World Equestrian Center is a Florida New Attraction

Last Updated May 13, 2026

Have you heard the phrase “hidden in plain sight”? The World Equestrian Center is a must-see Florida attraction we somehow missed on our many Florida travels until about two years ago.

What a find!

How do you not hear about a facility that has over 300 acres in the middle of, arguably, the “horse capital of the world”, Ocala/Marion County, Florida?

Discover Florida’s Newest Attraction

The World Equestrian Center’s impressive credentials include;

• 132,000 square feet of event capability.
• A five-star hotel on the property.
• Unique multiple upscale shopping venues front the arena and hotel.
• Two-travel parks for large motor homes and campers of all sizes.
• An outdoor competitive horse arena that holds up to 7500 people for equestrian competitions and other similar events.
• Some of the best dining opportunities in north-central Florida.
• Site of horse shows, dog shows, major conventions, sporting events, and fabulous weddings.

All of these features are just a few minutes off I-75, the main north-south Florida highway, and less than two hours from either coast. This is truly a new Florida attraction.

Florida Travel Blog has covered many locations, attractions, and events in north-central Florida. Places like Silver Springs, The Villages, The Devil’s Den in Williston and Rainbow River Springs – all within a few miles of the most extravagant attraction in the area, if not the state!

How rare is it to announce a new Florida attraction with so many old attractions in the state.

The World Equestrian Center Unequaled for Visitor Experience

As you enter the World Equestrian Center, you are impressed with twin buildings on each side of a huge walkway that leads to the main outdoor arena and the Equestrian Hotel.

At the time of our most recent visit, it was the second week of December. After seeing the World Equestrian Center’s Winter Wonderland, 2022, we were convinced that no one, other than Disney World, has a more expansive and impressive Christmas scene. Visiting the rest of the property, we understood World Equestrian Center’s commitment to their visitors’ experience and Christmas was no exception.

As you walk up to the raised viewing paddock over the arena, you see competitive horse jumping. The arena covers a couple of acres with large teletron screens displaying the action.

We can’t claim to be knowledgeable on equestrian competition, but watching the grace and beauty of these animals and riders being put through their paces may convert us! We suspect many travelers have never seen a live equestrian event. It is quite an experience in this setting at a Florida new attraction.

The Equestrian Hotel – 5-Star Experience

As you walk around the arena, you see this massive white structure inviting a visit. The Equestrian Hotel is a 5-star facility that deserves the rating if nothing more than the magnificent lobby entrance.

Entering the hotel lets you know you can expect luxury and service. Even in warm weather, the 8-foot-long fireplace is an inviting centerpiece of the room. Forbes Magazine calls the World Equestrian Center “unabashedly opulent”. We agree.

The World Equestrian Center has more than a half dozen places to dine, but the stars of this must-see Florida new attraction are The Yellow Pony and Stirrups.

The Yellow Pony has horse saddle seating at the bar and rustic wood tables offering exceptionally unique sandwiches and entrees. Stirrups is the place for fine dining. They offer prime steaks, chops and seafood in a classic eclectic setting.

Both restaurants are superb. When visiting Stirrups, don’t leave your wallet at home, but if a truly “fine-dining” experience is what you are looking for, this is the location.

The rooms at the Equestrian are well-appointed and spacious and have picturesque views of the expansive property. However, if you book a stay, request a room with a view of the arena where you can watch all the daily action.

Room rates seem very reasonable compared to other 5-star hotel experiences.

 The Equestrian Hotel on its own could be a big must-see Florida new attraction. Coupled with the surrounding 300 acres of activities, The World Equestrian Center rivals any other attraction in north Florida.

Newest Hotel on Property – The Riding Academy

Opened in late 2025, the Riding Academy Hotel was designed as a less expensive option to The Equestrian.

It adds to the overall experience, but at a more budget-friendly price. Don’t be fooled, the hotel offers access to all the surrounding amenities as the fancy big brother.

We last stayed there at Christmas time and was pleasantly surprised at the accommodations.

Our May 2026 trip found new shops, restaurants and convention facilities next to the new hotel. The complex continues to grow and and valur to every visitor’s stay.

Some FAQS About The World Equestrian Center

• The World Equestrian Center is the largest equestrian facility in the United States.

• The WEC was developed by the late Larry Roberts, a trucking Magnate from Ohio.

• There is another sister equestrian center in Wilmington, Ohio, also part of the Roberts family of developments.

• During Hurricane Ian, which devastated southwest Florida, The World Equestrian Center temporarily housed some 3000 horses, protecting them from the storm.

• Roberts also created Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. Golden Ocala was the host to LPGA events and is known for replica holes from around the world. We have played the course and consider it one of the top courses in north Florida.

• The World Equestrian Center has a variety of world-class facilities available for sporting events, trade shows, equestrian events and much more.

WEC May Be the Best Christmas Display in Florida

On our most recent trip to WEC in December, our group of 6 people concurred that we had never seen more extravagant Christmas decorations.

Literally, every walkway, hallway, and each part of the hotel was exquisitely decorated with holiday exhibits, both new and old.

Perhaps the best example was the coffee shop that we wandered too at 6 in the morning had life-sized singing bears at the entrance!

The lobby of the hotel was adorned with tens of thousands of dollars of Christmas-oriented decorations that were all picturesque. 

Around the outdoor arena, which is two acres of horse jumping, were life-like human sized decor you could ride, sit on or walk through.

Don’t miss this display of Christmas cheer for the whole family, offered each year (this is our second).

Directions to the World Equestrian Center

The location of the World Equestrian Center is conveniently located from any direction. Interstate I-75 runs through Ocala, Florida, which gives easy access from the north or south.

From Orlando on Rt. 27, the trip is just over an hour.  From Jacksonville to Ocala, Florida, is under 2 hours on Rt. 301. And from Tampa, Florida the trip is about 2 hours traveling I-75.

Florida Travel Blog will be adding the World Equestrian Center to our list of major destinations as one of the newest attractions in Florida.