The U.S. Equestrian Federation announced today, Feb. 23, that the organization has reached an agreement with the World Equestrian Center to run USEF-licensed shows.

“WEC will be conducting dressage and hunter/jumper competitions at their facilities in Wilmington, Ohio, and Ocala, Florida, beginning in March 2022, pending execution of finalized license agreements,” stated the press release.

The WEC facilities have been operating hunter/jumper competitions under the auspices of the National Snaffle Bit Association since early last year.

“As previously announced, all applications submitted by organizers for competition dates in Florida for the first trimester of the 2023 calendar, including any submitted by WEC, will be reviewed in accordance with the resolution recently adopted by the USEF Board of Directors,” the USEF’s release continued. “USEF is committed to providing the best competition options for USEF members where safety, fairness and enjoyment are paramount. USEF appreciates the work of all organizers to offer quality events that meet the needs of our diverse membership to ensure they have sufficient opportunities to develop the skills of our equine and human athletes. We are committed to bringing the joy of horse sports to as many people as possible.”

In its own press release, WEC announced that its first USEF-sanctioned event in Wilmington will take place March 2-6. The remainder of that facility’s winter events, through April 10, will also be sanctioned by USEF.  WEC Ocala’s competitions will start under USEF sanctioning in June.

“After much discussion between the organizations, both parties agree that working together is in the best interest of the sport and will provide exhibitors with a safe and level playing field at both venues,” stated WEC’s press release. “In addition, the move aims to provide WEC customers with access to the best facilities and the ability to earn points for both invitational events, indoors and year-end points-based awards supported by the USEF.”

Editor’s note: This article was updated Feb. 24 to add the statement from WEC.