The World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio, plays host to premier equestrian events and holds them all to their first-class standard. They own more than 200,000 square feet of riding space, including over 800 permanent stalls.
Moreover, the entire facility has sworn to uphold these three core values:
- Quality
- Class
- Distinction
In addition to the riding space and stables, the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington is also home to a diverse set of retail stores. They also have exceedingly luxurious lodging options.
Sports betting in Ohio isn’t legal yet, but it’s coming soon. If you are lucky enough to compete in any of the events held at the WEC, here is everything you will need to know about your trip to this equestrian heaven.
Getting To know the World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center is set on a plot of over 200 acres of land and is equipped to accommodate a variety of equestrian events. The WEC holds a combined 32 weeks of rated hunter/jumper horse shows, so they have everything you could ever need.
With climate–controlled barns, competitors need not worry for the safety of their horses. The stables are under constant 24–hour surveillance.
Additionally, the barn’s top–notch HVAC system circulates the air and makes sure things don’t get too dusty in the barns. In addition to the hundreds of stalls, each barn has a wash rack. Each wash rack features several wooden dividers, so no one has to worry about a horse fight breaking out during bath time.
Once horses are well-rested and clean, it’ll be time to compete. For reference, the World Equestrian Center has five different arenas in which they hold events:
- R+L Arena
- The Sanctuary
- Roberts Arena
- Bradley Arena
- Wilmington Outdoor Horse Show Complex
All the arenas are designed for competition, warm–up, schooling, and lunging rings. Outside of these areas, the WEC is home to three outdoor competition rings and three warm-up rings.
Lodging at the World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center offers three different lodging options for their guests, all within the confines of the property. You can either stay in:
- A cabin
- The ‘Home Away From Home’ units
- The Wilbur Estate
Pets are permitted in all lodging facilities, and there is a strict no-smoking policy across the entire venue.
The cabins are a great option if you love the homely feel of a wood log cabin. The WEC is home to 36 unique cabins, all within walking distance of show rings and stabling. Furthermore, each cabin can comfortably sleep six, and is outfitted with a refrigerator, microwave, and TV.
The “Home Away from Home” units are a bit more modern and spacious. Specifically, they each feature two or three bedrooms, a full-size kitchen, and a spacious living and dining area.
The Wilbur Estate is a stunning plantation-style mansion with five elegant luxury suites. It is the “creme de la creme” of WEC lodging options, so don’t be surprised if this option puts a bit of a hole in the wallet. However, at the end of the day, what you pay for is what you’ll get.
The Wilbur Estate is completely outfitted with a custom kitchen, upscale furnishings, and beautiful artwork adorning each wall.
Getting to the World Equestrian Center
The World Equestrian Center is just an eight–minute drive southwest from the center of Wilmington, Ohio. If you’re coming from outside of Wilmington, you’ll have to take Route 68 to some side roads. From there, just a short drive through the country will find you at the World Equestrian Center.
The largest major city near the World Equestrian Center is Dayton, Ohio. It is just a 48-minute drive (38 miles) from the WEC, with a majority of the ride spent on US 68.
Upcoming events
The first two weeks of April boast numerous events at the World Equestrian Center. Additionally, the first weekend in April hosts the WEC Ohio Winter Classic #16, and the very next weekend is the Ohio Winter Classic #17.
If your interest sparks in taking a visit to the WEC, I would definitely recommend going there on one of those weekends!
