Winter In Wellington With Old Salem Farm

Story by Lindsay Brock • Photos by Jump Media

When snow flies in the Northeast, many show jumping barns begin a pilgrimage south. One of those barns, Old Salem Farm based in North Salem, N.Y., leaves winter behind each year and moves to the ideal training and competition conditions found in Wellington.

Led by top trainer Frank Madden and assistant trainer Stella Manship, Old Salem Farm brings riders of varying levels to Wellington each year to compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival and to enjoy a “winter in Wellington.”

While sunshine and palm trees are better for riding than a New York winter, and make for ideal working conditions for Madden, Old Salem Farm riders also view Wellington as a land of opportunity.

“WEF offers so much, from leadline all the way up to five-star grand prix and everything in between,” Madden said. “I feel that you can get six to nine months’ worth of training for horses and riders in a three-month span of time. When we are done, we come home with much more seasoned horses and riders.”

The Old Salem Farm team will be made up of riders competing in a broad span of divisions, including junior jumpers, equitation, adult jumpers and hunters, and high amateur jumpers, according to Madden.

“This year we have some new horse-and-rider combinations, and I am most looking forward to seeing how those work out,” said Madden, who also puts his judging expertise to use at WEF during the season.

One rider who will be piloting two new mounts, 16-year-old Klee Hellerman, will also be making her first-ever winter trip to the horse haven that is Wellington after having previously competed for the past two years in Ocala.

Hailing from New Haven, Conn., Hellerman has been riding at Old Salem Farm for nearly two years and splits her time in the saddle with her responsibilities as a junior at Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Conn.

Catching a Wednesday afternoon flight each week with her textbooks and assignments in tow, Hellerman has devised a plan to stay on top of her studies while seeking success in the show ring. “It’s all about being organized and having constant contact with your teachers,” she said.

While this winter marks her first season in Wellington, Hellerman is looking forward to traveling with her fellow Old Salem Farm riders and trainers. “I love the organization and the community at Old Salem Farm,” she said. “I am excited about having one week of shows right after the other for three months. Both my horses are new, so it is an opportunity to get to know them and start being competitive with them in the equitation and junior jumper divisions.”

As Hellerman dips her toes into the Wellington community, Old Salem Farm rider Tegan Treacy, 20, of Needham, Mass., is returning to familiar territory. She joined Old Salem Farm while competing at WEF in 2013 and has called Wellington her winter home since her early teens as a junior rider. Treacy is a sophomore at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and has “winter in Wellington” down to a science.

“I try to be in Wellington for eight or nine weeks during the winter and fly down after my classes on Thursday, and return on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning,” she said. “One year I stayed at school for four weeks straight, and it was actually more difficult to be out of my travel routine. That schedule makes it easier for me to focus on school while I am in Durham and focus on the horses when I am in Wellington.”

Treacy is a regular top finisher in high and low amateur-owner jumper competition, but hopes to use the 2017 WEF season to move into the Under 25 ranks. The Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series was developed as a bridge to the international level of grand prix competition, allowing up-and-coming riders the opportunity to gain experience competing against their peers. “There are so many opportunities to show in Wellington,” Treacy said. “The circuit runs for 12 consecutive weeks and is very competitive with large classes, good footing and beautiful show grounds.”

At home just one hour north of New York City, Old Salem Farm is the site of its own renowned training program, as well as 26 weeks of horse shows from local and regional events to the highest level of international show jumping competition. But for three months, riders like Hellerman and Treacy, under the tutelage of trainers such as Madden and Manship, make up a small piece of Wellington’s booming horse show community that draws from all corners of North America and beyond during the winter months.

“There’s no better environment for competition or training, and we consider ourselves lucky to be able to call Wellington home during the winter,” Madden said. “Myself and my riders love our facilities at Old Salem Farm in New York, but if you have to escape the weather, Wellington is the place to be.”

Old Salem Farm is one of the top equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group. Host of the FEI 2* and 3* Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4* and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena and two all-weather footing rings.

For more information about Old Salem Farm, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call (914) 669-5610.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Expands Surgical And Diagnostic Offerings In Wellington

By Sarah Harper

South Florida horse owners now have a new, innovative veterinary option right around the corner with the enhanced veterinary services offered by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Wellington.

Rood & Riddle, founded in Lexington, Ky., is a world-renowned equine hospital known for highly advanced diagnostics and skilled veterinary experts who provide exceptional treatment for world-class show and race horses. The company recently expanded its veterinary services into Wellington by purchasing an equine hospital and adjacent property on South Shore Blvd.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital’s primary focus will be to offer referral support to local veterinarians. However, clients also have the opportunity to schedule elective surgeries, a wide range of diagnostic imaging services, as well as internal medicine, neurology and podiatry consultations.

