance
services at Calluna Spa. Loved ones can stay onsite at The Riding Academy Hotel, which is pet-friendly so your fur family can be part of your special day, too, or enjoy the luxurious rooms and suites nearby at The Equestrian Hotel. Zero-entry pools, luxury retail, championship golf nearby and the broader World Equestrian Center – Ocala resort
Celebrating at World Equestrian Center – Ocala means your entire wedding weekend can unfold in one beautiful destination.
Commitment to
JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY!
Training future leaders in the equine industry
Beautiful Equestrian Center located in NJ’s Horse Country Degrees in Equine Studies and Animal Health (Pre-Vet)
Nationally Recognized Teams: NCEA, IHSA, and IDA Site of USEF Channel 1 and Channel 2 horse shows.
give guests plenty to enjoy during a weekend of celebration.
Learn more about The Equestrian Manor at wec.net and contact our team to get started planning your special day.
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Photo: Created Four Photography
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WINTER SPECTACULAR 2026
Season Highlights SHOW SERIES
PHOTOS BY ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY
LONGINES LEAGUE OF NATIONS™ OCALA
World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) welcomed the world’s top 10 jumping nations for an unforgettable week of five-star sport during the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala CSIO5*. The Ocala leg brought championship-style competition to the WEC Grand Arena, where elite athletes and passionate fans gathered for one of the most anticipated stops on the international circuit.
The $350,000 J.P. Morgan Grand Prix CSIO5* on Thursday night delivered a thrilling individual contest under the lights, as a competitive field of international athletes took on a technical 1.60m track. European Champion Andre Thieme (GER) claimed victory aboard Paule S, besting a strong jump-off field. Christian Kukuk (GER), the reigning Olympic
Champion and defending winner of the class, finished second aboard Fantasia de W. France’s Nina Mallevaey, 26 and currently ranked world No. 6, rounded out the podium with Nikka vd Bisschop.
Saturday night’s $770,000 Longines League of Nations™ Ocala CSIO5* Team Competition welcomed a packed grandstand for an electric evening of championship sport. After round one, Ireland held the lead on a score of zero, with the Netherlands close behind on a single time fault, while Germany and Belgium sat tied on four faults apiece.
2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series
photo by MAVEN Photo + Film
As the pressure mounted in round two, Team Germany surged to the top of the podium with a flawless collective effort. Double-clear performances from Richard Vogel aboard Cloudio and Christian Kukuk with Checker 47 proved pivotal, while Andre Thieme delivered when it counted aboard DSP Chakaria. First-time League of Nations™ competitor Rene Dittmer and Corsica X added a strong supporting round to secure the victory.
Germany galloped away with the lion’s share of the prize money, followed by Ireland in second and Belgium in third.
LONGINES FEI JUMPING WORLD CUP™ OCALA HIGHLIGHTS
The $300,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala presented by MARS Equestrian brought a packed house to the WEC Grand Arena for one of the most anticipated nights of the Winter Spectacular Show Series.
Fans filled the stands as 38 athletes representing 11 nations took on Bernardo Costa Cabral’s (POR) challenging 1.60m track, all chasing valuable points toward qualification for the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final.
In a thrilling finish, 22-year-old Mimi Gochman (USA) earned her first Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ victory aboard Iron Maiden, delivering the only double-clear effort of the evening. Eduardo Pereira de Menezes (BRA) finished second riding H5 Ozzy vd Bisschop,
while Cian O’Connor (IRL) secured third with Kentucky TN to round out the international podium. Prior to the feature class, the WEC Grand Arena honored the remarkable mare, Legacy. Owned by Ariel Grange of Lothlorien Farm and ridden by Daniel Coyle, the
exceptional mare recorded more than 29 podium finishes at the 1.60m level, including memorable World Cup victories, a historic Longines League of Nations™ Ocala triumph and Olympic clear rounds for Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series
WEC PREMIER EQUITATION CUP CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
The WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship presented by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, sponsored by J.P. Morgan and powered by Gary Yeomans Ford delivered a memorable evening in the WEC Grand Arena. A packed crowd gathered to watch nearly 90 of the nation’s top junior riders compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious equitation titles. The championship night featured a special performance by the United States Marine Corps Band and a patriotic presentation that set the stage for an exciting final under the lights.
