Art Installation by Je Nishinaka
Tow The Whole Stable…
Gary Yeomans
Ocala & Villages
UNLOCK THE EXTRAORDINARY
WHERE STABILITY MEETS FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT FOR NO COMPROMISE
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SPECIALLY DESIGNED
Tack Storage for Efficient Operation at WEC
Mosquito Mesh II Fly Sheet #45824
Photo: Maven Photo + Film
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Bone Marrow served at Stirrups Restaurant Photo: Maven Photo + Film
Photo: Artist's Rendering
A Welcome to WEC
s we move into the summer season at World Equestrian Center, we share a collection of stories that embody devotion, determination and an unwavering love for the horse. We meet remarkable individuals that are driven by their passion and have dedicated their lives to the equestrian industry, each in their own unique way.
Our Stable Spotlight shines on Sierra Run LLC, owned and operated by Jenny Miller. Miller shares her journey that initially began as a small teaching business at personal farms, and later flourished into a renowned hunter and equitation training facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
We spend 24 Hours in the Life of Olympic three-day event rider Will Coleman on a day competing at WEC – Ocala during WEC Dressage IX. He shares a glimpse into his daily schedule, showcasing his passion for equestrian sport and dedication to his family.
We are inspired by Colby's Crew Rescue (CCR), where Allison and Olivia Smith transform the lives of forgotten horses. CCR was founded after the Smith's made the spontaneous decision to rescue Colby, a wild red horse from slaughter. Colby ultimately became a permanent resident and the face of CCR. Learn more about how the Smith's strive to save horses from slaughter, one life at a time.
Our Junior Rider Focus showcases Eleanor Rudnicki, the victorious rider of the 2024 Premier Equitation Cup at WEC – Ocala. Rudnicki discusses her experience with each phase of the prestigious championship and reveals the next steps in her riding career.
We open new doors at WEC – Ocala, welcoming guests to The Riding Academy Hotel. Bringing 390 pet-friendly studios and suites to the property for exhibitors, travelers and visitors from around the world, The Riding Academy Hotel marks the first phase of large-scale future development.
We go Across the Globe with Codi Harrison, Anna Marek, Christian Simonson and Sarah
Tubman, of the gold-medal-winning U.S. Dressage Team at the 2023 Pan American Games. The team shares the intricacies of their preparation, travel and experiences in Santiago, Chile.
FEI Level III course designer Anderson Lima takes us Behind the Course, where he shares his familial inspiration in equestrian sport, his
experience building at World Equestrian Center and his strategies behind-the-scenes.
We are delighted to share these inspirational stories with you.
God bless, The Roberts Family
Photo: Q2 Photography
Photo: Maven Photo + Film
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
In the MIDWEST SERIES
at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
The 2024 Winter in the Midwest Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington welcomed horses, athletes, families, friends and dogs to kick off the show season. We witnessed aspiring young athletes as well as top show jumping competitors throughout the series. This issue of Scene at WEC features some of the most memorable moments from Winter in the Midwest. We look forward to seeing you all back in action for the 2024 Spring/Summer Show Series and are grateful for the opportunity to continue making the happiest memories with our loyal exhibitors.
by Bailey Beal
Photos by Winslow Photography
Scene at WEC: 2024 Winter in the Midwest Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
Scene at WEC: 2024 Winter in the Midwest Series at World Equestrian Center – Wilmington
scene at wec
Winter 2024 2024
The 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala was a global gathering of top athletes. The series introduced fresh faces to the winner’s circle and new experiences to countless equestrian exhibitors. 2024 marked a milestone as the venue hosted two World Champion Hunter Rider weeks, along with five Fédération Equestre International (FEI) events, including the North American qualifier for the Longines League of Nations.™
Reflecting on this spectacular series, we recall standout moments that capture not only the passion and excitement of the sport, but the sheer joy it brings to all involved.
by Brianna Miller
Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography
SPECTACULAR
Show Series
Scene at WEC: 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
Scene at WEC: 2024 Winter Spectacular Show Series at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
It’s a winning feeling!
“There’s nothing more gratifying than when you’ve treated a horse, then you see them get back in the ring and compete again.”
– DR. JESSICA GOULD
Dr. Jessica Gould would certainly know about a winning feeling, because she’s more than an experienced performance horse veterinarian. She also competes in hunter-jumper events on her horse Declan. And she’s part of the Hagyard team that serves as the Official Show Veterinarian at World Equestrian Center in Ohio.
Give your horse that winning feeling.
TM We take a moment to shine the spotlight on a featured Barn or Stable to learn a bit about their business, their philosophy, and just hear their story ...
TM We a moment to shine the spotlight on Barn or Stable to learn a bit about their business, philosophy, just hear their story ...
ByBrianna Miller
Photos by ANDREW RYBACK PHOTOGRAPHY
ierra Run LLC, owned and operated by Jenny Miller in Jacksonville, Florida, didn’t set out to become the accomplished boarding, training and sales operation that is it today. What initially began as a small teaching business at private farms, flourished into a renowned hunter and equitation training facility with top-notch horses and accomplished clientele.
The riding journey of founder Jenny Miller began at an early age, "No one in my family had any involvement with horses, but my dad made the mistake by taking me on a pony trail ride. It quickly became a Saturday tradition, and from then on, all I could think about was horses."
While Miller didn’t have an extensive junior career, her determination and passion to ride led to numerous catch riding opportunities. Even during her college years at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, her equestrian journey continued. “As an amateur, I competed successfully and won quite a bit. That was really what opened all the doors for me,” Miller shared. “I spent a
I wanted to create the easiest farm to work out of. Everything from cleaning stalls, to feed horses, turning them out and tacking them up, it was optimized for ease.
couple of seasons in Wellington and was circuit champion a few years in a row. I gained so much experience during that time and I met so many amazing people.”
After graduating college ahead of schedule, Miller made the leap to turn professional. Her first professional job brought her to Virginia, working
alongside notable horseman, Peter Foley and Dale Crittenberger. “It was a great job. I was able to work alongside of Aaron Vale and Ian Silitch. I had the opportunity to ride a few grand prix horses, which really elevated my riding.”
In 2003, a bad injury set Miller back, and she relocated back to her hometown of Jacksonville,
Florida. Despite being unable to ride, her passion for the sport continued and she began teaching lessons out of clients’ private farms.
“The students I was teaching at the time wanted to start to horse show, but they all told me that we needed a barn name because we were going to go show. I said, I was going back to Virginia as soon
estled within Miller’s parents’ expansive hunting preserve, Miller often gets unique visitors. Spanning 1,300 acres, the preserve provides a sanctuary for an array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and blackbuck antelope. “The preserve is so large it allows for a controlled habitat for the animals,” she explained. “My dad introduced a special herd of white-tailed deer with exceptional genetics. He also added blackbuck antelope that are native to Africa, but do very well in Florida and Texas.”
Among the inhabitants are two special whitetailed deer. ‘Eileen’ is one of the two, “She had a severe injury and ended up losing her leg, so she stays within a controlled five-acres.” The other, ‘Poppy,’ was rescued and bottle-fed after her mother abandoned her. Eileen and Poppy now roam the five acres, often stopping by Miller’s house located on property for snacks and to say hello.
