Region 12 Championships

COVERAGE REGION 12

2022 REGION 12 CHAMPIONSHIP & SPOTLIGHT

2022 REGION 12 CHAMPIONSHIP & SPOTLIGHT Futurity

Ocala, Florida … the Kingdom of the Sun, well-known for its citrus production, and listed as one of only ve cities to claim the o cial title of Horse Capital of the World, was host to the Arabian breed’s largest regional show held at the prestigious World Equestrian Center, May 4th-8th. Within an hour’s reach of the well-known sandy beaches of Daytona Beach to the east and Orlando’s many theme parks to the south, the WEC sits on 300 beautiful acres, the over-the-top grounds meeting an exhibitor’s every need and then some. e exposition center, beautiful show arenas and rst-rate stabling notwithstanding, nowhere else can one nd hotel and RV accommodations, multiple restaurants, a chapel, vet clinic, general store, gas station, retail, salon & spa and laundromat, and more rst-class amenities minutes apart from one another.

A vast departure from its original home of Perry, Georgia, this game-changing facility provided exhibitors and spectators alike, a unique and appreciative venue to highlight the exquisite Arabian horse. Don’t feel like going out? Watch the evening performances in the Grand Arena from your hotel room or from the Veranda. Have some extra time on your hands or don’t show? e Festivals of Speed Classic Car Show, a dog show, or Kentucky Derby party around the Grand Arena, where the race was played live for all to watch were just a few options. e destination city of Ocala is also home to and surrounded by many prestigious and well-known farms, including Hennessey Arabian LLC and Rohara Arabians, which welcomed visits throughout the week.

Regarding the show itself, the opportunity to show at WEC was just too amazing to turn down for most, some class sizes the equivalent of U.S. Nationals. With that came incredible competition from around the country and a record number of horse show enthusiasts. In addition to the myriad of disciplines and age groups represented at the Championships, the $150,000 Spotlight Futurity and Classic Egyptian Championship classes were well attended once again, and the Spotlight Auction saw nearly 90 stallion breedings sold for over $215,000!

Overall, one could not get past the atmosphere and convenience the WEC facility o ers, removing all stress and leaving only the enjoyment one experiences from showing and visiting with those who share your passion. A awless facility makes it impossible to be anything but happy while there, your days spent working horses in the nicest facility you can imagine in the country and once done, you can hop over to the hotel bar, enjoy burgers, pizza, tacos or ice cream at one of the on-site restaurants, or browse through the many shops WEC o ers. It surely is, one for the record books.