After a challenging opening jumping round, a technical flat phase and a demanding second jumping round, the top four riders returned for a nail-biting work-off. In the end, Parker Peacock claimed the championship aboard Montverdi, earning the coveted title and driving away with the keys to a brand-new Ford Explorer. Olivia Sweetnam secured the reserve championship with Class Act, while Adrianna Forte and Diaceur finished third, with Elizabeth Rinehart taking fourth place to complete the final standings.
Photos: Maven Photo + Film
Middle photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Long before the first horse enters the ring, exhibitors and spectators alike eagerly await an experience only World Equestrian Center provides. From packed competition calendars to seasonal celebrations, both venues offer something for everyone to enjoy this fall and winter.
OCALA
As autumn settles over the growing 2,000-acre campus, the competition calendar builds steadily. It begins with The Championship Show, featuring NSBA, AQHA and FQHAapproved classes, followed by the September & October Fall Series and the November & December Show Series, delivering multiple
weeks of USEF-sanctioned hunter and jumper competition. Monthly dressage events complement the schedule, with competitions from August onward serving as qualifiers for the 2027 FEI North American Youth Championships and other high-performance events.
Between show days, fall events offer even more to look forward
to, with the Hocus Pawcus Canine Costume Contest and Halloween trick-or-treating in October, followed by the annual Ocala Food & Wine Festival in November. Beyond the festival, visitors can savor a delicious
range of dining concepts across the property, including four new restaurants at The Equestrian Manor.
As the holiday season approaches, Winter Wonderland transforms the Grand Plaza into a festive spectacle of more than a million lights, complete with a walk-through Christmas tree. In previous years, the event has welcomed families to meet Santa and the Grinch, enjoy Breakfast with Santa on select mornings and take in live entertainment with special experiences on the weekends. For a truly magical experience, guests can plan a weekend away with a hotel package, which includes accommodations at The Equestrian Hotel or The Riding Academy Hotel and special seasonal experiences.
At the end of December, the Winter Spectacular Show Series takes center stage as one of the most anticipated circuits in the country.
Sanctioned by US Equestrian (USEF) and Fédération Equestre
Photos: Maven Photo + Film
Internationale (FEI), this Premier Hunter/ Level 6 Jumper series brings high-stakes competition and classes for all levels to Ocala through Spring 2027. Highlights include the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Ocala, the Longines League of Nations™ Ocala and multiple World Championship Hunter Rider weeks.
WILMINGTON
Meanwhile, the season at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington opens with the Fall Classic Series, offering USEF-rated hunter and jumper competition alongside Halloween festivities and a costume contest. The Fall Classic Series also plays host to the Young Horse Championships, where the next generation of talent takes center stage. The momentum will continue with the Midwest Indoors Series in November, offering three weeks of indoor USEF-
Top photos: Maven Photo + Film
Bottom photo: Winslow Photography
Left photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
rated hunter and jumper competition. Midwest Indoors II will feature the annual WEC Medal Final.
From there, the Winter in the Midwest Series will carry the action through December to April 2027, with 18 weeks of competition in climatecontrolled arenas.
December also builds toward WEC Christmas, where festive course decor sets the scene and the beloved “Gifts Under the Tree” tradition gives class winners the chance to select a gift for their first blue ribbon earned.
Explore the full schedule and find everything you need to plan your visit at wec.net.
Photos: Winslow Photography
Rocks Rocks
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Clinton County, Southwest Ohio Clinton County, Southwest Ohio
See what See what Rock the Block Wilmington Rock the Block Wilmington
July 24 & 25, 2026
July 24 & 25, 2026
3,600+ S.F.
3
Timeless D D
Design by Inside The Equestrian Manor’s
Restaurant Collection
There is a moment, just past the entrance of The Equestrian Manor at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, when the scale of what you are witnessing begins to settle in. Thoughtful design choices extend across every corner of the venue, from hand-selected materials and custom lighting to spatial details engineered for grandeur. The result is a setting equally suited to a casual weeknight dinner and a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, a place that feels both polished and welcoming from the moment you walk in.