The special visitors at the farm are a normal sight to the performance horses. “The horses are completely unphased. I always tell people, if you have a spooky horse, send them to my farm, they will become adapted real quick,” laughed Miller.
Miller is beyond grateful for her parents’ support, “I can’t thank my parents enough for believing in me and letting me have my farm on their property. Their belief in me has been instrumental and I am so proud of how much Sierra Run has grown.”
as I get health clearance, so I didn’t care what they wanted to call it,” joked Miller. “I had a black lab at the time, named Sierra, so the kids named the farm Sierra Run. That was when it started - with our little rag-tag group that I loved so much.”
Over the years, Miller continued teaching and competing with her clients at local shows, gradually building her business. However, in 2011, another health setback forced Miller to undergo
even more surgeries. During her recovery, she shifted gears and took an office job in Texas, staying there for three years, but once again, she missed horses and riding.
“I moved back to Jacksonville for the horses.”
Miller’s parents generously offered a section of their land on their hunting preserve for Miller to establish her own farm. With their support, Sierra Run LLC found a permanent home – a beautifully
I
actually paid
for stalls before
they were
free the first year – that’s how excited we were. We started with five or six circuit stalls, and now, we get almost 20. We have grown and expanded with WEC and I hope we stay on the same path.
“The derby field is great practice. Our horses are so used to spooky and natural fences, they come to the horse show unphased.”
Today, Sierra Run LLC thrives as a premier hunter and equitation farm, catering to a clientele of talented junior and amateur riders. “While I We’ve been showing at WEC, since the beginning.
personally own five horses – four and a half more than I need,” Miller quipped. “It’s the dedication and hard work of my clients that drives our success.”
World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) is the horse show destination for Sierra Run LLC,
COLEMAN COLEMAN
WEC – Ocala is the perfect place for Coleman to bring along younger horses in the winter.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
In this 24 Hours in the Life of Will Coleman, we look back with the Olympic eventer on a day competing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) during World Equestrian Center Dressage IX, which took place January 20-21, 2024. He had a great day showing with one of his top mounts, Chin Tonic HS, as well as one of his newer rides, Fahrenheit Addict. Follow along with the Virginia and Floridabased rider to see how his busy day went!
Above: Shown here on Comme
Again HS, Will Coleman practices in the jumper ring, as show jumping is one phase in the sport of eventing.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Will Coleman and his Olympic hopeful and CCI5* mount Chin Tonic HS won at Third Level at the WEC January Dressage national show.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
6:30am
4am
It’s time to start the day. One of the great things about being able to show at WEC is that since we reside nearby, I can mostly stick to a pretty normal routine, even on a show day, because we're never driving more than 15 minutes to get to the horse show. I'm a bit of an early riser, regardless of whether I'm showing or not. I usually just have a tea in the morning and some Athletic Greens® and then I go to the gym.
5am
I work out a few days per week at Quantum Performance with trainer Ron Forbes, so if it’s one of my normal days to go to the gym, I usually still go, even on a show day. I work out for about an hour and 15 minutes.
After the gym, I swing back home and say good morning to my wife, Katie, and family. Then, I change into my jockey threads and head to WEC and get ready to horse show. WEC is a great place for us to get our eventing horses off the property and in a show environment to practice both the show jumping and the dressage. When I show in the jumpers, typically the 1.30m and 1.35m classes, it’s often one of the first classes of the day, but for the World Equestrian Center Dressage IX show, we had specific ride times.
9am
I get to the show and get organized for my first test, the USEF Test of Choice with Chin Tonic HS. He’s owned by Hyperion Stud and I hope to contend for an Olympic spot with him this year. We decided
to use the January dressage show at WEC to help us fine-tune some things in our competition warmup. We've been using a double bridle on the horse for the last six months and he's training exceptionally well in it, but we wanted to use it in a show atmosphere in a test a few times before our eventing competition season gets started.
9:55am
I get on to warm up. We went to the show the day before competing and schooled in the show arena, so I felt good going into the test and we stuck to our typical 30-minute warmup.
10:30am
We did our test and Chin Tonic performed really well. He won the class on a 77.375%, so we were thrilled. It was a great exercise for him.
Will works out in the gym at Quantum Human Performance every day, often with his wife and business partner Katie Coleman.
Photo: Courtesy of Katie Coleman
11am
I head back to the farm to teach a lesson. It's pretty normal for us to go back and forth from the horse show to the farm during the day. I don't really mind that because the drive gives me 15 minutes to catch up with an owner or a client on the phone or just touch base with someone. Sometimes, having those little mini breaks in the day can be kind of therapeutic.
12:15pm
I’m back at WEC for my second test of the day, the USEF First Level Test 3* with Fahrenheit Addict. He’s a much greener horse owned by a wonderful owner for me, Team Rebecca, and it was his first official competition with me and with them as his new owner. He’s fairly new for us and just got imported from Europe, so we wanted to get a sense of what he was like at a horse show. Like Chin Tonic, we had Fahrenheit Addict at WEC schooling the day before the competition, getting familiar with the
Enjoying a moment before his dressage test at WEC – Ocala with Fahrenheit Addict.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Samantha Schaefer riding In the Know at World Equestrian Center - Ocala.
rings and then he spent the morning hanging out at the show before it was his turn to compete.
12:25pm
I get on before the test and put him through his warmup for about 35 minutes.
1pm
I had a great run with Fahrenheit Addict as well. He won his class on a 74.306%, so he had a great day at the office.
1:45pm
I head back to the farm to ride a few more horses, teach a couple more lessons and finish up the day.
3:30pm
It's pretty family-style at the end of the day. Our kids, Charlie and West, get home from school and we're almost always still in the barn. Our kids will just get on their bikes or get on their scooter and
what's right by the horses, even if it means staying a little later.
5pm
I walk back to the house with Katie and the kids and start cooking some dinner. Usually, I'm the chef. Katie is a great cook, but she is very happy to turn over the dinner duties to me. I love to cook, so I never complain about having to make dinner. I absolutely love to make a nice meal for the family. We have a very easy-to-hang-out-in kitchen, so everybody's there – Katie, West, Charlie. We're all relaxing, listening to some music and waiting for Dad to finish whatever it is he is making for dinner.
6pm
come to the barn, and they'll hang out with us while we finish the day. The kids are a nice distraction –sometimes welcome, sometimes not. When we're trying to finish up, they definitely don't help productivity, but they are always good for bringing a smile to everyone's faces. I think they enjoy the interaction with the horses and the team in the barn and spending time with their parents where we are every day.
4:30pm
We normally finish up around 4:30, but sometimes, it can be a bit later. It just depends on what time the last class at the show was and what the horses need in terms of aftercare. We have an incredible team that helps us manage the horses, including Erin Jarboe and Hailey Burlock. We’re very, very lucky that they are always willing to do
8:30pm
It’s time to eat dinner. We like to, if we can, eat dinner as early as possible, so usually I don't even take my britches off. I come home and start cooking almost right away. That way the kids have a chance to relax and hang out, and we have a chance to spend time with them before they have to go to bed.
