Special events such as the Saturday Night Lights series at the Winter Equestrian Festival are what South Florida locals have come to know and enjoy at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Many may not know, however, that the facility is open for spectators to experience every Wednesday through Sunday during the winter circuit.
The 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival will welcome the world’s best horses and riders once again to the show grounds in Wellington from Wednesday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, April 2. Managed by Equestrian Sport Productions, the 12-week circuit hosts international, Olympic-level show jumping every week, along with divisions for every level of horse and rider, from walk trot to grand prix.
“Every year, we try to find ways to make the competitor and spectator experience better at PBIEC,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions. “We expect to see more of the best show jumping competition in the world, and we want everyone in Palm Beach County and local areas to be able to enjoy their time here.”
WEF is the largest and longest-running circuit in equestrian sports, with riders from 33 countries and all 50 U.S. states represented. The 12-week series hosts the nation’s premier events for children, juniors, adults and amateurs, as well as for riders ages 2 to 70 in more than 70 unique divisions of competition taking place in 18 competition arenas, including the largest covered arena in the world. More than 6,500 horses will compete during the 12 weeks.
Saturday Night Lights takes place every week in the International Arena, the main competition ring at PBIEC. It is surrounded on two sides by general admission seating that is open and free to the public.
Along one side of the ring is the Special Events Pavilion, where suites are available for purchase by groups of up to 22 people. The suites offer the perfect way to enjoy the horse show with family and friends while partaking in a delicious buffet dinner and bar. Sipping wine or a cocktail in your private booth is an amazing way to enjoy the WEF experience.
Families are always welcome at PBIEC. Kids can come out anytime to see the horses, and on Saturday nights there is a kids’ fair, which features the iconic Venetian carousel, bounce houses, face painting, magicians, a petting zoo and more. A variety of food vendors, including pizza, tacos, kettle corn, crepes and more, are also available. Those making it a night out without kids can enjoy margaritas from Tito’s Tacos or beer at the Tiki Hut.
The Gallery Night Club is a stylish modern lounge that’s open to the public every Saturday night with table seating and VIP bottle service available. The club features great DJs and dancing following every Saturday Night Lights competition.
Shopping during the days or on Saturday nights is a great opportunity to find the perfect gift. The vendor boutiques offer fashions for men, women and children, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more. The showgrounds also offers the WEF Boutique, located on the South Bridge deck overlooking the International Arena, and in Vendor Village. There, visitors can find signature WEF clothing, posters or souvenirs.
The popular Lunch & Tour is available for groups that want to see behind the scenes at the world-renowned equestrian competition. Visit vendors, tour the stables and see the various venues that PBIEC has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group. The tour is both exciting and informative, and offers a chance to catch a glimpse of many of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games riders, who will be on the grounds practicing and competing.
Starting out the season with a bang will be the popular Battle of the Sexes competition. Even people who don’t know horse sports can cheer on the women versus the men in team competition on Saturday, Jan. 15. Be sure to wear pink or blue to show your support!
As the preeminent equestrian competition in the United States, WEF hosts four weeks of the highest-level shows in the world, called CSI 5* or “five-star” competitions. Only the best of the best qualify for 5* Saturday night grand prix classes, which will be held this year on Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11 and March 25. The prestigious $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* will be held on Saturday, March 25.
Those who want to cheer on the U.S. team will have their chance on Friday, March 3, when the FEI Nations Cup is staged. Teams of four riders from countries including Canada, Ireland, Mexico and Colombia will go up against the U.S. to see whose flag is raised as the victor.
The Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, an exciting pro-am show jumping event, will be held for the eighth year on Saturday, Feb. 4. The event has raised more than $9.2 million for more than 200 Palm Beach County charities over the past seven years, becoming the largest single-day net charitable event in the State of Florida. This year’s theme is “Animated Movies,” encouraging spectators to dress up and come cheer on teams and their favorite charities.
Equestrian Sport Productions has made significant upgrades this year to the footing in the competition arenas, including an improved drainage system and a complete installation of the newest technology in footing material.
“We want to ensure that this facility and its surrounding amenities continue to match the caliber of riders we host during the Winter Equestrian Festival season,” Bellissimo said.
Come join the fun and excitement at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this season. To learn more, call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.pbiec.com.
