This June, the Wicomico Equestrian Center will celebrate its 10-year dedication.
_S. Phillips

In 1992 a group of dedicated horse people teamed up to find a place where local horsemen could gather to enjoy their sport.  After many months of searching, the County of Wicomico offered the remaining horse facilities of Winter Place Farm to the group of dedicated equestrians to meet their purposes.  On June 25, 1993 the Wicomico Equestrian Center was dedicated and a vision brought to light.

     Situated on 17 acres of land in Winter Place Park, the Wicomico Equestrian Centers main barn offers 34 stalls furnished with knotty pine walls and rubber flooring.  Three large rings, one of which is sand, complete with jumps and dressage fencing.  Ten years ago, volunteers redid fence lines, pulled up trees, planted trees and planned for the parking of numerous horse trailers. 

     Today the Wicomico Equestrian Center opens its doors to horse people from all over.  Local equestrian events draw from a large demographical area and offer a variety of disciplines.  WEC, rents it’s facility to groups who wish to have an equestrian event as well as sponsors it’s own array of horse activities. 

     This years currently scheduled events sponsored by the Wicomico Equestrian Center include:

   Dressage at Winter Place, May 4
   The Salisbury Horse Show, May 17
   WEC 10^th Anniversary Horse Show I, June 21
   WEC 10^th Anniversary Horse Show II, June 22
   The Walston Horse and Pony Show, July 19
   Medal Finals, August 23

 Many people take for granted that the WEC is funded and run by Wicomico County. Actually many dedicated volunteers and one full time maintenance person maintain the facility. The WEC is operated on a strict budget and relies on income from the sponsored events and through memberships to maintain it’s yearly goals. The good news is that memberships are up 50% from last year.

    What do you get with your membership to the WEC?

*The use of the riding rings on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.  Thursdays are not available on weeks that an event is scheduled at the facility for the weekend, to allow enough time for show preparation.

*You receive an additional10% off your purchases at Chesapeake Saddlery.

* Discounted grounds fees at equestrian events held at WEC.

*Eligibility for annual Equitation awards for events held at the WEC, and a quarterly newsletter.

*Pride that you are helping to preserve a facility that will provide the continued enjoyment of equestrian sports for our children in years to come. 

    Of course there are others things you can do to help the equestrian center.  Donate your time, just to help with small jobs, donate old jumps or jump standards you no longer use. Cleaning out the barn or garage?  How about donating that extra can of paint from when you last painted the barn. It’s always appreciated to keep the jumps looking nice.  Next time you are in the Home Depot or Lowe’s, pick up a gift card for the WEC, even a small donation will be put to good use and is always appreciated.

     What’s in the future for the WEC?  The Equestrian Center has had great success with it’s Horse Flea Market this past sping and plans to hold another Flea Market in the spring of 2004.  It’s the perfect time to clean out the tack room and make some money.  Horse gear is not the only items you will find at the flea market.  You can rent a stall for the day and even sell your lawn chair or bedroom slippers.  Local tack businesses participate and it’s a great atmosphere to spend time with other horse people.

  Also, WEC will be raffling off a Golf cart!
Just picture yourself riding around in it at the shows!
Tickets will be available from any board member to be given
away later this fall!

  Remember without funding from the public and volunteers, the Wicomico Equestrian Center would not exist.  The next time you enjoy an event at the WEC, take a moment to look around at the beautiful, well-manicured grounds and everything that has been accomplished in the last 10 years. 
Think about it’s future, and how you can be a part.
Wicomico Equestrian Center 410-742-2952.