7:30pm
West is two, so in a perfect world, he’s in bed by 7:30.
Charlie's six, so she's more like 8:30 for bed. To be honest, Katie and I usually aren't far behind. As soon as the kids are in bed, Katie and I might sit down, have a cup of tea, and maybe watch something on TV for 20 minutes. When we're ready for bed, we both read a bit. Falling asleep is usually not too difficult for us. It’s definitely a full day, but it's nice to sleep in your own bed and enjoy the comforts of your own home environment even when you’re showing. It's amazing to be able to accomplish so much important training and competing without really ever feeling like you're away from home.
A U.S. Olympic eventer, Will Coleman uses WEC – Ocala jumper competitions to prepare his horses, including Camiro HS.
Photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Two-year-old West Coleman helps out in the barn at the end of the day.
Photo: Courtesy of Katie Coleman
24 Hours in the Life of Will Coleman
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GENERATIONS TO BREAK DOWN
GENERATIONS TO BREAK IN
Elean Elean Rudnicki
as told to Brianna Miller
Photos by Andrew Ryback Photography
WINNER of the Premier Equitation Cup
Powered by Gary Yeomans Ford
Eleanor Rudnicki closed her junior year with an unforgettable victory. Hailing from Conroe, Texas, the talented athlete showcased her skills in the 2024 WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship powered by Gary Yeomans Ford. Piloting Favorite Edition Z, Rudnicki stayed on top throughout each phase of the championship and secured the prestigious Premier Cup title.
Rudnicki's triumphs as a junior rider extend far beyond this recent win. Since the age of 13, she has been accumulating a remarkable list of accomplishments, beginning with victories in the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Equitation Championship (Kentucky) and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Children’s Medal Finals (Maryland). In this special edition of Junior Rider Focus, World Equestrian Center caught up with Rudnicki to delve into her journey and reflect on the exhilarating experience of winning the 2024 championship.
How did you become interested in riding?
My mom rode as a kid and a teenager, so riding is in my genetics. I sat on a horse for the first time at summer camp and I immediately wanted to take lessons. My mom, knowing the industry and knowing how much dedication it took, and money, didn’t really want me to take lessons. Eventually, I finally got her to agree to it.
I started taking lessons at a local lesson barn in Texas where I lived. I stayed there for quite a while and got my first pony when I was nine. She was bred to be a little cart pony. She was six years old and super small, but believe it or not, I ended up going to Pony Finals with her!
After that, I knew I wanted to be more serious with my riding. So, we searched around for barns that went to bigger shows and we found Berry Porter. I started riding with him when I was 12 and I immediately wanted to do the equitation, because I looked up to all the older girls in his barn. The rest is history. I took a working student position with him and have been working for him ever since.
Tell us about some of the equitation horses you have rode throughout your junior career.
My first equitation horse, Simply Stated, was a beautiful, big grey. He really ignited my love for the discipline. He unfortunately got hurt and was out for a year. Berry was so nice and let me ride a bunch of his horses. I did the Hamel Foundation National Championship and the Taylor Harris Insurance Services Medal Finals on a variety of horses and ended up winning both when I was 13.
After that, we sold Simply Stated and I just rode Berry’s horses. The next horse I rode that was super memorable was ‘Travis.’ I ended up third on him at Medal Finals in 2021 and placed sixth on him at USET Finals. He was a horse of a lifetime.
Most recently, I’ve ridden Kosher and NKH Darco Son. They have been incredible horses for me. Of course, Favorite Edition Z, who is owned by North Run.
Tell us a bit more about Favorite Edition Z.
I actually got to show him at his first show in America and his first equitation classes at the Hampton Classic in 2023. He was absolutely perfect. He never put a foot wrong. I got to hop back on him at the
beginning of [Winter Equestrian Festival] and show him in some USET classes. When Missy [Clark] asked me who I wanted to ride in the Premier Cup, I knew I wanted to show ‘Eddie,’ and it ended up being the best decision.
Can you give us a play-by-play of each phase in the 2024 championship?
I love riding in massive arenas, like the WEC Grand Arena, so I was super excited about the first round. I think it was pretty technical, and that’s where I can show off, especially on Favorite Edition Z. He can do everything so slick.
I always get nervous for the flat phase because I feel like I am going to mess up. But I kept my head on straight and managed a solid flat. In the second round, I just wanted to stay on top. I had a pretty good lead. I think the score below me was an 88 and I was a 92, so I felt comfortable with that going into the second round.
In the test, the first two girls did pretty well. Before we went in for the test, Maddie Tosh and I made a plan that we were both going to go for it. She really stuck to it and had a great test. So, I knew I had to deliver and it was perfect.
How did it feel to win a brand-new Ford Explorer XLT?
I am still pinching myself. In equitation, we don’t ever get the chance to compete for prize money, so it’s pretty amazing that World Equestrian Center offers us a brand-new car! It’s an incredible reward for all the hard work and dedication that we put into the sport during our junior careers.
What’s next for your career?
I am going to finish out my senior career and focus on college. I am committed to the Auburn University Division I equestrian team, so I am excited to further my education and continue to develop my riding. One day, I hope to become a professional and ride in all the big classes.
“Cancer
couldn
stop me.”
Courtney Bailey,
Breast cancer survivor
’
t
A designation from the National Cancer Institute places the UF Health Cancer Center among the nation’s top cancer programs. This distinction means patients like Courtney have access to breakthrough research and leading-edge treatments.
“As an event planner, I love to make people smile. When I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, the physicians at UF Health treated me like I was special. They worked as a team to create a treatment plan just for me and held my hand through a difficult journey. Now, I’m back, and I’m the one smiling.”
Visit UFHealth.org/Cancer to learn more about our NCI designation.
COLBY’S
CREW
Where Allison & Olivia Smith Transform the Lives of Forgotten Horses Rescue
By Bailey Beal
Photos by Erin Gilmore Photography
Acall for help on Facebook began what Allison and Olivia Smith thought was a simple, spontaneous project that turned into one of the largest horse rescues in North America.
“In August of 2020, my wife Olivia and I were scrolling on Facebook when we saw a post of Colby, who found himself standing in the holding facility in line to load onto the slaughter truck. A volunteer noticed his bright white chrome and snapped some photos for a post captioned ‘trainer needed.’”
With a bright white blaze and three white socks that stood out amongst tragedy, Colby unknowingly became the face of the brave and heroic journey that would come to be known as Colby’s Crew Rescue (CCR).
We knew nothing about slaughter rescue. We were just two girls thinking that Colby could be a flashy resale project at worst, or a beautiful show horse at best. $800 later, we saved a wild red horse from slaughter.
“We knew nothing about slaughter rescue. We were just two girls thinking that Colby could be a flashy resale project at worst, or a beautiful show horse at best. $800 later, we saved a wild red horse from slaughter. And wild he was! He was terrified, aggressive, mistreated and in fight mode. Olivia documented my training with him on her personal TikTok page "ohkaytacos" and soon the internet fell in love with the story of Colby, who is now a permanent resident and the face of CCR.”
Hailing from a show jumping background, Allison’s outpouring of love and passion for the horses shone in a different way after saving and redeveloping Colby.