Achieving that balance required a design team with deep knowledge of the property and its guests. Roberts Design Group, the
firm behind the celebrated design throughout World Equestrian Center, including The Equestrian Hotel, its restaurants and The Riding Academy Hotel, brought years of firsthand knowledge to execute the vision under the guidance of Lead Designer Ric Owens.
“As Ocala and World Equestrian Center grew rapidly, we knew the scale had to expand thoughtfully to serve both locals and out-oftown guests without losing a sense of curation,” says Owens. “The result is a space that feels balanced, intentional and connected to the larger [WEC] campus.”
That intentionality is expressed in moments both grand and understated. “One of my favorite
Photo: Daniel Newcomb, Architect Photo
details is the horseshoe-shaped opening in the second-floor mezzanine ceiling,” Owens adds. “It began as a practical solution to reveal the chandelier upon entry, but became a symbolic moment, welcoming guests beneath a ‘U’ of good luck as they arrive. It’s subtle, but deeply intentional.”
Beyond the design of The Equestrian Manor itself, each of its four restaurants needed to
The design celebrates the elegance, strength and individuality of the polo horse itself, not just the sport.
create a distinct sense of place. The approach, was to give each venue ‘its own identity,’ and the result is a collection of restaurants as compelling as the menus they house.
THE POLO PONY
A natural evolution of the guestfavorite Yellow Pony Pub & Garden at The Equestrian Hotel, The Polo Pony draws on America’s equestrian and culinary heritage. “The design celebrates the elegance, strength and individuality of the polo horse itself, not just the sport,” says Owens, pointing to the layered textures, bespoke artwork and palette inspired by real animal coloring that give the room its warm, grounded character.
The restaurant’s 60-seat custom-built bar anchors the experience, inviting guests to mingle over delicious food, themed cocktails and a 32-tap beer program. Chef de Cuisine Roland LaCroix, whose resume includes The Broadmoor and The Biltmore Estate, has created a menu of elevated American classics that mirror the restaurant’s
warm, refined character. Favorites include butter-poached lobster rolls, duck confit “polo” fries and pastramicrusted barbecue beef rib.
EMMA’S PATISSERIE AT THE EQUESTRIAN MANOR
Where The Polo Pony thrives on energy and gathering, Emma’s Patisserie at The Equestrian Manor offers something quieter in the form of a quaint Parisian cafe. As
the second and expanded location of the original Emma’s Patisserie at The Equestrian Hotel, this iteration deepens the European coffeehouse experience guests have come to love. Where other properties might stop at surface-level European styling, Roberts Design Group committed to making the atmosphere authentic by preserving the old-world charm of European patisseries. From the natural marble countertops for rolling
Top photo: Avera Visuals Bottom and right photos: Daniel Newcomb, Architect Photo
Timeless by Design
dough to the brass display cases and whimsical fabric valances, the attention to detail translates into a space that both preserves oldworld charm and remains refined and inviting.
WEC Complex Executive Pastry
Chef Yohann Le Bescond: A Food Network featured talent and 2025
James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, along with The Equestrian Manor
Executive Pastry Chef Kari Howard
lead a program that goes well beyond the pastry case. Fresh housemade chocolates, macarons, Italian gelato and cold-pressed juices share counter space with light breakfast and lunch options, plus evening treats for guests winding down after a night out.
GENIEVIEVE’S
Four floors up, The Equestrian Manor rooftop opens to sweeping views of the surrounding property. Two rooftop restaurants share the space but little else in common, each offering a unique ambiance for a memorable dining experience. Genievieve’s, The Equestrian Manor’s elegant Italian restaurant, offers gorgeous views of the sprawling property and an atmosphere designed for romance and special occasions.
Roberts Design Group focused on grounding the space in family and tradition, balanced by elegant accents, including layered crystal chandeliers and a “champagne” finish on gilded columns and behind the bar. One of the greatest design challenges was separating the indoor and outdoor spaces while keeping them visually connected. One way the design team connected the experiences was with a glassenclosed wine room that serves as a centerpiece between the restaurant’s environments, creating a sense of openness and intimacy at once.