The expertise provided by Rood & Riddle specialists, combined with cutting-edge diagnostic technology, will offer horse owners and veterinarians the ability to provide the highest level of health care for their equine patients.

“Rood & Riddle is pleased to expand its local practice and dedicated hospital presence in Florida. The world knows that the Village of Wellington is a major center for sport horse activities in North America,” Rood & Riddle CEO Bill Rood said. “Our mission has always been to provide the best care for our clients and patients wherever they are. The addition of this property allows our practice to better serve our many clients who compete in Florida every year, both in sport-horse activities and racing.”

In recent years, Florida has experienced an unmatched increase in the sport-horse disciplines while continuing to maintain a strong racehorse community. This growth trend solidified Rood & Riddle’s decision to establish a permanent Florida presence.

In addition to year-round surgical services, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital also will provide a team of veterinarians offering expertise in areas such as sport horse health care, neurology and podiatry to provide outstanding service for its clients.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is working to update and upgrade the facility with a newly expanded surgical center, which includes an additional surgery suite, induction and recovery stall, transfer area, client viewing area and a treatment room. All the amenities of the new facility, including stalls, will be climate-controlled and continuously staffed. The new facility is on target to be completed during the early months of 2017. This renovation will provide an advanced level of diagnostic and surgical options for the South Florida equine community.

Veterinarian Dr. Jose Bras will lead the surgical team. Bras, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, completed his veterinary training at the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, followed by an in-hospital internship at Rood & Riddle and then the completion of a surgical residency and master’s degree in biomedical science at Kansas State University. He joined the Rood & Riddle team as an associate in 2015, working in both the ambulatory and surgery departments.

“We are excited to debut the new hospital, which shows our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of horses in Florida,” Bras said. “I am looking forward to living in Wellington and becoming a part of the local community.”

Veterinarian Dr. Scott Pierce, a shareholder and 30-year veteran of Rood & Riddle, will oversee the Wellington facility, supported by not only Bras but also veterinary surgeon Dr. Jennifer Jordan, veterinarian Dr. Ashley Embly and his son, Dr. Riley Pierce, also a veterinarian. “We are thrilled to expand our services in Wellington on a year-round basis,” Pierce said. “Working with our global clients competing in Florida ensures our ability to keep their equine athletes at peak condition and is a win-win for everyone.”

Clients will also be able to schedule internal medicine and neurology consultations with Dr. Steve Reed, one of the foremost experts on equine neurology in the United States. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, and in 2008 was chosen to deliver the Frank J. Milne lecture at the annual meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, a singular honor given to a leader in equine veterinary medicine.

Scheduled specialty services will also be available from veterinary podiatrists Dr. Scott Morrison and Dr. Raul Bras. Additionally, surgeon Dr. Rolf Embertson will occasionally visit to perform surgical procedures jointly with Bras. The entire experienced team of veterinarians and technicians are eager to bring Rood & Riddle’s world-class, reputable veterinary care to the competitive equestrian and racing communities in South Florida.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is located at 5320 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 383-5437 or visit www.roodandriddle.com.

Celebrate Saturday Night Lights At The Winter Equestrian Festival

Every Saturday night at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, members of the local community are invited to attend the Saturday Night Lights events at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

The 12-week WEF circuit features top horses and riders from around the world competing five days a week at PBIEC, with the best of the best contesting the most challenging obstacles each Saturday night under the lights in the International Arena.

Complementing each week’s action-packed competition, Saturday Night Lights features live music, a variety of performers, shopping, dining and more. Every Saturday night through April 1, PBIEC is the place to be in Wellington.

Equestrian Sport Productions, the management company that produces the Winter Equestrian Festival, welcomes all Wellington-area residents to come and experience the nightlife and thrilling sport. Always family-friendly, Saturday Night Lights features a kids’ fair with a Venetian carousel, bounce houses, face painting, pony rides, magicians, a petting zoo and more.

Prior to the start of competition, each week features members of a different Wellington school showcasing their talents, from singing to dancing, as well as a performance of the national anthem. Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, who is just wrapping up six years as president of the Binks Forest Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association, enjoys how WEF has brought the community together through Saturday Night Lights.

“I think it has been fabulous to bring the children and their families out to the horse show,” Siskind said. “The Saturday night events really engage the schools and the whole community. I think there were a lot of people who had lived in Wellington their whole lives and never gone out to the showgrounds because they thought they had to be a rider or be involved in the sport.”

She thanked the horse show promoters for working to really engage the whole community. “We have this wonderful facility right in our back yard, and a lot of people started going out there more often,” Siskind noted. “[A Saturday night event] is a really great way for the schools to fundraise and showcase the students and their talents, and it is great for other people who attend these events regularly and are able to see how great the Wellington schools are and what they have to offer. I think it is a win-win event for everyone.”