The grave reality of devastation that occurs behind-the-scenes in the equestrian industry became clearer than ever to Allison and Olivia, and one save was not enough. The fearless couple
continued to take additional rescues under their care and grew their sanctuary at a rapid pace to eventually receive nonprofit status in 2021. Together, they delved into the side of the industry that goes unnoticed by most.
“It has been incredibly eye-opening for me, coming from the sport horse side. It brings a lot of perspective when you see horses on death’s door. It makes you realize that the 10-year-old horse isn’t too old, the pre-purchase doesn’t matter for most people, and if your horse is injured, it isn’t the end of the world. They can happily fulfill other purposes. We give all our rescues the chance to be treated like top show horses.”
With the mission, “we strive to save horses from slaughter, one life at a time,” CCR has rebuilt the lives of thousands of horses. Spanning three different states, CCR boasts 1,900 total acres
Big John and Colby.
Galbreath Equine Center Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Services:
• Anesthesiology & Pain Management
• 24/7 Emergency & Critical Care
• Internal Medicine & Neonatology
• Ophthalmology
• Radiation Oncology
• Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Surgery & Lameness
• Theriogenology & Reproductive Medicine
• Ambulatory primary & specialty services (Columbus, Ohio & surrounding communities only)
Additional services available on-site:
• Advanced diagnostics including nuclear scintigraphy, 3 Tesla MRI, 128-slice CT, Ultrasound, digital X-ray.
• Access to on-site specialists in cardiology, integrated oncology & more!
• Full-size Pharmacy & Clinical Diagnostic Laboratories Performance Evaluation Arena features:
• 12,000 sq. ft., all-weather, multi-surface performance evaluation arena
• Open observation area
• Under saddle examinations with tack storage area
• Full diagnostic imaging capabilities on site
• Accommodates all sport horse disciplines
At CCR, the horses have access to all the top vets, knowledge, care, training, and amenities that we can offer. They just blossom.
and over 100 employees across Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland.
CCR and its dedicated staff offer a variety of services unique to each case, promising every rescue the life they wish to live. The success stories of CCR consist of adoptions to show barns, or a happy life forever in the field or stall.
The diversity of endeavors creates a busy day-to-day for the Smith’s and all other helping hands of the operation. “There is no ‘day in the life!’ Each day is different. I live near and work at our Charlottesville, Virginia, location with some of our other staff members. The days consist of taking care of horses, riding, training, stall cleaning, new intake evaluation, daily vet visits, weekly farrier visits, meet and greets, adoptions, traveling to our quarantine and sanctuary locations and travelling to the auctions or kill pens. And hours and hours of paperwork! We are so blessed to have an amazing team at CCR to help everything run smoothly. There are definitely no days off!”
A HORSE’S STORY
Though every horse’s story and care are different, Allison considers each one extraordinary, nursing numerous starvation cases, broken limbs and unattended injuries back to full health. The famous faces, Big John and Bison, stuck out as two of the biggest success stories of CCR as they developed their own initiatives, saving numerous cases exactly like theirs every day.
“Big John is a senior Belgian that we rescued from an auction. He had scars and open wounds, blisters on his lips, an incorrectly healed broken jaw and a history of founder. Standing at 20 hands tall, he is truly a gentle giant. He is an incredible ambassador for the Amish Belgian workhorse. Big John sparked the ‘Big John Initiative’ which saves all the workhorses from the East Coast slaughter holding facility, and thanks to this program, not a single workhorse has shipped from there since June 2022.”
Our rescue is an amazing thing. To see it in action is like nothing else. We are so lucky to offer tours, volunteer opportunities and adoptions. Our amazing team does, on average, oneto-two adoptions per day! We have incredible trainers, barn workers, farm maintenance, veterinarians, farriers, volunteers, adopters, quarantine staff, haulers, vet techs, donors, and so many supporters across the world. CCR is so lucky.
“Bison is our smallest guy. When we rescued him, he was anemic with high muscle enzymes due to his mistreatment and stress endured at the auction. He is a dwarf miniature who sparked the ‘Bison Initiative.’ Each year, thousands of minis are shipped down to Mexico to be part of canned hunts, live zoo food, etc. CCR strives to save miniature ponies and geld them. Because of their small size, they are not gelded very often and CCR has successfully gelded hundreds of mini ponies.”
Not only does CCR provide hands-on love and attention for all their rescues, but the 501(c)(3) organization provides access to all the top-notch care that each horse needs to be nursed back to peak health.
“At CCR, the horses have access to all the top vets, knowledge, care, training, and amenities that
Big John and Bison.
I want CCR to teach people to be kind. Be kind to your animals, your local rescue, large rescues, your trainer, your horse, and your friends and family.
we can offer. They just blossom. We had one rescue show at Devon last year, it was so amazing!
Throughout the entire journey of CCR, kindness is Allison’s main takeaway.
“I want CCR to teach people to be kind. Be kind to your animals, your local rescue, large rescues, your trainer, your horse, and your friends and family. Be kind on the internet. Spread the word about horse slaughter and spread real facts. Reach
out to us if you have questions, we are always happy to answer. Be kind to everyone.”
Follow along the CCR journey on Instagram @ohkaytacos. For more information about adopting, volunteering, sponsoring a horse or donating to CCR, visit colbyscrewrescue.org.
Gainesville Regional Airport 11
The closest commercial airport to the World Equestrian Center, GNV is a quick 45-minute drive from Ocala, offering nonstop service to ATL, CLT, DFW, FLL, and MIA and hundreds of destinations around the world in one stop!
Inspiration: Colby’s Crew Rescue: Where Allison & Olivia Smith Transform the Lives of Forgotten Horses
Onyx the Mule! Onyx was a working mule for 10 years of his life and was rescued from the kill pen in 2022.
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Tour
WEC – Ocala
Lea Brayton
Photos By MAVEN PHOTO + FILM
While riders come to World Equestrian Center – Ocala for the premier GGT footing, the StableComfort stalls and the many other perks of a worldclass competition venue, they may be surprised by the wide range of culinary pursuits available on-site. From the refined steakhouse, Stirrups, to the jovial Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, there’s cuisine to satisfy even the most discerning of palates, all without ever having to step foot off the showgrounds.
Journey with us as we try the best of WEC–Ocala on this culinary tour de cuisine and discover what not to miss on your next visit with insider recommendations from some of our top talent. Bon appétit!
YellowPonyPub&Garden
Pub dining and live music, serving lunch, dinner and late-night bites within The Equestrian Hotel.
StirrupsRestaurant
Southern-inspired fine-dining steakhouse serving breakfast, dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations recommended.
Stirrups never fails to impress, with a refined dining room complete with regal dog portraits, Swarovski chandeliers and an outdoor terrace offering prime views of the centerpiece arena. Serving up an elevated version of classic southern comfort food, the menu features a broad range of items, from bone marrow to an impressive seafood tower.
Jeremy Gow, Senior Director of Food and Beverage Operations at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, shares one of his Stirrups’ favorites: “The short ribs are a top option. The flavor is unbelievable and the portion is generous. My favorite part about them is taking the leftovers home and making a short rib breakfast the next day for my family.”
