Hits Ocala

[MHM]

I just got this in an email from WEC about their plans for next year:
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[TD] [h=1]World Equestrian Center Ocala Unveils 2021 Show Schedule[/h] [/TD]
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[TD] [h=3]Inaugural Events to Include 12 Weeks of Hunter / Jumper Horse Shows[/h] [/TD]
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[TD]The World Equestrian Center today confirmed the opening events for their long-awaited Ocala facility with a proposed inaugural schedule that includes 12 weeks of World Equestrian Center hunter / jumper horse shows beginning January 5, 2021, and ending March 28, 2021. Prize money for the weekly events is proposed to top $400,000 per week with overall circuit money and prizes projected to reach nearly $5 million dollars.

					World Equestrian Center is currently undertaking the mileage exemption process through the US Equestrian and USHJA for the above dates. Should World Equestrian Center be denied recognized dates, management is committed to running unrecognized horse shows on the dates above or a combination of recognized and unrecognized depending on the decisions reached by US Equestrian and USHJA in order that our owners and competitors may plan accordingly.

					The World Equestrian Center Ocala prize list is vast, with more than 100 divisions from opportunity classes all the way up to Grand Prix. Weekly feature classes include:[/TD]
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[TD]The World Equestrian Center Ocala prize list is vast, with more than 100 divisions from opportunity classes all the way up to Grand Prix. Weekly feature classes include:[/TD]
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[TD]Proposed Weekly Feature Hunter Classes

• $10,000 Non Pro Hunter Derby 2’6
• $10,000 National 3’ Hunter Derby OPEN
• $10,000 National 3’ Hunter Derby NON PRO
• $30,000 World Equestrian Center Hunter Derby
• $10,000 World Equestrian Center Pony Hunter Derby

[B]Proposed Weekly Feature Jumper Classes[/B]

• $25,000 World Equestrian Center Welcome Stake – Regional Standard
• $75,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix - American Standard
• $25,000 Futures Prix

[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [TABLE="border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"] [TR] [TD] [TABLE="align: left, border: 0, cellpadding: 0, cellspacing: 0"] [TR] [TD]Exhibitors can now reserve stalls at World Equestrian Center Ocala in advance of the facility opening for our Winter Hunter / Jumper circuit beginning in January 2021. Stalls are priced at $250 per week or $2,500 for 12 weeks. Reservations made now will hold stalls with payment due in October 2020 in advance of the horse show circuit. Stall reservations can be made via www.horseshowing.com, in the Ocala World Equestrian Center section.[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE] [/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[Elouise]

Stalls at $250? Well, out in Ohio they started out free and when I showed there they were $75. Seems like we have new management for the Ocala facility.

[MHM]

@Elouise

Stalls at $250? Well, out in Ohio they started out free and when I showed there they were $75. Seems like we have new management for the Ocala facility.

How much are the stalls in Ohio now? Maybe they figure they’ve already built up their brand.

[comingback]

Prize list for Ohio has it at 100$ a stall.

[findeight]

@Elouise

Stalls at $250? Well, out in Ohio they started out free and when I showed there they were $75. Seems like we have new management for the Ocala facility.

You think WEC North in rural mid Ohio might be cheaper then WEC South in central Florida because of, you know, winter and the outlet malls versus nearby Orlando tourist hot spots? No shade please, I live 30 minutes from WEC North…and Ocala is looking pretty good for this weekend. Yes, it’s heated but you still have to scrape the ice off your car and do the slip and slide walk (and drive).

I hope he gets that mileage exemption.

[Alterforme]

$250 is the price of a weekly tent stall at hits. ( unless you buy a Circuit stall) There are lots of folks that only go a few weeks here & there, so don’t buy a Circuit stall.
For the same price, i think some people would rather be at WEC & maybe win some money back in a non pro low level derby, while enjoying all that WEC has to offer. Restaurants, spa, shopping… and clean, real bathrooms.

[MHM]

@Alterforme

$250 is the price of a weekly tent stall at hits. ( unless you buy a Circuit stall) There are lots of folks that only go a few weeks here & there, so don’t buy a Circuit stall.
For the same price, i think some people would rather be at WEC & maybe win some money back in a non pro low level derby, while enjoying all that WEC has to offer. Restaurants, spa, shopping… and clean, real bathrooms.

I have to say a weekly $10,000 derby for non pros at 2’6” will probably draw a few people. Ditto for the other $10,000 derbies for ponies and 3’ entries. Regardless of the show rating.

Plus it could turn out to be like Wellington, where people will attend different shows with different horses on different days, or even on the same day, depending on what they care to do.

[APirateLooksAtForty]

Just reminding everyone these shows are not yet rated. I wish they would make that a bit more clear in the email blast.

