Top Equestrian Competition Set To Return To Wellington For The 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival
With each passing year, the global reach of the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival expands, luring riders from Europe, South America and Asia to Wellington, the bustling hub for winter show jumping, hunter riding and equitation competition in the heart of South Florida.
The 12-week-long event serves as the largest and longest-running horse show in the world and features talent, both rising and veteran, throughout its duration, which will begin in 2018 on Wednesday, Jan. 10 and continue through Sunday, April 1.
The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), longstanding home venue of the Winter Equestrian Festival, is free and open to spectators from Wednesday through Sunday each week, highlighted by the Saturday Night Lights competition each Saturday evening. The most popular night of the week features top riders of the sport competing at the highest international levels. Free entertainment and activities including carousel rides, face painting and crafts, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for equestrian and non-equestrian enthusiasts alike.
Equestrian Sport Productions is once again at the management and operational helm of WEF, producing a competition unlike any other in the world, welcoming Olympians and world champions, while simultaneously providing opportunities for any level of competitor, pony level to Grand Prix.
“While WEF is a massive undertaking, we feel that each year we continue to expand interest in equestrian sport and introduce and engage new audiences,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners. “We’re looking forward to welcoming back many of the world’s top competitors to the venue this year and hope that citizens of the Palm Beach County area will come out to enjoy the season and experience horse sport at PBIEC.”
Last year, WEF saw an increase in number of participants, representing more than 35 countries and all 50 states, a testament to the quality and impact of the competition on a global scale. Riders of all ages, competing in more than 80 divisions, will descend upon the show grounds in early January to begin the winter season.
The 2017 season debuted renovated footing and riding surfaces in the major arenas, including the International Ring, the massive main stadium, used for a variety of classes, but most commonly for international FEI show jumping competitions. The growth of competition has triggered the expansion of the show grounds, and now 18 arenas provide ample competition space for the three variations of the English discipline hosted at the show: show jumping, hunter riding and equitation.
Just across Pierson Road is an additional extension of the PBIEC facility, Equestrian Village, which is home to the Van Kampen Arena, the largest covered arena in the world. Equestrian Village also boasts its massive grass Derby Field, once used for elite polo competition and now host to top show jumping and hunter competition throughout the season.
While many come to immerse themselves in the equestrian competition, there is much to do at PBIEC during the high season. Hundreds of vendors set up shop at the venue, offering everything from high-end clothing to hand-worked leather, jewelry, antiques, art, horse and rider wear, and more. Vendors are located around the grounds and can be found on Vendor Row or surrounding the exterior of the International Ring.
PBIEC also caters to night life and entertainment. The Suites in the Special Events Tent offer the perfect space for large parties to enjoy Saturday evening classes and include buffet dining and bar service. The Gallery, Central Park and the Wellington Club all host social activities and gatherings, and can be reserved for private event space, but most popularly shape into a dancing and after party atmosphere following the main class on Saturday nights.
Food and beverage options are plentiful. The Tiki Hut and Tito’s Tacos are perfect stops to grab a quick drink and a bite to eat with a group of friends, or specialty food vendors offering pizza, kettle corn, ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers and crepes can be found throughout the night.
The season will begin once again with the Battle of the Sexes, now an intense tradition to kick off the WEF season, on Saturday, Jan. 13. The evening pits top female riders against top male riders to see who will reign supreme. The ladies have topped the competition for years and always have the crowd’s support.
The Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, which has raised more than $10 million for more than 200 charities in Palm Beach County since its inception, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3 with an exciting pro-am relay race under the lights. It will be themed after notable feature films this year.
The Nations’ Cup CSIO 4* will be held Friday, March 2, as nations compete on teams against each other in a unique and exciting format.
The venue will once again play host to four elite CSI 5* competitions, the highest designation of international show jumping competition anywhere in the world, offering major prize purses for the winner. Only the best of the best are able to qualify for these impressive competitions, which will be hosted this year on Feb. 12, Feb. 14, March 10 and conclude with the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix on March 31.
Join in on the fun this season at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. To learn more, call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.pbiec.com.
PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL
EQUESTRIAN CENTER
2018 Winter Equestrian Festival Weekly Schedule
WEF 1: January 10-14 USEF Premier and Jumper Rated 6, $75,000 Battle of the Sexes (Saturday, Jan. 13)
WEF 2: January 17-21 CSI 2* and USEF Premier
WEF 3: January 24-28 CSI 3* and USEF Premier
WEF 4: January 31 – February 4 CSI 4* and USEF Premier Hunters, Wellington Eventing Showcase,
Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments (Saturday, Feb. 3)
WEF 5: February 7-11 CSI 5*/CSI 2* and USEF Premier Hunters
WEF 6: February 14-18 CSI 3* and USEF Premier Hunters
USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill Hunter Spectacular (Saturday, Feb. 17)
WEF 7: February 21-25 CSI 5*/CSI 2* and USEF Premier Hunters
WEF 8: February 28 – March 3 CSIO 4* and USEF Premier Hunters
WEF 9: March 7-11 CSI 5*/CSI 2* and USEF Premier Hunters
WEF 10: March 14-18 CSI 3* and USEF Premier Hunters
WEF 11: March 21-25 CSI 4* AND USEF Premier Hunters
WEF 12: March 28 – April 1 CSI 5*/CSI 2* and USEF Premier Hunters
500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* (Saturday, March 31)
Tentative schedule, subject to change. Sponsors listed at time of print.
The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
3400 Equestrian Club Drive Wellington, FL 33414.
For more information, visit www.pbiec.com or call (561) 793-5867.