The liveliest of gastropubs, Yellow Pony has carved out a name for itself as a local hangout for great food, live music, whimsical cocktails and rare bourbon at the iconic horseshoe-shaped bar. The globally inspired menu is small but mighty and the chefs source the “crème-de-la-crème” in terms of ingredients, like Ahi Tuna flown in fresh from the Honolulu Fish Company for the Poke Bowl.
At the top of the list are the smoked brisket nachos, which have a fanatic following for good reason. “Endless toppings, cheese distributed on every level, guacamole present, great spice from fresh jalapeños and a portion generous enough to share,” remarks Beverage Director and Master Sommelier, Roland Micu. He recommends ordering a Daiquiri’s Solstice to chase this starter with a dose of Caribbean summer.
collection include some of the finest in the world, such as
these rarities are limited!
Filo’s Mexican Cantina
Mexican quick service, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Filo’s occupies prime real estate near The Equestrian Hotel and is one of the most popular locations on property, no matter the mealtime. With a truly fresh and innovative menu, it’s hard to pick between the fully loaded Mary’s Taco Salad served up in a fried tortilla shell or the Certified Angus Beef Brand™ Tacos Birria served with a beef fat consommé for dipping.
Spicy, bold and undeniably delicious, everything at Filo’s takes first prize, agrees Director of Restaurants, Andrew Massengill, who oversees operations at Filo’s and the four other outlet restaurants at WEC.
His go-to order?
“Sweet Pork Barbacoa Bowl with extra pickled onions, hands down.
I can’t get enough of the fresh toppings at Filo’s. It’s my favorite WEC restaurant!”
Insider Tip: Ask the bar for their off-menu bourbon list for the most recent, awe-worthy acquisitions and allocations. Names from the
Pappy Van Winkle, Blanton’s and Stagg, but beware,
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the chance to browse Stirrups' award-winning wine list which comes in at an impressive 28 pages and is in a constant edit. The curated list features well over 6,000 bottles, including selections from some of the best producers from around the globe. In-house Master Sommelier Roland Micu and his team are on-hand to inform your experience.
Bonus: Skip the line—literally—by ordering in advance online through the WEC – Ocala mobile app or at orders.wec.net.
Seafood Tower
Bone Marrow
Yellow Pony Horse shoe bar Right: Daiquiri Solstice Right: Cowboy burger
Left: Mary's Taco Salad
A T
If there’s one thing WEC does perfectly, it’s pizza. Viola’s offers build-your-own salads, pasta and Sicilian ‘za by the slice or by the pie, but the real treat is the Detroit-style pan pizza. Featuring a 24-hour fermented dough, mildly spicy tomato sauce and a generous amount of cheese, it’s baked to perfection in a cast iron pan and cut into glorious squares. The result is a crunchy crust drizzled in extra virgin olive oil – it gets top votes from Micu, Massengill and Gow.
Pro Tip: Master Sommelier Roland Micu recommends ordering a Peroni for a truly authentic experience—the perfect Italian complement to your pizza, pasta or cannoli.
There’sAlwaysRoomforDessert
Emmaˇs Patisserie
Serving sweets and grab-n-go breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as Starbucks® coffee.
Emma's is a pastry paradise under the skilled hands of Executive Pastry Chef Yohann Le Bescond and his team. Le Bescond says a visit to Emma's is incomplete without savoring the Opera entremets. “It’s a traditional layered almond cake with coffee buttercream and chocolate ganache. For French patisserie, this is a staple and it’s truly my personal favorite.”
Fun Fact: Emma’s Patisserie sells more than 37,000 croissants each year and celebrates National Croissant Day annually with a range of limited new flavors from the chef.
French Croissants for National Croissant Day
MissTillyˇsLollipops
Dessert, ice cream and more, serving snacks, lunch and dinner.
Undoubtedly, it’s the whimsy of Miss Tilly's that draws visitors in, quite literally like a kid in a candy shop. Adults and children alike can indulge in a scoop (or three) of ice cream—Le Bescond goes for the mint chocolate chip in a waffle cone—or order an eye-catching treat from the rotating case, like Buckeyes and Pecan Turtles which are favorite whims for Micu and Massengill, respectively.
Stomach growling? Visit ocala.wec.net/dining to learn more about trending tastes for your next visit to WEC.
Santiago Lambre
Oscar Mujica Gutierrez
THE RIDING ACADEMY HOTEL
at World Equestrian Center
by LEA BRAYTON
IWe’re proud to be able to offer another experience of World Equestrian Center to the community, travelers and our exhibitor base. We know that The Riding Academy Hotel will charm guests and capture the hearts of so many as a destination in Ocala, just as The Equestrian Hotel has. We look forward to providing world-class service and demonstrating what it means to show our guests true southern hospitality.”
Photos: Artist's Rendering
In room, the studios and suites feature upscale accommodations with separate sleeping and living quarters and desirable in-room amenities, such as coffee makers and Sub-Zero™ refrigerators. The room aesthetic includes tailored equestrian finishes throughout, from sconces and accent pillows to the herringbone American Leather sleeper sofas, but the design is also sensible and clean, opting for plank tile flooring instead of carpet.
Travelers with pets have found their paradise here, from the wide-open acreage surrounding the new hotel to the more subdued touches, like in-room bowls and beds. The smart design of The Riding Academy Hotel’s spacious studios and suites was spearheaded by the Roberts Design Group, the firm responsible for the enviable aesthetic found at The Equestrian Hotel and throughout the World Equestrian Center – Ocala property.
Similar to The Equestrian Hotel, its sister location on property, guests can admire the playful sophistication of the unique artwork, where dogs take on the guise of jockeys and animals pose as professors that charm and delight—an embodiment of the French “joie de vivre” and playful nod to what makes this resort hotel such a special destination.
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Photo: Artist's Rendering
“We really wanted to make this hotel feel unique from the experience of being at The Equestrian Hotel. We borrowed some concepts, so it still evokes the WEC brand and the pillars of quality that are its trademark, but the space is meant to be more relaxed, more comfortable, softer, warmer.” says Ric Owens, Lead Designer for Roberts Design Group.
As a true Central Florida oasis, the pool courtyard is surrounded by lush Live Oak trees and offers outdoor walk-up bar service and a cozy fireplace, alongside the refreshing pool and children’s splash pad. Additional amenities include two high-caliber fitness centers, a grab-and-go lobby marketplace pointedly dubbed “The Tack Room,” as well as the nearby resort
spa, more than thirty boutiques and retail shops, event center and equestrian exhibition, all just a golf cart ride away. Just around the corner, the future Event Center at WEC is slated to open in 2025. The 180,000-square-foot center has been purpose-built for group business and will bring the Ocala area traditional conference and meeting space, boardrooms and breakouts, as well as a large ballroom and outdoor pavilion. Perhaps most exciting, it will also house four restaurants, including two new rooftop concepts.
Plan your next visit to World Equestrian Center and explore The Riding Academy Hotel. Learn more about being our guest at ridingacademyhotel.com.
Ahead Future
THE RIDING ACADEMY HOTEL | Now Open
390 well-appointed studios and suites are added to the World Equestrian Center campus with the addition of The Riding Academy Hotel.
THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HEALTH FAMILY MEDICINE CENTER | Summer 2024
The state-of-the-art medical complex will provide guests with access to top physicians and medical care courtesy of UF Health.
THE EVENT CENTER AT WEC | Summer 2025
The Event Center at WEC brings 180,000 square feet of traditional meeting space for meetings, group business, conferences, weddings and other events.
THE SHOPPES OFF 80 TH | Summer 2025
The expansive outdoor shopping venue will feature 28 upscale retailers, effectively doubling the on-site shops at WEC.
Photos: Artist's Rendering
Photos: Maven
Photo + Film
• Weekly flights to Europe and across North & South America
• Spring & Summer European Tours
• Custom flights to any corner of the globe
• Charter flights
EXPERT STAFF
• Highly skilled airport staff and flight team who are experts in equine air transportation, horse care, cargo handling and document management
• Experienced international flight grooms
CARBON CREDIT
• Option to offset your horses’s GHG on each every flight
JET STALLS
• State-of-the-art Jet Stalls
• Jet stalls sizes are similar to flying “Coach”, “Business Class” or “First Class”
CUSTOMS & DOCUMENTS
• Expert customs and tax document management assistance for you
DOING THE RIGHT THING. THE RIGHT WAY. ALL THE TIME.
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Brewed with a Fighting Spirit.
LIVEEQ:
LiveEQ Founder, Anne Hawkins
CONNECTING & SERVING THE EQUINE COMMUNITY
By Juliana Chapman
Access is one of the benefits of technology. It can open doors to a new world of opportunities and people you would not normally meet face-to-face. In the case of a horse community app called LiveEQ, the goal is to connect equestrians in a digital world and help them reach their goals. “The equestrian lifestyle is hard, and when you aren’t busy, you are exhausted,” said Anne Hawkins, Founder of LiveEQ. “My solution takes the benefits of an app and tailors it through advanced search and filtering capabilities to make it easy to find what you are looking for.”
Hunter Roots, Jumper Heart
Anne started riding at a young age thanks to her mother who was a hunter rider. “I began riding
hunters on my six-year-old off-track Thoroughbred my parents bought me. He was pretty wild, and I was a crazy kid. He wanted to go fast and I loved speed, so we were the perfect match,” she shared. With that background and focus they ended up doing the jumpers. “I was hooked, and to this day, I just love being around horses.”
In Search Of… A Stable
As a young adult, Anne started working in marketing, which enabled her to move around the country. She lived in large cities, such as Miami, Boston and Denver, to name a few. “Anytime I moved to a new city, I would always look for a place to ride because of course horses pull at your
“There is no learning curve with using the app,” said Anne. The app offers a platform to post horses for sale, to job opportunities, barns and more. There is advanced filtering for sale horses including breed, location, price, skill set and the ability to upload photos and video, plus links to service providers and more.
The App for Horse People
“The app helps solve access to horse management and the community by connecting professionals in the industry and making it affordable. One of the biggest challenges in the
equine industry is affordability for the everyday rider looking to find opportunities that suit them best. For example, maybe you are a hunter rider looking to find a good hunter barn that is fairly close to home and has an indoor arena, besides the ‘wants,’ it's going to boil down to what can I afford?” Typically, that information, and those conversations, don’t take place in advance. The app is designed to make meaningful connections
that are powerful instantly and to simplify the whole process for both sides.
Top LiveEQ Features Jobs
“An area we have started to focus on heavily is the jobs in the equine industry.” LiveEQ recently partnered with the National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) to facilitate a mission around
Left: Complete details on stables for boarding and more. Middle: Search horses for sale in this easy to navigate feature.
Right: Don’t miss the latest job postings on the app.
We are the only solution provider that o ers a targeted ad network for the equestrian market.”
jobs and to provide opportunities for traditional jobs in the industry including grooms, working students, trainers, etc. They have also opened up nontraditional equestrian jobs, like marketing, finance and business development in equine industry companies and provide space for companies to post who they are looking for. This is free for them to post. On the candidate side, there are equestrians who are great marketers, accountants and salespeople who really want to work in the equine industry. “We're bridging the gap for young people and connecting those
coming out of college as an equine rider, to keep working with horses in another capacity and for more seasoned professionals to allow them to start or even continue a career in the equine industry,” explained Anne.
Service Providers
“We’ve been busy adding a section dedicated to searching for service providers, this includes farriers, equine dentists, bodywork specialists, photographers, the list goes on.” This area of the app helps round out the equine journey by making it easy to go there and find those providers, plus, it is free for providers to list their services. This is key for those on the business side because it is location based, which allows users to view providers by entering their zip codes and selecting a radius, along with other filters and amenities placed on top. “I would encourage all providers to list themselves because people are actively looking for services near them,” Anne pointed out.
Events
Another area of the app that is growing is the events section. “We call it events because we're discipline agnostic. Many are familiar with horse show, but in other disciplines, they’d be more familiar with Rodeo or 4H. We also want to encourage schooling shows and lower price event options and grow their presence so people can find those too.”
Ad Network
“The LiveEQ ad network is designed for brands to connect with their exact target equestrian,” Anne explained. The network supports all social media ad formats, including vertical videos, carousel ads and static image ads, and it focuses mainly on engaging ads that people like to interact with. “We are the only solution provider that offers a targeted ad network for the equestrian market.” This powerful marketing tool allows companies to market specifically to horse trainers or amateur riders that are located in a certain zip code with an equestrian need. In addition, the ad network helps fosters a deep connection between brands and their target audience. “We've built out the ad network similarly to Facebook ads, so we have no long-term contracts and no monthly minimums allowing you to scale your budget up or down at any time,” Anne said. The network is CPM based providing that modern ad tech world solution for the equine market with in-app advertising.
Pace to Growth
“Although LiveEQ is still relatively new to the market, over the last year and a half, we've grown incredibly fast,” Anne continued, “We're growing at a pace of about 13,000 new users per month right now.” One of Anne’s goals is to connect with barn managers, trainers and horse enthusiasts to show them how the app can help them. “In addition, our social posts are true to who we are as a service provider and brand and that has translated into growing our social more than anything else.”
“I encourage users to reach out with suggestions for the app. It makes me feel good as a founder to hear from equestrians because I put my heart and soul into this and I want to help people succeed,” Anne shared and added, “Plus, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business and seeing those messages helps me know we're helping people.”
Offering
Offering state-of-the-art veterinary care and advanced diagnostics and treatment for competitors and companion animals.
Offering state-of-the-art veterinary
Performance Horse Evaluations
Diagnostic Imaging
and advanced diagnostics and treatment for competitors and companion animals.
Equine Aqua Treadmills and other Therapies
Performance Horse Evaluations
Small Animal Primary and Urgent Care
Diagnostic Imaging
Equine Aqua Treadmills and other Therapies
Performance Horse Evaluations
Small Animal Primary and Urgent Care
Emergency
Diagnostic Imaging
Equine Aqua Treadmills and other Therapies
Small Animal Primary and Urgent Care
Emergency
Offering state-of-the-art veterinary care and advanced diagnostics and treatment for competitors and companion animals. Emergency
SpringStyle into at WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER
by Paola Parada
Photos by Maven Photo + Film
Over 30 retailers on-site at World Equestrian Center – Ocala draw inspiration from the equestrian lifestyle with products for equestrians and those who covet the equestrian lifestyle. The shopping experience can span a full day without visitors ever stepping into the same storefront. Browse Ariat International's iconic boot line and country-chic apparel or be captivated by the worldly accessories at The Debonair Collection, which features luxury brands like Cartier and Gucci alongside internationally sourced throw blankets, travel bags and home scents.
