World Equestrian Center - Ocala — Local services in Ocala

Review for World Equestrian Center, Ocala

The World Equestrian Center in Ocala is a world-class destination that has set a new standard for excellence in equestrian sports, hospitality, and entertainment. Spanning over 400 acres, this remarkable venue offers something for everyone, whether you’re a horse enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a luxurious getaway.

Equestrian Facilities and Arenas The center boasts multiple state-of-the-art arenas that host a variety of competitions, including the prestigious Longines League of Nations CSIO 5* event. The facilities are designed to accommodate large crowds while maintaining an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. The arenas are meticulously maintained, ensuring the best possible conditions for both riders and horses.

Horse Stables The stables at the World Equestrian Center are top-notch, providing spacious and comfortable accommodations for the horses. The care and attention to detail in the stabling areas reflect the center’s commitment to the well-being of the animals, making it a preferred choice for equestrians from around the globe.

Hotels The center features two luxurious hotels that offer an exceptional stay experience. The Equestrian Hotel, attached to the horse show facility, is a jewel that offers convenience and elegance. The hotels are known for their beautiful design, well-appointed rooms, and top-tier amenities, providing guests with a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Restaurants Dining at the World Equestrian Center is an experience in itself. The Yellow Pony Pub and Garden, where Alejandro and Cheyenne provide outstanding service, is just one of the many excellent dining options. Stirrups, another notable restaurant, offers a fantastic menu that includes the best Reuben sandwich I’ve ever had, paired with a smoky mezcal margarita that is simply to die for.

Shops and Amenities The center also features a variety of world-class shops that cater to both equestrian needs and general shopping desires. From high-end boutiques to cozy cafes, the vendor village is designed to offer a pleasant and engaging shopping experience. The beautiful art and statues throughout the facility add to the overall charm and appeal.

Overall Experience The World Equestrian Center provides an unparalleled experience with its comprehensive range of amenities, exceptional service, and stunning facilities. Whether you are attending a horse show, enjoying the dining options, or simply exploring the vast grounds, every aspect of the center is designed to impress and delight. Big kudos to the owners and management team for creating such an outstanding venue. This place is definitely elevating the standards of service and quality in the equestrian world and beyond.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the best in equestrian sports and luxury...

Gorgeous hotel. Stirrups couldn’t have made it a better dining experience! I highly recommend.

Update - One year later-December 22, 2024: Here’s a polished and revised version of your review:

Disappointing Decline at Stirrups - A Year Later

I recently returned to Stirrups at the World Equestrian Hotel, a place I once eagerly drove hours to visit for brunch with friends. Unfortunately, my most recent experience was deeply disappointing, marking a significant decline in quality and service compared to my previous visits.

We were seated promptly at our reservation time, and our server, who I recognized from a prior visit, was pleasant and attentive. However, the food fell far short of expectations. My meal—eggs, bacon, and potatoes—was unremarkable and not worth the $23 price tag. The eggs were overly salty, the bacon tasted as though it hadn’t been freshly cooked, and the potatoes were a mess. Instead of the usual generous portions, I was served room-temperature, wrinkled diced potatoes and a lone fingerling potato that appeared to be a leftover.

When I brought up my concerns to the server, the chef came to our table and explained they had run out of potatoes during brunch. While I appreciated his honesty, it’s unacceptable to serve such a subpar dish without forewarning the customer. At the very least, they should have informed me when I placed my order.

To make matters worse, my husband’s entrée had a hair in it. While the dish was replaced, the manager who addressed the issue seemed annoyed, which added to the poor experience. They did comp two mimosas as a gesture, but it did little to salvage the meal.

This used to be a brunch destination worth the drive, but it’s clear the standards have slipped. What a shame to see a once-excellent restaurant decline.

On a brighter note, we visited the hotel’s gift shop afterward, where a delightful employee from Colombia assisted us with selecting some silverware. Her kindness and professionalism stood out, and I look forward to returning to the hotel itself—but I’ll be skipping Stirrups...

Booked 2 arena view rooms Thanksgiving. Weekend had asked for connecting rooms . Sorry fully booked. We need you to pay almost $3500 up front . I thought that seemed high because not consistent with room rate quoted but thought maybe because it’s a holiday?? Check in Friday confirm arena view. Again asked about connecting room. Sorry almost fully booked Ok. Go to room we are facing a rooftop to the downstairs shop but the rooms are connected. We said nothing because we thought let’s just deal with when we checked out. I was charged over my roomrate of $788 each almost 1800 dollar surcharge for arena view room. Told first I booked through Expedia, then hotels.com who paid them the 788 per room charge. Told first sometimes it gets bumped out to. 3rd party vendor, then denied saying it. Be very careful giving this facility or any booking service your credit card. I always book through front desk

To update. Today without notice or advising me they swiped my cc for another 200. I called and was told in was for incidentals and if there none it will be refunded in 5 days. 5 star service continues. Even a Quality Inn will advise you of a deposit or take it up front, not after you leave. SCAM 12/9/24 Update: Despite this hotel telling me first I had booked through Expedia and then Hotels.com. I had not . Somehow when booking I ended up in lodging support. Com . The front desk showed me this was third party. Google them ,they represent as the hotel on internet and on phone. Federal Communications Lawsuit in 2017. All one star reviews to current. The front desk with this company and Wec said the exact same things to me about room on the phone and in person in the lobby. The first front desk Clerk said , “sometimes reservations get bumped out to a third party”. Second manager they sent out said she did say it and they appreciated we let them know of this “Teachable Moment. “ Unlike this hotel I do not want my fellow equestrians getting SCAMMED . Something is very off here . I said this has happened before. Dead stare...