[MHM]

@APirateLooksAtForty

Just reminding everyone these shows are not yet rated. I wish they would make that a bit more clear in the email blast.

It says so right there in the second paragraph of the email.

[hairystockings]

I think the stalls at WEC Ohio are $100 when paid 2 weeks in advance? More than that if not? It’s been awhile, we always pay in advance accordingly. Tack stalls are still $250 at WEC Ohio and I believe non-showing stalls are also.

Also @findeight we must live near each other, I am also 30 minutes from WEC, Cincinnati side.

[Nootka]

I am super excited about WEC!! We will definitely do a class or two there.

I worked for HITS Ocala at the front desk (feed, stabling and then checkout) for a season. I have to agree that it is all about the $$$ and customer service was subpar. It was even hard to get help even when I was learning the processes :no:

[Alterforme]

Why doesn’t HITS ocala host Saturday night GP classes? I love watching the sat night classes from Wellington & have enjoyed them in Tryon. But Ocala never does them. Even the weekly Sunday Grand Prix s in ocala during the day don’t draw many spectators.
Do you think the WEC next year will have more spectacular GP’s and draw more of a crowd?

[judybigredpony]

@Lucy17

We have a winner with this comment right here. I’ve been going to Ocala HITS for 5 years because I just don’t have Wellington money for the whole season. Roberts did not build that facility for it to just operate during the summer and do minimal in the winter. We might not see it in USEF yet, but Roberts has a lot of weight to throw around. There’s always a story or few that circulates around Ocala on how when that team wants to get something accomplished, they get it done. Post Time may be big, but how much bigger is Golden Ocala, WEC, and they just put out a presser that they acquired another 1000 acres, I believe?

Add me to the list of people showing at Ocala who grumble year after year, have shown at WEC Ohio, and want this to happen. I don’t think the BNTs who HITS are apparently/allegedly courting behind the scenes can save it. It’s too little too late. Methinks HITS Ocala is a sinking ship and just because it’s been a mainstay in our industry for 20+years does not guarantee its survival.

Edit: typo

Yes they get it done by ignoring rules regulations and permits, buying up, lobbing a bone w/ some recreational land donation and rolling thru anything in their way by whipping out a check book and saying we have the deeper pockets and lawyers…I heard he tried to buy H.I.T.S. Dates as well. There is also the question of how will he fill his 5* conference center with anyone but horse show people…the closest commercial airports are Orlando, Tampa and Gainesville…inquirers as to new commercial service into Ocala have all came back negotive.

[Alterforme]

The last press release from WEC was that they have already had over 10,000 stall reservations for next year.
I’m curious as to the vendors that are at Hits selling saddles, tack, etc. etc… will they choose to set up shop at WEC or HITS?

[greenbean228]

@judybigredpony

Yes they get it done by ignoring rules regulations and permits, buying up, lobbing a bone w/ some recreational land donation and rolling thru anything in their way by whipping out a check book and saying we have the deeper pockets and lawyers…I heard he tried to buy H.I.T.S. Dates as well. There is also the question of how will he fill his 5* conference center with anyone but horse show people…the closest commercial airports are Orlando, Tampa and Gainesville…inquirers as to new commercial service into Ocala have all came back negotive.

They are building an airport in Ocala- getting bids currently from commercial airlines

The article is here: https://www.hudsonphillipsproperties.com/uncategorized/ocala-airport-unveiling-on-february-28th-signals-continued-growth-in-marion-county

A complete game-changer for WEC Ocala in my mind

[MHM]

@greenbean228

They are building an airport in Ocala- getting bids currently from commercial airlines

The article is here: https://www.hudsonphillipsproperties.com/uncategorized/ocala-airport-unveiling-on-february-28th-signals-continued-growth-in-marion-county

A complete game-changer for WEC Ocala in my mind

Interesting. Coincidence?

[mmeqcenter]

@greenbean228

They are building an airport in Ocala- getting bids currently from commercial airlines

The article is here: https://www.hudsonphillipsproperties…-marion-county

A complete game-changer for WEC Ocala in my mind

oh
em
gee
:applause:

[oreo_mom]

@Nootka

I am super excited about WEC!! We will definitely do a class or two there.

I worked for HITS Ocala at the front desk (feed, stabling and then checkout) for a season. I have to agree that it is all about the $$$ and customer service was subpar. It was even hard to get help even when I was learning the processes :no:

Just wait til you get to WEC! The prize list is out and it is pricey!! Don’t complain about anything, because if you do you are treated poorly!!

[DMK]

@oreo mom

Just wait til you get to WEC! The prize list is out and it is pricey!! Don’t complain about anything, because if you do you are treated poorly!!

So what you are saying is it will be like HITS, except with decent footing and air conditioning?