The booming retail scene at WEC is ever-growing. The latest additions include the Equestrian Collection, Rooney’s Boutique, J.McLaughlin, and John Craig Clothier, all located within The Equestrian Hotel, as well as LeMieux's new U.S. flagship store. Learn more about what’s inspired the new shops and plan your next shopping spree!
Fashion statements are nothing new for equestrians, who have long been regarded as icons of high class. The Equestrian Hotel’s four new retail options showcase this commitment to the brand’s core values of quality, class and distinction in every part of the experience.
"Our priority is to create a unique and personal shopping experience [at The Equestrian Hotel] that is hyper customer-service centric. When done right, it should be a collaboration that rewards guests with new and exciting products that we’re proud to stand behind." says Austin Prince, World Equestrian Center Director of Retail.
Equestrian Style: Spring into Style at World Equestrian Center – Ocala
A NEW ERA OF SHOPPING AT WEC
A stunning Alexis dress displayed at Rooney’s Boutique.
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Among the new retailers, Equestrian Collection is a standout for unparalleled selection of luxury linens, charmingly chic furnishings and decor that Prince says is inspired by The Equestrian Hotel itself. He’s worked with the Roberts Design Group to source top-of-the-line products for The Equestrian Hotel’s retail shops with riders in mind.
"Some of the best-selling products and customer favorites in Equestrian Collection include William Yeoward Crystal, Assouline® luxury coffee table books which feature topics like Rolex and Arabian Horses, and Sferra & Fazzini linens,” says Prince, who has brought in the very same top-line linens used in-room at The Equestrian Hotel.
Among the new additions is Rooney’s Boutique, a haven for women’s fashion in Central Florida. The glam boutique curates a collection of high-end clothing and refined accessories, featuring favorite customer brands such as “…Cartier Sunglasses, MME Mink Purses, Frank & Eileen blouses, and dresses from Alexis," says Prince. Rooney's Boutique guarantees visitors and equestrians access to highquality brands previously found only in the likes of Miami and other large Florida cities.
Rounding out the new retail are John Craig Clothier and J.McLaughlin. Both pre-established brands epitomize classic threads of equestrian elegance. J.McLaughlin is a celebrated women's clothing brand whose straightforward fashion is rooted in sport and work traditions. Their lines
Glimpse INTO THE FUTURE:
A The Shoppes Off 80th
Looking ahead to 2025, World Equestrian Center – Ocala is set to unveil an exciting new outdoor retail venue: The Shoppes Off 80th. Visitors and guests can enjoy strolling through an expansive 80,000-square-foot outdoor shopping venue featuring a variety of unique storefronts, including luxury retailers such as Lugano Diamonds, Ariat International, The Debonair Collection and J. McLaughlin, all conveniently located in one place. This expansion will effectively double the property's existing retail options, offering even more to experience during your trip to the Horse Capital of the World®.
The lovely Rooney’s Boutique at The Equestrian Hotel.
Find timeless menswear at John Craig Clothier at The Equestrian Hotel.
Our priority is to create a unique and personal shopping experience [at The Equestrian Hotel] that is hyper customer-service centric. When done right, it should be a collaboration that rewards guests with new and exciting products that we’re proud to stand behind.”
effortlessly transition from stable to social hour. Meanwhile, John Craig Clothier sets the standard for timeless menswear with everything from longsleeve knits perfectly suited for post-ride comfort to impeccably crafted saddle leather belts with just a touch of equestrian charm.
The retail options at World Equestrian Center –Ocala have succeeded in knitting together a broad
range of industry-relevant shops in America’s horse capital. Ever growing, new distinctions are emerging daily, as is evident with the arrival of LeMieux Horse Ware which opened their inaugural U.S. flagship store at WEC this winter. Located in Indoor Arena 3, LeMieux’s new store marks a significant milestone for the rapidly growing equestrian brand. Visitors can find a diverse selection of technical products for both horse and rider, including blankets, saddle pads, riding apparel, socks and so much more.
Stop in during your next visit to horse country and experience first-hand fashion that’s made for the equestrian lifestyle at World Equestrian Center – Ocala.
William Yeoward Crystal displayed at the Equestrian Collection.
Luxury MME.Mink handbags at Rooney’s Boutique.
Cartier sunglasses, one of the best-selling products at Rooney’s.
Sferra luxury sheets adorn in The Equestrian Hotel’s room and suites.
Behind the Course ANDERSON
Photo: Winslow Photography
At a young age, Anderson Lima would follow his father to horse shows around the world in admiration of equestrian sport. Coming from a family with a background in show jumping, Lima learned quickly that his passion lay within the intricacies of the technical tracks he watched his father jump.
“My first connection with designing was when my dad was riding and competing. He would watch his videos from different competitions, and in my early ages, I would watch the old VHS tapes. I would draw the courses that he was jumping on napkins.”
At the age of 14, Lima worked behind-the-scenes at a farm in his hometown in Mexico that handled horse shows and got a taste of the strategy that would turn into his lifelong career.
“Working on the farm at shows for me was kind of boring, but one day, I got into the ring to help the course designer and he handed me the course plan. It was the numbers and where the jumps were going that I found really interesting.”
“After that, I would follow my dad around to different shows and help him build courses and exercises at home. I designed my first real course
when I was only 16 years old. My dad followed behind me to make sure that I was doing everything the right way! I did my first real show when I was 18. After that, I just followed the career path and it brought me to where I am today.”
His interest in show jumping sport never wavered and Lima now boasts the title of a FEI Level III course designer, having crafted some of the most esteemed tracks in the history of the equestrian industry. He is best known for his tracks at the 2003 Pan American Games, the South American Games, Spruce Meadows, the $226,000 Sapphire Grand Prix of the 2023 Devon Horse Show, and numerous FEI World Cup™ Qualifiers and Finals.
Since the opening of World Equestrian Center (WEC), Lima has brought his well-versed expertise to both facilities in Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida.
LIMA
By
Bailey beal
Right photo: Winslow Photography Bottom photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Behind theCourse
“Being able to design the courses at WEC is incredible because of the amount of material. The versatility and the options that you have to create different combinations is incredible. The jump crew is always amazing in both places. It is a game changer when you have a top team of crew to work with. It is a great experience to be a part of the course designing team at World Equestrian Center.”
Lima reflected on one of his most memorable courses at WEC – Ocala, the $200,000 MARS Equestrian Grand Prix during the finale of the 2022 Winter Spectacular Show Series.
