For those who have shown at both… what is the real cost difference between Ocala and WEF? Trainer wants to do a month at WEF but I’m wondering if it’s more economical to go to Ocala and try to make that money stretch out into a bit of a longer trip.
I don’t know the answer, but depending on your division also take a look at prize money and class size. You can probably find last years counts/results
Hay and human housing are astronomical in Wellington, plus in Ocala you are more likely to find stabling options with turnout. Agree that prize lists are the best sources of show ground costs.
I haven’t shown in Ocala, but I did do a couple of years at WEF, and previously also did Bob Bell’s shows in Jacksonville. I have done Saugerties and Culpeper as well. Bottom line: you’re going to spend a ton of money either way. Go to WEF and enjoy the beautiful weather, the atmosphere, and if you do the jumpers, the opportunity to win some money back, even in the low adults.
I did 6 weeks in Welly and 4 in Ocala in 2008- so this isn’t up-to-date, but may be useful anyway!
Two different trainers, but their costs were almost identical.
The total cost- stalls, paddock, golf cart, show fees, dry cleaning, hotels, meals, etc etc- was almost equal (slightly more expensive in Welly) on a weekly basis, except that I had 2 horses in Welly and 3 in Ocala.
And I did 4 divisions among the 3 horses in Ocala and only 2 divisions among the 2 in Welly. I also won enough on my jumper to cover 2 weeks of show fees at WEF for both horses (and that is taken into account in the above calculation).
So in my experience, yes, Ocala was significantly cheaper. It was colder, however the show grounds were MUCH smaller, and user-friendly.
I’ve been to WEF before a few years ago, so I do know what to expect from the sticker shock point haha. Since I cannot afford to go for the entire circuit this year, I’m thinking Ocala might be a better option as I could afford to stay a big longer than going to Wellington. I would be taking one horse and showing in the high adult jumpers, so I might be able to win back some money as well.
I did the High Adults at Ocala in 2014 and at WEF this past winter, and overall WEF is more expensive. The biggest difference I remember was that HITS didn’t charge a nomination fee for the High Adults (or they didn’t last year anyway) so that saves a chunk every week. On the flip side, the only money class at HITS was a $1,500 Classic* whereas the regular division classes at WEF were $1,500 and the Classic was $10,000. So if you have a competitive horse you can win back a lot more at WEF.
*Of course, HITS does offer one $25,000 High Child/Adult Classic during circuit so if you are crazy fast thats your best shot at winning money in Ocala