In addition to her involvement through the school, Siskind’s daughter rides and shows at WEF and trains at the Palm Beach Riding Academy, which is based at PBIEC. They look forward to another successful WEF season.

Also part of the pre-competition fun and community involvement each Saturday night, local dog rescues are given the opportunity to set up at the entrance to the show grounds, where everyone can meet the adorable pups that they have up for adoption. The dogs and their handlers then parade around the arena for the entire crowd to see with hopes of finding those and other dogs their forever homes.

Another fantastic initiative designed to engage the Wellington community is this year’s new Animated Ringside Chalk Art Festival, honoring young talent and Palm Beach County philanthropy, on Saturday, Feb. 4, as part of the festivities for the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments. Each Wellington school will be provided with a 4-foot by 6-foot giant chalkboard, along with pastel chalk supplies. The theme of the night is “Animated Characters for Philanthropy.”

Students and their art teachers will have from 2 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 to bring their creations to life on the PBIEC grounds. Awards for Most Original, Most Inspiring, Best Representation of the Theme and Best Overall will be awarded that evening. Each school’s art department is guaranteed a minimum of a $1,000 donation for taking part in this initiative.

While Saturday nights at WEF offer lots of fun activities for children and their families, the nightlife is also not to be missed for guests 21 and over. Those making it a night out without kids can enjoy margaritas from Tito’s Tacos or beer and other cocktails at the Tiki Hut.

The Gallery Night Club at PBIEC also offers a stylish modern lounge that is 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.

Put Saturday Night Lights at WEF on your to-do list this winter. General admission is free, and parking is $20 per car. Find a full schedule and more information at www.pbiec.com.

The Torano Family: United By Horses And At Home In Wellington

By Lauren Fisher

The husband-and-wife team of Jimmy and Danielle Torano has been a staple of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the South Florida equestrian scene for decades.

Jimmy grew up in Miami, riding with his mother as a child and competing in the hunter/jumper ranks as a junior with top trainer Don Stewart. At the age of 18, he turned professional and began working as a rider and trainer at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club.

Several years later, Jimmy met Danielle Laurenzo when she came to train at the facility in her final junior year. Danielle started at a young age as well, riding with Leslie (Burr) Howard, before meeting Jimmy in 1990. While Jimmy was training Danielle, the pair also began dating. They became engaged in 1993 and married in 1995.

During this time, Jimmy decided to start his own business, and JET Show Stables found its home base at Danielle’s family farm in Fort Lauderdale. Jimmy and Danielle have since ridden at the Winter Equestrian Festival every season, making the commute from Fort Lauderdale for years, until recently moving to a new facility here in Wellington.

That makes the busy show days much easier, which is now a necessity as the couple also has two children who keep them constantly on the go.

In 2006, daughter Natalia was born, and in 2010, Jimmy Jr., or “JJ,” followed. Each child sat on the back of a pony before they could even walk, competing in the leadline division at WEF as babies, and developing an immediate love of the family sport. Now 10 years old, Natalia is showing this year in the Children’s Ponies, while JJ, at 6, hopes to move up to the Short Stirrup.

The Torano family lives right down the street from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington’s Equestrian Club. This December, the Toranos celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary, and the couple heads into the 2017 show season with the whole family ready to compete.

“It is so convenient when everything is right here,” Danielle said of the kids growing up at WEF. “They look forward to going to the show, and even when they are not riding, they like being around and hanging out with their friends. This is a huge part of our life, and we are thankful that it is right near our home.”

The winter season is always a busy time for the family.

“I think it is busier than it has ever been in recent years,” Danielle said. “We always look forward to the WEF circuit. At one point we did not do customers; we just had sale horses, so that was a big deal to have horses ready at that time of the year so that people could look at them. Now we do both the sale horses and customers, so WEF is definitely a focal point of our year.”

Jimmy agreed.

“Now that we have a farm here in Wellington, showing at WEF is way more convenient. We are already bursting at the seams with horses. Every day we get calls. We have a lot of new clients and new horses,” he said. “I am riding some outside horses; Danielle and I are both doing the grand prix events; and now the kids are riding, so it is going to be a very busy winter for us. I have been helping the kids at home, and I try to come and watch them and be supportive when they are showing. It is fun having them ride; they seem to be enjoying it.”

A typical day for the Torano family in Wellington is always on the move. During the week, Jimmy is at the showgrounds Tuesday through Sunday, “pretty much sunrise to sunset,” Danielle said. The busy mom is in and out during the week. She rides in the morning and shows during the day, but always tries to be done in time to pick the kids up from school. She then spends the evenings running them around to different activities, and when Jimmy is done for the day, he joins in on the fun.

“The kids are involved in so many things, so they keep us on the move,” Danielle said. “My son plays baseball and basketball, and my daughter does ice skating and ballet, so they are pretty busy. I am the chauffeur. After 2 o’clock comes, I am in the car driving them around.”

