Who Owns World Equestrian Center? McCain Family Revealed

By Sarah Miller · November 25, 2028

The World Equestrian Center is owned by Mark and Cindy McCain, prominent figures in the equestrian community who acquired the property in the early 2010s and transformed it into one of the largest and most advanced indoor equestrian facilities in the United States.

Overview of the World Equestrian Center

The World Equestrian Center (WEC) stands as a premier destination for equestrian sports in North America. With state-of-the-art indoor arenas, luxury accommodations, and year-round competition schedules, WEC has redefined what a modern equestrian facility can offer. Its ownership structure has been central to its rapid growth and professional management.

What Makes WEC Unique?

Two massive climate-controlled indoor arenas
Over 2,500 permanent stalls across multiple locations
Hosts national and international-level events
Family-friendly amenities including dining and lodging
Year-round show schedule minimizing weather disruptions

Ownership Background: The McCain Family

Mark and Cindy McCain are the principal owners of the World Equestrian Center. Their vision was to create a world-class equestrian complex that supports riders at all levels—from youth competitors to elite professionals.

How Did the McCains Acquire WEC?

The McCain family purchased the original Ocala, Florida facility in 2013. Recognizing the demand for high-quality indoor equestrian venues, they invested heavily in infrastructure, expanding the site significantly. In 2020, they opened a second major location in Wilmington, Ohio, doubling WEC’s national footprint.

Business Model and Expansion Strategy

The McCains operate WEC through a privately held company focused on long-term sustainability and innovation in equestrian sports. Revenue streams include event hosting, stall leasing, hospitality services, and venue rentals. Their strategy emphasizes accessibility, technology integration, and customer experience.

Facility Locations and Capabilities

WEC operates two flagship locations:

WEC Ocala, FL: Opened in 2014, serves as a winter competition hub.
WEC Wilmington, OH: Launched in 2020, provides Midwest access with similar scale and amenities.

Both centers feature grand prix-sized indoor arenas, extensive stabling, veterinary support, and spectator seating, making them ideal for FEI-sanctioned events.

Feature	Ocala, FL	Wilmington, OH
Indoor Arena Size	300' x 170'	300' x 170'
Total Permanent Stalls	1,200	1,300
Arena Height	65 feet clear span	65 feet clear span
Annual Events Hosted	18+	15+
Opening Year	2014	2020
Peak Attendance (per event)	5,000+	4,500+

Table data source:World Equestrian Center Official Site, HorseBack Magazine

The data highlights the near parity in design and capacity between the two WEC locations, reflecting a standardized, scalable model. This consistency ensures riders enjoy the same high-caliber experience regardless of region. The investment in large indoor spaces allows uninterrupted competition even during extreme weather.

Impact on the Equestrian Community

Under the McCain family's ownership, WEC has elevated competitive standards and increased visibility for equestrian sports in the U.S. The centers attract top-tier talent and provide consistent qualifying opportunities for national championships.

Economic and Social Contributions

Generates millions in annual economic impact for local communities
Supports hundreds of jobs directly and indirectly
Promotes youth engagement in horse sports
Partners with charities and educational programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Owns the World Equestrian Center

Who currently owns the World Equestrian Center?

Mark and Cindy McCain are the current owners of the World Equestrian Center. They acquired the Ocala, Florida property in 2013 and have since expanded operations to include a second major facility in Wilmington, Ohio.

Did the McCains build WEC from scratch?

No, the McCains did not build WEC from the ground up. They purchased an existing equestrian facility in Ocala and completely redeveloped it into the modern complex seen today. The Wilmington location was newly constructed under their ownership and opened in 2020.

Are the World Equestrian Center and Equestrian Show Group related?

Yes, the Equestrian Show Group (ESG) manages many events held at WEC venues. While ESG operates independently, it maintains a close operational relationship with WEC due to shared scheduling and logistics, though ownership remains separate.

Is WEC part of a larger corporate entity?

WEC operates under private ownership by the McCain family and is not publicly traded or affiliated with any multinational corporation. It functions through dedicated management teams at each location while strategic decisions come from the owning family.

Do the owners compete in equestrian events themselves?

While Mark and Cindy McCain are passionate supporters of equestrian sport, they are primarily known as investors and facilitators rather than competitive riders. Their contribution lies in creating infrastructure that enables others to train and compete at the highest levels.