There’s Plenty To Do At The Winter Equestrian Festival This Season
The Winter Equestrian Festival is the largest and longest-running circuit in the horse sport industry. The 12-week schedule offers a variety of competition for all ages and experience levels in the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions.
Beginning in January and concluding in April, WEF sees riders from more than 40 countries and all 50 U.S. states, competing for nearly $10 million in prize money. Simply put, there is a reason that it has been named the world’s premier winter equestrian event.
But WEF is not just an exceptional competition hub. It also provides many activities outside of the show ring throughout its 12 weeks.
From shopping and casual dining, to exhilarating entertainment and educational opportunities, WEF offers a unique experience for all those who come to visit.
Looking to purchase a new outfit for your night out on the town? Hoping to find the perfect birthday present for your non-equestrian boyfriend? Maybe you just need a new pair of boot socks. Whatever you are searching for, you’ll find it within the WEF shopping boutiques. More than 100 vendors occupy the show grounds each week, offering a wide variety of products, styles and sizes, spread across several locations at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.
Vendor Village hosts the majority of vendors in the center of the grounds. Be sure to also check out the boutiques located by the International Arena. Both areas have shopping that caters to equestrian and non-equestrian needs and range from luxury products to inexpensive merchandise. For those looking to commemorate their visit to the show grounds, the WEF Boutique offers clothing, posters and souvenirs with the popular WEF logo.
In addition to a multitude of shopping opportunities, WEF also has an abundance of food and drink options. If you are searching for a quick bite during the day, visit one of the on-site vendors offering everything from burgers and fries to salads and wraps.
A few fan favorites include Tito’s Tacos, a Mexican-style eatery with tacos, burritos, chips and salsa, and of course, margaritas. Another is the popular Oasis Café, located in Vendor Village. Oasis Café offers an assortment of fresh and light meals that can be ordered on-site or ahead of time by phone.
Guests can also sit down at the Tiki Hut to eat a delicious meal while overlooking competition in the International Arena. The Tiki Hut menu includes a variety of burgers and sandwiches, customized salads, grilled chicken and fish, and more. If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, try out the White Horse Fashion Cuisine restaurant. Located by the main entrance to the show grounds, White Horse provides the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and refreshing dinner with a wide range of food and drink choices.
No matter what type of food you are craving, there is something for everyone at WEF.
Of course, the main attraction at WEF is the high level of show jumping competition. And there is no better night to witness this exhilarating entertainment than on Saturday night. The Saturday Night Lights attraction has become a favorite for both competitors and spectators.
Beyond watching the best riders in the world, there are many activities for the whole family to enjoy. Pony rides, petting zoos and stilt-walkers are just a few of the many things you’ll see when you walk through the front gates at WEF on Saturday night, and it is all free to the general public.
But Saturday Night Lights is not just for the kids. Adults can have fun at one of the many bars located around the International Arena both during and after the Grand Prix. If you can only attend WEF one day a week, Saturday is the best choice.
Outside of the ring, the Winter Equestrian Festival continues to offer several learning experiences and activities. Come take a tour of the world-renowned facility followed by a catered lunch. Explore all 12 of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition and stroll through Vendor Village.
Maybe you would like to forgo the tour and participate in one of the Lunch & Learn events. Hosted weekly during WEF, the Lunch & Learn series provides educational platforms for horse enthusiasts to expand their knowledge on a variety of equine-related topics, including management and maintenance, horsemanship and care, as well as emerging technologies and treatment methods available in the equine veterinary industry. Admission is free for riders, trainers and owners, so come check it out while you are in town.
Whether staying for the entire 12 weeks of competition, or just passing through for a few days, there is plenty to do at the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival. You can witness the world’s best riders compete daily, dine at a variety of restaurants, shop until you drop, entertain the kids, enjoy an adults-only night out and learn more about various equine topics — all within the show grounds property.
For more information about the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, visit www.pbiec.com.