The design firm added a central see-through wine room and the private dining space behind the bar helped separate the spaces and make them feel more intimate. The room serves as an intimate dining space,
Photos: Daniel Newcomb, Architect Photo
Timeless by Design
where guests can savor a private meal surrounded by the bottles themselves.
Tasteful design choices are just the start. Chef Kristofer Sullivan, whose training includes Le Bernardin, Atlantis Resort and Bangkok Supper Club, brings a refined yet approachable hand to indulgent starters, such as pull-apart
focaccia and caviar, housemade pastas and seasonal Mediterranean dishes, with a wine program that showcases bottles from nearly all 20 Italian wine regions.
THE WHITE WILLOW
At the other end of the rooftop, The White Willow strikes a different tone.
The design firm added a central see-through wine room and the private dining space behind the bar helped separate the spaces and make them feel more intimate.
This Pan-Asian restaurant and bar comes alive with an aesthetic that draws from Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai influences.
“We avoided leaning into one region by focusing on curved architecture, organic forms, vibrant color and oversized tropical wall coverings that blur the line between indoors and out,” says Owens. The result is a space that feels lush and immersive. Every detail, from the organic shapes of the seating to the scale of the tropical wall coverings, was chosen to evoke a sense of place rather than reference a specific one.
Photos: Daniel Newcomb, Architect Photo
Even the sushi bar, which boasts specialized prep equipment, is thoughtfully enclosed so guests experience the craft without being distracted by the machinery behind it.
The menu carries that same globe-spanning confidence, co-led by Chef de Cuisine Daniel Binghak and Sushi Chef de Cuisine Karl Reinhart, whose combined resumes span everything from amusement parks to Michelin-starred kitchens. Sushi, dim sum and a multi-course omakase experience pair beautifully with sake cocktails, Asian beers and Japanese whiskies. For the most intimate seat in the house, a stylish sushi bar invites guests to watch the chefs work at close range.
AN EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN TRADITION
The Equestrian Manor does not chase trends. Its design choices feel established, as though the building has been part of the landscape for decades. Roberts Design Group set out to create a space that celebrates the venue as a whole, while drawing attention to the individuality of each
We avoided leaning into one region by focusing on curved architecture, organic forms, vibrant color and oversized tropical wall coverings that blur the line between indoors and out ...
restaurant within it. The challenge was making four distinct dining experiences feel like they belong under one roof and the answer was a shared commitment to craft, authenticity and detail.
The desire to build something elegant yet approachable is what connects every chandelier, every hand-rolled pasta and every sake cocktail in the building. The Equestrian Manor's restaurants are not four isolated concepts. They are a single, cohesive collection, each venue distinct but aligned with the promise of a world-class experience that guests have come to expect.
VISIT THE EQUESTRIAN MANOR
The Equestrian Manor welcomes all guests, whether for a weeknight dinner or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. To make a reservation or inquire about private dining and events, visit ocala.wec.net/dine. To learn more about Roberts Design Group and their work, visit roberts-design.com
Photos: Daniel Newcomb, Architect Photo
Timeless by Design
Samantha Schaefer riding In the Know at World Equestrian Center - Ocala.
hush falls over the arena as horse and rider enter at a collected trot, moving
almost magnetic precision. The horse halts, square and still, and the rider offers a graceful salute to the judge. What follows over the next several minutes is a performance so fluid and seemingly effortless that first-time spectators may not fully appreciate the years of training it represents. Often described as ballet on horseback, dressage is a discipline where subtlety is the ultimate measure of mastery.
To understand what you’re witnessing, it helps to know the origins of this elegant sport, how tests are scored and what to watch for as a spectator.
THE ROOTS OF DRESSAGE
The word “dressage” originates from the French term for “training,” and its origins date back more than 2,000 years. Ancient Greek cavalry commander Xenophon advocated for lightness and cooperation rather than force, principles that remain central to the discipline today.
During the Renaissance, classical riding academies refined these ideas into the structured movements we recognize in modern competition. By the time dressage was introduced at the Olympic Games in 1912, it had evolved from a military exercise into an art form celebrated for its precision and elegance.
