Orange Blossom Classic: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Featured Class Highlights
Photos by Shane Rux Photography, courtesy of WEC-Ocala.
Ocala, FL – Quarter Horse competition is back at World Equestrian Center – Ocala (WEC) with two full weeks of sport, featuring the Orange Blossom Classic (April 8–12) and A Sudden Impulse (April 14–18). The Orange Blossom Classic kicked off Wednesday with two featured classes, including the $15,000 NSBA 4-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Maiden Trail and the $6,000 NSBA Maturity Open & Intermediate Hunter Under Saddle.
$15,000 NSBA 4-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Maiden Trail
Sixteen top trail horse-and-rider combinations took to UF Health Indoor Arena 2 on Wednesday evening for the day’s highlight event, the $15,000 NSBA 4-Year-Old & Over Open & Limited Maiden Trail. In the end, it was Blake Weis who returned to the winner’s circle, guiding Meaghan Pye’s Hoop Here She Is to a winning trail debut.
Blake Weis & Hoop Here She Is. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
A familiar face at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, Weis found success on the same grounds last year, capturing the $100,000 NSBA Senior Trail during the 2025 Championship Show. He picked up right where he left off, piloting the flashy 2022 mare by Nothin But Nett x HereIComAgain to a score of 238.5.
“This is ‘Tru,’ she is owned by Meg Pye. This is actually the first time I’ve shown her in trail, and she caught on great to it,” he said. “She did a snort, which we do every day, so it’s perfect,” he added with a laugh. “We got her from the Searles back in November, and Meg just recently purchased her.”
In the pen, Hoop Here She Is proved a natural. “She does everything so well. She’s very quick with her feet, and she has a great expression. She also has a great rhythm throughout, and the way she puts things together is so smart.”
Weis, who “loves this place,” now has his sights set on the upcoming $142,000 NSBA All-Age Open Trail Finals, which will feature the first-ever $100,000 winner’s payout. “It’s so unbelievable to have that type of money offered. It’s truly once in a lifetime. It’s such an amazing thing, and I am so grateful that this show is supporting us.”
Hannah Lind & WasThereEverADoubt. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
Hannah Lind took home the Limited title aboard Lily Anderson’s 2021 gelding, WasThereEverADoubt (No Doubt Im Lazy x Ill Be A RV Machine), earning a score of 228.5.
$6,000 NSBA Maturity Open & Intermediate Hunter Under Saddle
Wednesday’s spotlight began with the $6,000 NSBA Maturity Open & Intermediate Hunter Under Saddle, where twelve horse-and-rider combinations took to the rail. It was Beth Case of Pilot Point, Texas, who piloted Daisy Mendez-Pompei’s Always GoodToBe Best to the win.
Beth Case & Always GoodToBe Best. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
The 2019 gelding by Good Better Best x One Hot Katwoman is new to Case. “I just got him. We actually bought him at this show last year for his owner, Daisy,” she expressed. “I really like him. He was incredible before, and won a bunch, but he just continues to get better and better.”
Case also believes he thrives in the pen, “He shows very well. He loves it, and he goes in there and knows what to do. He’s just an incredible horse.”
Making the trip from Pilot Point, Texas, is no small journey, but Case feels it’s well worth it. “There are so many things to love about this place. For example, when it rains, we can move indoors. Everything is great. The stalls are great, the footing, it’s all so nice. We are so happy to be here.”
Jesse Jones & All Silver Linings. Photo by Shane Rux Photography.
Jesse Jones also found success, earning the NSBA Maturity Intermediate Open Hunter Under Saddle victory. Riding Kim and Tim Lindsey’s 2018 gelding All Silver Linings (Allocate Your Assets x A Walk In The Sky), Jones claimed the Intermediate title and placed second in the NSBA Open class.
The Orange Blossom Classic continues through Sunday, April 12, followed by A Sudden Impulse beginning Tuesday, April 14 and running through Saturday, April 18. Spectators are welcome to enjoy competition throughout both weeks.
Featured highlights under the lights of the WEC Grand Arena include the $50,000 Marsh McLennan Agency NSBA All-Age Non-Pro & Limited Non-Pro Trail on Saturday, April 11 at 7pm, and the $142,000 NSBA All-Age Open Trail Finals on Friday, April 17 at 7pm, featuring the first-ever $100,000 winner’s payout.
There is no charge for admission or parking. *Times are subject to change.
Learn more about the Orange Blossom Classic & A Sudden Impulse here.
Photos by Shane Rux Photography, courtesy of WEC-Ocala.