“I was part of the team that designed the $200,000 Mars Grand Prix in 2022 with Kevin Holowack and Bobby Murphy. We built a course around the way that we wanted the decor to look. We had a particular combination that we wanted to be on the side of the pond and Bobby chose
a nice color of poles for that and all of the lines looked very different. We used the arches by the pond side by side and we integrated the waterfall. It is very interesting to be part of the team that creates those intricate courses. We tried to make the right course for the class to have great sport and great competition.”
Even with extravagancy in mind, Lima never fails to design with the welfare of horses and riders at the forefront of his plan.
“I try to make it so that the horses can get better in every class. You always design a course on the well-being of the horse and try to get the best result.”
World Equestrian Center is pleased to welcome Anderson Lima back to both facilities for the 2024 show season.
Right photo: Winslow Photography
Bottom photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
Photo: Winslow Photography
Bottom photo: Andrew Ryback Photography
with the 2023 at the in Santiago, Chile
U.S. Dressage Team U.S. Dressage Team
Pan American Games
by Jennifer Wood / Jump Media
Hear from the gold-medal-winning U.S. Dressage team – Codi Harrison riding Katholt’s Bossco, Anna Marek with Fire Fly, Christian Simonson on Son of a Lady, and Sarah Tubman and First Apple – about their preparation, travel to and experiences at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
How did you prepare for the Pan American Games?
Anna: We had time at training camp at the beautiful Five Rings Farm in Wellington to settle in and organize packing. Nothing was stressful and I think that made a huge difference in our travel.
Sarah: Traveling to South America is quite a different experience than traveling to Europe because you have to have a really detailed packing list. For example, there are certain grains and supplements you can't take, so there is a lot of preparation you have to do.
Christian: I had the incredible opportunity to spend a few days with the emerging athlete program at the United States Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs. Getting to meet with coaches from different sports was incredibly helpful when heading to the Games as I was educated on all the amazing resources one is given as a part of Team USA.
By the time we boarded the plane, it felt like we weren’t just teammates, but real friends.”
What was it like traveling with the other riders?
Codi: Traveling with the other riders made the long trek so much more enjoyable! At training camp, we really got to know one another and bonded. By the time we boarded the plane, it felt like we weren’t just teammates, but real friends.
Christian: Some of my fondest memories of being in Chile with the team were traveling to and from the venue. It gave us the time to get to know each other, as well as develop camaraderie!
Is your horse a good traveler?
Codi on Katholt’s Bossco: I am lucky that my horse, “Bossco,” is a great traveler! He is a reliable, consistent horse; nothing fazes him. His first international flight was when I bought him; he flew over from Denmark. This, however, was our first international trip together.
Christian on Son of a Lady: “Sonny” is a great traveler and has many flight miles. We always bring a small horse stuffed animal that has been with me at every competition since FEI North American Youth Championships in 2018!
Anna on Fire Fly: “Fred” is so used to his routine now. As soon as he loads into the trailer and goes to a horse show, he's like an old cow horse and he falls asleep.
Sarah on First Apple: “Apple” handles travel really well. He is an extremely picky eater, so he travels with a buffet of grain. Apple gets what Apple wants.
Left: The team of Sarah Tubman, Codi Harrison, Anna Marek and Christian Simonson brought home the gold at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.
Photo: Shannon Brinkman Photography
How did you acclimate yourself and your horse to the weather?
Codi: I think the biggest issue was how dry it was, so our team vet, Dr. Laura Faulkner, made sure our horses had proper care to get them accustomed.
Sarah: It was an eight-and-a-half-hour flight, so the flight recovery is kind of similar to when we go to Europe. I think the main thing is that it was actually quite cold. Our horses from Florida were happy, but they had blankets on and we were all in a lot of jackets.
What was it like having a team to travel and compete with?
Codi: Being able to travel and hang out with people who have the same goal in mind while also truly rooting for one another was incredible. We spent a lot of time talking about not just our competition horses but also some young or difficult ones we have at home, bouncing ideas off each other.
Anna: We watched horse videos together! Your teammates are in the same boat you're in. They have pressure on them, too. We could all relate to that and keep things light.
Sarah: It was a breath of fresh air. We all were genuinely cheering for each other. It’s like a fresh look at dressage. It's really fun to see this up-and-coming group be that positive. This is a hard sport and we're all just here trying to make it. It's nice when other people feel the same way.
Were there any different aspects to the championship than a regular internationally rated show?
Anna: It's different than riding a regular Grand Prix because you're riding a test for your teammates. My coach Anne Gribbons hammered into my brain that you can’t take many risks and need to try to have a clean ride. That’s what I was focusing on.
Sarah: Because it's a team event we have a Chef d’Equipe, who is somebody that basically keeps us all organized. We have our own coaches that go with us, but we funnel any questions through our Chef. That's different than a normal FEI event.
Codi: We normally don’t think of equestrian as a team sport, but when we are able to compete for our country, it creates more pressure but also a more fun dynamic! I think our whole team really thrived under the pressure.
Your teammates are in the same boat you're in. They have pressure on them, too. We could all relate to that and keep things light.”
What was the championship atmosphere like?
Codi: The atmosphere was inspiring. It was so cool to see so many riders from different nations. Everyone was so kind and the competition organizers went above and beyond.
Anna: It was really cool and everybody was so nice and patriotic. Christian got lots of fun Fourth of July stuff to wear while we watched each other ride.
What was it like standing on the podium with your team?
Christian: Incredibly special. Standing hand in hand with teammates who truly supported each other and were all so motivated is an experience I will never forget.
Sarah: It’s definitely a ‘pinch me’ moment. When I was a kid, I always dreamed of standing on a podium and hearing our national anthem play. It’s truly something special to do that in a team situation. You really did something for your country.
What is your fondest memory of the experience?
Codi: Obviously, getting that medal around our neck was pretty epic, but all the funny and dumb moments in between are what I think about the most: Christian spilling his coffee on Anna, TWICE, and when we did the Fruit by the Foot challenge for the US Equestrian TikTok. These are my favorite kinds of memories.
Anna (who took home the individual bronze medal): Standing on the individual medal podium with my friend Julio Mendoza Loor, who won the gold. I was cheering for him and I figured he would win. It was very special.
Standing hand in hand with teammates who truly supported each other and were all so motivated is an experience I will never forget.”
Far Left: Sarah Tubman and First Apple had previous Pan American Games experience, having won team and individual gold in 2019. Middle Left: At only 20 years old, Christian Simonson was the youngest on the team but added valuable scores with Son of a Lady. Middle Right: Hometown Ocala rider Anna Marek and Fire Fly also took home the individual bronze medal. Far Right: This was Codi Harrison’s and Katholt Bossco’s first senior championship experience.
Photos: Matt Turer/U.S. Equestrian
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HARDROCK Heartbreaker x Carthago ZIROCCO BLUE Mr. Blue x Voltaire
CARRERA Cardento x Baloubet du Rouet
HARLEY Heartbreaker x Carthago Z
AREZZO
Chin Chin x Heartbreaker
COMTHAGO Comme Il Faut x Carthago
MINDSET Aganix du Seigneur x Kannan
GRAND SLAM Cardento x Heartbreaker
GLASGOW VAN’T MERELSNEST Nabab de Rêve x Darco
SAMBUCCI DE MUZE Hunter’s Scendro x Vigo d’ Arsouilles
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