The World Equestrian Center Ohio, located in Wilmington, will be closed from Sept. 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 in response to the COVID-19 outlook.
“Experts predict that a second wave of the coronavirus is likely later this year,” read an announcement on their website. “Given those predictions and after discussions with our state and local health officials, we have elected to close World Equestrian Center Ohio from September 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Due to the facility’s enclosed environment, we believe this is the right thing to do for the safety of our staff and exhibitors.
“The World Equestrian Center Ohio facility will reopen in April 1, 2021 with an expanded prize list for a spectacular spring and summer circuit. Until that time, we will be busy with a spate of improvements to the facility designed to increase air circulation, reduce barn aisle traffic and allow for social distancing. These include upgrading our ventilation system, adding Dutch doors to stalls and installing additional overhead doors on the indoor rings. In recent weeks we’ve been adding wash rack dividers, concrete flooring and garage doors in barns and installing 52 new Home Away from Home accommodations. We expect to put the finishing touches on the fitness facility and Starbucks amenities this summer.
“Making this decision now will allow those trainers and exhibitors who planned to attend our World Equestrian Center Ohio fall and winter shows to adjust their schedules and attend to the details that accompany horse show travel.”
The second World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, which is currently under construction, is scheduled to open Jan. 5, 2021 and kick off with a 12-week show series. The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission and a local rural land conservation organization have been trying to pump the brakes on the sprawling 3,200-acre facility, which like the Ohio venue is also owned by RLR Investments LLC, led by trucking magnate Larry Roberts. WEC is seeking to add another 1,000 acres to its massive property; the Commission voted 4-1 to recommend excluding about 370 acres from that parcel. While WEC suggests the plan for that acreage would include polo fields, some fear the land will fall to commercial development.
