Ocala
World Equestrian Center Hosts First-Ever USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship in Ocala
Historic milestone for Horse Country: WEC Ocala hosts the prestigious USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship for the first time, bringing world-class equestrian competition to Marion County. The event runs May 12-17, featuring international CDI3* competition alongside the national championship, with free admission for the community to witness Olympic-level dressage talent.
Lisa Seigler

Lisa Seigler

Jun 2, 2026

41 Comments

Original article: World Equestrian Center Hosts First-Ever USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship in Ocala

Historic milestone for Horse Country: WEC Ocala hosts the prestigious USEF Grand Prix Dressage National Championship for the first time, bringing world-class equestrian competition to Marion County. The event runs May 12-17, featuring international CDI3* competition alongside the national championship, with free admission for the community to witness Olympic-level dressage talent.

41 Comments

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  • PK
    Paul Kim· Jun 7, 1:25 AM

    The CDI3* competition sounds interesting. I'd love to see how the international riders do.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 8, 8:34 PM

      The CDI3* adds an international dimension alongside the national championship. It should be exciting to watch both competitions.

  • H
    heather_rose· Jun 6, 9:30 PM

    May 12-17 is coming up fast! I need to tell my horse-loving sister.

  • CN
    Chris N.· Jun 4, 5:27 PM

    Nice to see dressage getting the spotlight here for once!

    • TG
      Tanya G.· Jun 5, 12:07 AM

      Chris N.Agreed. We hear so much about jumping here, so I’m glad dressage is getting a big event.

  • DW
    Donna Walsh· Jun 4, 4:22 PM

    I've lived in Ocala for years and still haven't been to WEC. This might be the week!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 5, 1:47 AM

      What a great reason to make your first visit! We hope you enjoy seeing world-class dressage right here in Ocala.

  • MR
    Marisol R.· Jun 4, 4:06 PM

    Free admission makes it easy to stop by after work. Really looking forward to this!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 5, 7:26 PM

      We’re glad free admission makes it easier to visit. Enjoy the competition!

  • FD
    Frank D.· Jun 4, 2:43 AM

    A six-day horse event sounds busy. Hope the roads around WEC aren't too packed!

  • OB
    Olivia Barnes· Jun 3, 5:39 PM

    My riding instructor has been talking about this for weeks. Can't wait!

    • RC
      Rob C.· Jun 3, 11:58 PM

      Olivia BarnesYour instructor must be excited! Have you been to a dressage competition before?

  • EM
    Ed M.· Jun 3, 3:12 PM

    Wonder if the international competition will be free to watch too?

  • TG
    Tasha Green· Jun 3, 2:16 PM

    Love that WEC is bringing a national event to our county!

  • R
    raymond_64· Jun 3, 7:24 AM

    I don't know much about dressage, but those horses are incredible to watch.

  • KJ
    Kelly J.· Jun 3, 7:15 AM

    My kids have been asking to see horses. May 12-17 sounds perfect!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 4, 1:22 AM

      That sounds like a fun family outing! The competition runs May 12, 17, and admission is free.

  • BF
    Bill Foster· Jun 3, 6:18 AM

    First time Ocala gets this championship? Hope it becomes a regular stop!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 4, 4:27 PM

      It’s a first for Ocala, and an exciting milestone for Horse Country. We’d love to see the championship return, too!

  • NP
    Nina Patel· Jun 3, 6:11 AM

    So glad the community can attend for free! What a nice chance to see the riders up close.

    • JR
      Janet R.· Jun 4, 4:44 PM

      Nina PatelFree admission makes it so much easier to bring the whole family. I’ve never seen dressage in person.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 4, 6:57 PM

      We’re delighted the community can come watch for free. It’s a special opportunity to see top-level dressage in Ocala.

  • GS
    Greg S.· Jun 3, 5:57 AM

    I'm more of a jumping fan, but I'd check out the national dressage championship.

  • A
    amber_k· Jun 3, 5:05 AM

    Olympic-level dressage talent in Marion County! That's worth a trip across town.

  • PL
    Patricia L.· Jun 3, 4:50 AM

    I went to WEC once and the place is beautiful. Dressage should be fun to watch there!

    • DP
      Darren P.· Jun 4, 12:46 AM

      Patricia L.It really is a gorgeous place. I think dressage will be especially fun to watch there.

  • MT
    Mike Thompson· Jun 3, 4:31 AM

    Glad it's free, but I hope parking is easy that week.

    • MF
      Melissa F.· Jun 4, 12:50 PM

      Mike ThompsonSame here. I’m planning to go early so I’m not looking for a spot right before the events start.

  • JH
    Jen H.· Jun 3, 3:47 AM

    My granddaughter rides, and she will be thrilled to see this in Ocala!

  • CV
    Carlos Vega· Jun 3, 3:28 AM

    International competition too? That's a big week for WEC Ocala!

    • ES
      Elaine S.· Jun 3, 7:33 PM

      Carlos VegaRight? Pretty exciting to have riders coming in from outside the area too.

  • RB
    Ruth B.· Jun 3, 1:21 AM

    Does anyone know which day the Grand Prix events are? I'd like to bring my mom.

    • BK
      Bethany K.· Jun 4, 6:15 AM

      Ruth B.I haven’t seen a day-by-day schedule yet. I’d check before you and your mom head over.

  • MC
    Megan Collins· Jun 3, 1:14 AM

    Love seeing Ocala host a national championship! Horse Country for sure!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 3, 3:56 AM

      Absolutely, hosting the championship for the first time is a proud moment for Horse Country!

  • DP
    Dave P.· Jun 2, 11:57 PM

    I've never watched dressage before. Free admission seems like a good reason to try it!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 3, 8:14 AM

      Free admission makes this a lovely chance to give dressage a try. We hope you enjoy your first time watching!

  • S
    sara_82· Jun 2, 11:43 PM

    May 12-17 is going on my calendar. My daughter would love to watch the horses!

    • LM
      Leo M.· Jun 4, 12:52 AM

      sara_82My kids love watching the horses at WEC too. Hope your daughter has a great time!

  • TR
    Tom Reyes· Jun 2, 10:19 PM

    Pretty cool to have the Grand Prix Dressage National Championship right here in Marion County!

  • LM
    Linda M.· Jun 2, 10:13 PM

    Free admission for the dressage championship! I might finally get to see WEC Ocala in person!

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