What To Do At WEF’s Saturday Night Lights

Every Saturday evening during the Winter Equestrian Festival, the stadium lights come on, the crowds come out and the jumps get bigger for the featured event of the week, Saturday Night Lights.

Saturday Night Lights competitions begin at 7 p.m., but the gates of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center open at 6 p.m., with a multitude of activities for the whole family to enjoy before the first rider enters the ring.

Some of the PBIEC staple activities include free rides on the Venetian carousel, a petting zoo, face painting and live music throughout the night. Occasionally, there are ponies on the grounds, some offering pony rides and others offering adorable photo opportunities with the kids.

There are also a variety of performers in attendance, ranging from jugglers to men on stilts to the beloved bubble man. A number of vendors keep their shops open for browsing during the evening, located around the International Ring. While exploring, spectators glancing into the ring and warm-up areas will be able to catch a glimpse of the riders walking the course, where they can evaluate the jumps and create their plan for the evening prior to mounting their horses.

After all the activities, everyone in the family is sure to be able to find something to eat with the large variety of dining options available. There are many food trucks on site, serving everything from pizza to popcorn to tacos. For those looking for a formal dining experience, White Horse Fashion Cuisine is open, and there are a number of VIP options available. VIP seating options include the Tiki Hut, the Gallery, Beachside, the International Club, the Wellington Club and Central Park.

When the trumpet sounds at 7 p.m., the first rider gallops into the arena underneath the iconic bridge to begin the competition. Saturday Night Lights features a Grand Prix competition, in which riders compete over jumps ranging in height from 1.50 to 1.60 meters, and the width can be up to 2.20 meters. The competitors are among the best in the world, and it is common to see Olympians and world champions jumping each week. The goal is to leave all the jumps up and stay within the time allowed in the first round, and riders who meet these goals return to go against the clock in round two, the jump-off.

The jump-off will have fans holding their breath as riders take risky turns and speed around a shortened course to determine the winner. When the class is getting close, the ring goes silent as the rider races around, and the crowd erupts into cheers as the timers are broken after a clean round.

The winners take to the podium for a celebratory champagne shower before mounting their horses and taking a victory lap around the arena, during which riders often toss their ribbons to lucky fans in the stands.

At the conclusion of the class, the evening continues at the Gallery with an exciting after party, which all guests over age 21 are invited to join and celebrate the evening’s victor.

For more information about Saturday Nights Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, visit www.pbiec.com.