The prize list for the much anticipated 2021 winter season at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala is out.
With the grand opening set for January, the new show grounds (show resort?) will host a 12-week winter hunter/jumper circuit, January 6 through March 28, and feature $9 million in prize money. Among the many highlights are weekly $100–$150k Grand Prix classes, a $250k Grand Prix on Week 12 and two $100k Hunter Derbies.
What’s perhaps most interesting about the prize list though is what’s missing from most of it: USEF and FEI ratings.
Save two weeks of CSI3* and USEF premier rated competition, the latter of which is pending approval, the vast majority of the Winter Spectacular (10 weeks) will be sanctioned by the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA). If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. The NSBA primarily governs Western Breed and Quarter Horse Shows. And WEC, it would seem.
Here are the 2021 Winter Spectacular highlights:
Jumper Highlights
The Winter Spectacular includes 13 CSI3* classes, 12 WEC Grand Prix classes and 180 Jumper Classics, highlighted by:
- $250,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix (Week 12)
- $150,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix (Weeks 1, 4-11)
- $100,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix (Weeks 2-3)
- $20,000 Futures Prix 1.35m (Weeks 1-12)
- $20,000-$3,500 Jumper Classics for every level (Weeks 1-12)
Hunter Highlights
Derbies aplenty will be on offer in the five hunter rings at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala Winter Spectacular, including:
- World Champion Hunter Rider Week (Week 2)
- $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (Week 2, WCHR)
- $30,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby (Week 2, WCHR)
- $100,000 WEC 3’ Open and Non-Pro Derbies (Week 12)
- $100,000 3’6” Hunter Derbies (Week 12)
- 54 WEC Hunter Derbies from 2’6” to 3’6” (Weeks 1-12)
- 300 $6,000-$500 Hunter Classics (Weeks 1-12)
WEC Premier Cup
Held during Week Six, the WEC Premier Equitation Cup awards a brand-new car to the winner and new this year, a $100,000 trainer bonus.
Entries for the Winter Spectacular open on November 16, 2021.