THE ARENA AND THE LETTERS
Every dressage test takes place in a standard rectangular arena, bordered by a low rail and marked with letters at specific positions
Spectator Series: The Art of Dressage
along the perimeter and centerline. A small arena measures 20 by 40 meters, while a standard arena extends to 20 by 60 meters for more advanced tests. The letters – A, K, E, H, C, M, B and F around the outside, with D, X and G along the centerline – tell the rider exactly where each movement must begin and end.
In the standard 20-by-60-meter arena, additional letters – R, S, V and P – appear along the long sides, giving judges and riders even more precise reference points for the advanced movements performed in that larger space.
UNDERSTANDING THE TEST
Rather than navigating a course of fences, dressage competitors perform a predetermined sequence of movements known as a test. Each test is designed for a specific level of training and must be ridden from memory, though a reader may call out movements from the sideline at lower levels. Tests include figures and transitions such as circles, serpentines, changes of direction, halts and variations in pace that demonstrate the horse’s balance, obedience and athleticism. At lower levels, the focus falls on basics such as steady rhythm, willingness to move forward and acceptance of the rider’s aids. As levels advance, movements grow more complex, demanding greater strength, flexibility and responsiveness.
THE LEVELS
Dressage is organized into progressive levels that build upon one another. In the United States,
levels recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation begin at Introductory and Training Levels, where horses demonstrate basic gaits and simple figures at the walk, trot and canter. First through Fourth Levels introduce lengthened strides, lateral movements and collected gaits, requiring greater engagement of the hindquarters.
Beyond Fourth Level, riders enter the international levels: Prix St. Georges, Intermediate I and II and the pinnacle of the sport, Grand Prix. At this elite level, horses perform movements such as piaffe, a powerful, cadenced trot performed almost in place, and passage, an elevated trot that appears suspended in the air. Grand Prix tests also
Spectator Series: The Art of Dressage
DRESSAGE SERIES | 2026
January 30–February 1
CDI3*/USEF/USDF
February 13–15
CDI3*/USEF/USDF
March 6–8
CDI3*/USEF/USDF
April 23–26
CDI4*/USEF/USDF
May 13–17
CDI3*/USEF/USDF – USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship
August 21–23
USEF/USDF
September 4-6
USEF/USDF
October 16–18
USEF/USDF
*November 13–15
CDI3*/USEF/USDF
*December 10–13
CDI-W/USEF/USDF
*Pending FEI approval
feature tempi changes, where the horse switches its leading leg at the canter in a precise sequence, from every fourth stride to every third, every second and ultimately every single stride.
THE FREESTYLE
Some of the most thrilling moments in dressage come during a freestyle. In this format, the rider
impression of horse and rider as a pair. Freestyles are often scheduled as the feature event of a competition and their combination of music, movement and crowd energy makes them an ideal entry point for new spectators.
HOW SCORING WORKS
Each movement in a dressage test receives a score from 0 to 10, with
throughout the ride. These scores are totaled and converted into a percentage. As a general guide, anything above 70 percent reflects a strong performance, though expectations shift with the level. A well-prepared pair at Training Level may comfortably reach the low 70s, while at Grand Prix, a score in the mid-to-high 70s places a rider among the best in the world. At
Spectator Series: The Art of Dressage
EXPERIENCE the EXCITEMENT
Spectators
are invited to enjoy world-class competition, elegant hospitality and an unforgettable atmosphere at both of our Ocala and Wilmington venues.
WORLD
EQUESTRIAN
CENTER — OCALA
Guests enjoy free admission to dressage events throughout the year, with shows scheduled monthly from August through the end of 2026.
WORLD
EQUESTRIAN
CENTER — WILMINGTON
Spectators are invited to enjoy competition in Wilmington with convenient parking and free admission. In 2026, the venue will host the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, 2026, bringing the nation’s top qualifying competitors together for this prestigious championship. Visit wec.net to explore upcoming events at both locations and plan your visit.
gait without rushing or dragging. From there, the connection, or the flow of energy from the horse’s hindquarters through its body to the bit, is evaluated. A softly rounded back, a relaxed jaw and a neck that arches forward into the reins all signal the horse is moving with balance and ease, and will earn higher marks from the judges.
