World Equestrian Center Unveils New Luxury Event Venue in Ocala

The Equestrian Manor offers over 300,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space in the heart of the "Horse Capital of the World".

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida has opened a new luxury event venue called The Equestrian Manor. The 4-story, 300,000 square foot property features a grand ballroom, junior ballroom, private meeting suites, and outdoor terraces, as well as four new dining destinations including an elevated Italian restaurant and a rooftop Pan-Asian concept. The venue is designed to blend modern elegance with refined architectural details and advanced technology to accommodate everything from intimate meetings to large-scale conferences and opulent weddings.

Why it matters

The opening of The Equestrian Manor expands WEC's portfolio of event venues, solidifying Ocala's reputation as the "Horse Capital of the World" and providing planners with a picturesque, lush setting near major MICE destinations like Orlando and Tampa. The new venue offers a well-rounded roster of spaces to host a variety of events, from equestrian competitions to corporate gatherings to social celebrations.

The details

The Equestrian Manor's centerpiece is the 10,512-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests theater-style or 1,078 for a standing reception. There is also a 7,503-square-foot Junior Ballroom that can host 716 guests for a standing reception or 540 for a seated affair. The property features intimate private meeting suites, outdoor terraces, and covered balconies to support events of all sizes. Four new dining destinations have been introduced, including an elevated Italian restaurant and a lively rooftop Pan-Asian concept.

  • The Equestrian Manor opened in January 2026.

The players

World Equestrian Center

A renowned equestrian event complex in Ocala, Florida that hosts a variety of annual equestrian competitions, social events, and holiday celebrations.

Jeremy Gow

The senior director of hospitality operations for the World Equestrian Center.

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What they’re saying

“From purpose-built meeting environments to world-class amenities woven throughout the property, we're creating a destination where groups can gather, connect, and experience Ocala's equestrian culture in a way that simply doesn't exist elsewhere in the U.S.”

— Jeremy Gow, Senior Director of Hospitality Operations, World Equestrian Center (bizbash.com)

What’s next

Planners are encouraged to review the full calendar of events at the World Equestrian Center in advance to see what aligns with their meeting and event dates, as the venue offers complimentary seasonal horse show viewing.

The takeaway

The opening of The Equestrian Manor solidifies Ocala's reputation as the "Horse Capital of the World" and provides planners with a unique, high-end event venue that blends modern elegance with refined equestrian-inspired details, offering a picturesque setting near major MICE destinations.