Ocala
World Equestrian Center Summer Series Kicks Off: 10 Weeks of World-Class Competition in Ocala
The 2026 Ocala Summer Series has begun at the World Equestrian Center, bringing 10 weeks of premier hunter/jumper competition to the Horse Capital of the World. The series runs through August 9th and features CSI4* peak competition, free general admission, and the USHJA National Hunter Derby Regional Championships. This world-class event showcases why Ocala remains the premier destination for equestrian sports.
Lisa Seigler

Lisa Seigler

Jun 2, 2026

41 Comments

Original article: World Equestrian Center Summer Series Kicks Off: 10 Weeks of World-Class Competition in Ocala

The 2026 Ocala Summer Series has begun at the World Equestrian Center, bringing 10 weeks of premier hunter/jumper competition to the Horse Capital of the World. The series runs through August 9th and features CSI4* peak competition, free general admission, and the USHJA National Hunter Derby Regional Championships. This world-class event showcases why Ocala remains the premier destination for equestrian sports.

41 Comments

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  • MS
    Mike S.· Jun 6, 2:09 PM

    My kids watched the jumpers last year and were hooked! We'll be back.

    • TP
      Tina P.· Jun 6, 8:04 PM

      Mike S.My daughter was the same way. She still talks about the horses she saw last summer.

  • TN
    Tara Nguyen· Jun 5, 4:02 PM

    The World Equestrian Center is close enough for an afternoon trip. Love that admission is free!

  • JP
    Jules P.· Jun 5, 3:51 PM

    I hope they post the derby schedule clearly. That's the one I want to see!

  • BW
    Ben Wallace· Jun 5, 1:52 PM

    Always fun seeing Ocala live up to the Horse Capital name! Good luck to everyone competing.

  • RF
    Renee F.· Jun 5, 12:28 AM

    The free admission got my attention! Might bring my niece to watch the horses.

  • CN
    Chris N.· Jun 4, 9:24 PM

    I enjoy the jumping, but ten weeks in an Ocala summer sounds pretty warm!

    • SD
      Sharon D.· Jun 6, 12:33 PM

      Chris N.It gets hot out there fast. I'd go early and bring a big water bottle.

  • HB
    Holly Benson· Jun 4, 2:35 PM

    Love seeing the national hunter derby championships here! That's a treat for local riders.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 5, 1:36 AM

      We’re excited to see the USHJA National Hunter Derby Regional Championships in Ocala, too. It’s a treat for local riders and spectators alike.

  • OV
    Oscar V.· Jun 4, 1:09 PM

    Does the Summer Series have beginner-friendly days for someone who doesn't know jumping?

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 6, 12:40 PM

      The article doesn’t list specific beginner-friendly days, but you don’t need to know jumping to enjoy watching. General admission is free.

  • MT
    Megan T.· Jun 4, 2:32 AM

    Took my mom to the World Equestrian Center once and she still talks about it!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 5, 5:46 AM

      What a lovely memory to share with your mom! It’s the kind of place that stays with you.

  • AR
    Alyssa Reed· Jun 4, 2:25 AM

    The CSI4* rounds should be exciting! Hope I can make it out there.

    • NL
      Nora L.· Jun 5, 11:06 AM

      Alyssa ReedThose rounds are fun to watch even if you don't know all the rules. Hope you get out there!

  • FL
    Frank L.· Jun 3, 11:37 PM

    Free general admission is a good way to let more locals enjoy the competition.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 4, 12:07 PM

      We agree, free general admission makes it easier for the community to experience world-class competition close to home.

  • CM
    Claire M.· Jun 3, 6:11 PM

    I rode hunters years ago. I'd love to see the derby championships in person!

    • LF
      Luis F.· Jun 5, 5:51 AM

      Claire M.You should go! I'd be curious to hear what looks different from when you rode.

  • RJ
    Robbie J.· Jun 3, 3:40 PM

    Ten weeks sounds great, but I hope there's plenty of shade for spectators!

  • NC
    Nina Carter· Jun 3, 3:36 PM

    So glad Ocala gets events like this! The World Equestrian Center is gorgeous.

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

      Ocala is fortunate to have a venue like the World Equestrian Center. Thanks for reading!

  • ED
    Eric D.· Jun 3, 2:36 PM

    I'm not a horse person, but those big jumps are pretty amazing to watch.

  • PW
    Patricia Wells· Jun 3, 1:40 PM

    August 9th gives us plenty of chances to go! I always miss the first weekend.

  • SK
    Sam K.· Jun 3, 7:28 AM

    My daughter loves the hunters! We'll have to catch the regional derby this year.

  • BA
    Beth Alvarez· Jun 3, 4:15 AM

    Free admission is nice, though I wonder how crowded the weekends will get.

    • RT
      Renee T.· Jun 3, 11:52 AM

      Beth AlvarezWeekends might be busy. We had a quieter time going on a weekday last summer.

  • TM
    Tyler M.· Jun 3, 4:05 AM

    Ocala really does feel like horse country when the Summer Series gets going!

  • JR
    Joanne R.· Jun 3, 3:01 AM

    We went last summer and loved watching the jumpers! Glad it's back for ten weeks.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 3, 6:22 PM

      Thanks for sharing! Ten weeks of hunter and jumper competition gave fans plenty to look forward to.

    • CB
      Carlos B.· Jun 4, 5:03 PM

      Joanne R.Ten weeks gives us a better chance to fit a visit in around work, too.

  • MB
    Marcus Bell· Jun 3, 2:42 AM

    Does anyone know if you can watch the CSI4* competition with general admission?

  • LP
    Linda P.· Jun 3, 12:33 AM

    The hunter derby is my favorite part! So glad the regional championships are in Ocala.

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 4, 9:41 PM

      The hunter derby is a favorite of ours, too. Having the regional championships in Ocala is especially exciting.

  • K
    kim_87· Jun 3, 12:00 AM

    Free general admission? Might finally take the kids to the World Equestrian Center!

    • LS
      Lisa SeiglerAuthor· Jun 3, 5:18 PM

      Yes, general admission is free! It could be a fun way to introduce the kids to hunter and jumper competition.

  • DT
    Dave Thompson· Jun 2, 11:12 PM

    Ten weeks of jumping is a lot! Hope the horses and riders handle the heat okay.

    • PW
      Patricia W.· Jun 4, 12:29 AM

      Dave ThompsonI was wondering about the heat too. Hopefully there's plenty of shade and water for everyone.

  • MG
    Maria G.· Jun 2, 9:50 PM

    Love seeing the Summer Series back in Ocala! Free admission makes it even better!

    • EK
      Evan K.· Jun 4, 1:04 PM

      Maria G.Free admission makes it such an easy outing when family comes to visit.

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