Beyond these technical elements, the most compelling quality judges reward is harmony or the impression that horse and rider are communicating
through invisible signals. The best rides appear effortless, with the rider’s aids so subtle that the horse seems to perform each movement of its own accord.
Once you begin to recognize these qualities, you’ll find you’re not the only one noticing them. Listen for the response of knowledgeable spectators around you. Soft applause or appreciative murmurs often follow a particularly expressive extended trot or a perfectly balanced pirouette.
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2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series
at WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER — OCALA
I can’t believe we’re so lucky to have this. It’s very difficult when you go to a show and you can only bring two or three horses. Your young horses end up sitting at home and don’t get developed. Being in Florida, this is the time of year to bring them along,” she continued. “The last time I was here, I jumped a young horse in the [WEC Stadium]. I mean, what better atmosphere is that? I just think we’re very fortunate to have this facility.
LAURA KRAUT
WORLD NO. 10 USA
I hope WEC hosts a WEG [World Equestrian Games] soon. I think that’s something all of us riders would love to see here. It’s made for a championship. We have WEG in Aachen, Germany, this year, and if I had to pick another special place, I would definitely choose here. It’s made for this type of event and I think we all hope it will happen one day.
CHRISTIAN KUKUK OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST GERMANY
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY
We really love to come here and use this incredible facility every opportunity we have,’ noted the number threeranked rider in the world. ‘For our horses, for our staff and for us riders, we couldn’t wish for anything more. The jump material is amazing. We have enough arenas to work our horses. The stabling is perfect. There are not enough positive words to describe this facility. I’m very thankful to be able to come here.
RICHARD VOGEL WORLD NO. 3 GERMANY
The jumps here are really impressive. They’re kind of championship-style fences, which is why I like to bring my young horses here to compete. There’s also a lot of atmosphere. It’s a great way to produce young horses under the lights ... My favorite part about coming here is that it’s great for the horses. There’s a lot of space, the ground is great and it’s a super environment.
KENT FARRINGTON
WORLD NO. 2 USA
We are so thrilled to have not only this WCHR week at WEC – Ocala, but a second one as well. And the addition of the International Derbies just makes it feel even more special. I can’t think of too many venues that we go to that have a nicer ring, with better footing and higher quality jumps to go out there and do these special classes.
AMANDA STEEGE OCALA, FLORIDA
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The World Equestrian Center Experience 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series
I really love the atmosphere here at WEC. It’s clean, the horses love it and it’s a great place to horse show all circuit long. Having a farm so close to the showgrounds allows the horses to get turned out between showing weeks and the [WEC Stadium] is a beautiful place to ride.
AUGUSTA IWASAKI CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA
World Equestrian Center — Wilmington
I show here because the classes are very inviting and there’s also the Futures Prix for when we’re bringing along young horses. There are options for all of my clients and being able to develop a horse, put a good ride on them and compete in a big ring that doesn’t feel like an indoor has been key to their progress.
DANIELLE URBAN RISE UP PREMIER EQUESTRIAN ELKHORN, NEBRASKA
I love it at WEC. They take pride in everything they do — the footing, the jumps, the cleanliness – it’s truly exceptional. We came for the first time last month and immediately fell in love with the facility. All my clients wanted to return, so we drove all the way from Texas to show here for two weeks!
SCOTT LENKART
SOUTH HAVEN FARM BARTONVILLE, TEXAS
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY WINSLOW PHOTOGRAPHY
It’s been incredible. Especially in the winter, when it’s freezing outside, having a facility like this allows us to keep our horses fit and progressing. Honestly, without WEC, we wouldn’t have been able to move up the levels the way we have. It’s our favorite place to bring young horses and develop them — whether hunters or jumpers — and give them the experience they need to truly advance.
KARSTON GUNDRY MEADOWBRIAR STABLES NEWBURGH, INDIANA
WEC has been huge for him. When he first came to me, he was tense in the show ring. We made it a priority to bring him to WEC every time I showed, and now he’s a completely different horse. He’s settled in, takes a deep breath, and jumps his best every time.
SARAH ROBERTSON ON HER HUNTER, D’ESPRAGES
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Follow the Progress | wec.net