On the weekends, it is all about the horse show. With their close home location, the kids are able to ride and then come and go during the days, but when they do not have other activities, the family is at the farm and showgrounds for the duration of Saturday and Sunday.

“Normally, we have around 25 horses in our stable, and they all alternate in and out to show, and then Jimmy has some outside customers that he helps,” Danielle explained. “Then he has a lot of catch rides this time of year in the hunters and jumpers. He has had days where he has ridden more than 20 horses in one day. Don’t ask me how — I couldn’t do it!”

The couple also has fun competing together in some of the same classes and enjoys the friendly competition and support.

“I actually prefer it now when we are both competing in a class,” Danielle said. “It feels like it takes the pressure off of one of us because we kind of have two shots. There have been a couple of times Jimmy hasn’t shown, and I hate it. Then all of the pressure is on me to win some money! We have been showing together for so long. It has definitely been a journey, but we much prefer to do it together.”

While any equestrian will tell you that horses take up most of their time, and any parent will say that kids do the same, Jimmy and Danielle still find time for themselves. Danielle took up tennis four years ago, and the couple enjoys playing every Monday. They also stay in shape with cardio workouts on Mondays and Tuesdays with some fellow equestrians.

During the summers, JET Show Stables is based in Mohrsville, Pa., and the horses are trucked up there in May to compete at the top Northeast venues. Danielle stays in Wellington until the school year is over for the kids, and they join Jimmy up north for the remainder of the season.

As an equestrian family, traveling is a major part of the lifestyle, but for at least part of the year, the Torano family get to stay home in Wellington. The Winter Equestrian Festival unites the family’s love of horses, with competition for every level at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

World’s Top Equestrians Return To Wellington For The 38th Annual Winter Equestrian Festival

The 38th annual Winter Equestrian Festival has returned to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington for 12 weeks of world-class equestrian competition. The largest and longest-running equestrian circuit in the world, WEF awards more than $9 million in prize money and offers unrivaled opportunities for international show jumpers to earn valuable FEI World Ranking points.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is home to the season’s major events. It encompasses a total of 500 acres, with competition rings alone covering more than 80 acres. PBIEC has two core facilities containing 18 competition arenas, including a grass jumping field and the largest covered arena in the world.

Making the event unique, WEF hosts more than 70 different divisions for competitors of every level, from leadline to Olympic-level show jumping. Children, juniors, adults, amateurs and professional riders of every age, from 43 countries and all 50 states, bring more than 6,500 horses and ponies to participate in events throughout the winter season. With so many opportunities to compete during the 12-week circuit, WEF provides valuable education and experience for every horse and rider, making Wellington the world’s most popular winter equestrian destination.

Georgina Bloomberg, the No. 8 rider in the Rolex/United States Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Ranking List, has been coming to Wellington since she was junior rider. She enjoys being based in Wellington for the winter in order to enhance her riding and her horses’ education. Having horses at all levels, the Winter Equestrian Festival gives her a chance to improve them all.

Bloomberg is competing with two young horses at WEF this year. Both are 6 years old and are homebreds where Bloomberg rode both their dam (mother) and sire (father). “It’s great to have many classes each week for them to keep getting the experience of competing in the show ring,” she explained. “It really shows how much they develop over the months.”

While young horses are the future, Bloomberg is excited to compete with her top-level horses at WEF against the best in the world.

“I’m looking forward to Saturday Night Lights. I love being in the spotlight and the feeling of pulling off a clear round in front of the crowd that comes to watch,” she said. “WEF is the hardest competition in the world because you not only deal with the best riders, but also the biggest numbers. You are riding against good riders, and a lot of them. You have to be on your game every class if you want to win. There are no easy wins at WEF.”

The extended amount of time that horses and riders spend at WEF can be a benefit to both, Bloomberg added.

“You get a chance to develop yourself as a rider and work on your relationship with your horses,” she said. “We travel so much, and when we are at other shows, we can usually only bring a few horses. To be able to ride and compete all of your horses every week, like at WEF, is rare and gives you more time with them.”

Top international show jumper Lauren Hough calls Wellington home but spends much of her year traveling to compete around the world. She also enjoys the opportunity to show in one location throughout the winter months, taking advantage of the 12-week circuit to develop her young horses, while also competing her more experienced horses in grand prix competition.

“Wellington is home for me, so it is always nice to be in one place, and not have to pack a bag,” Hough said. “Florida is great for developing the young ones, and, obviously, it is top-level competition at the five-stars. There is a place for all of the horses to develop and showcase the best ones at the highest levels of competition.”

Between Hough and her three students, the circuit is going to be busy, with 18 to 20 horses showing.

“I will be bringing along a new group of young horses,” Hough said. “My top horses won’t start until a little bit later, as I am still competing in Europe until the start of the circuit. My students will get going early on. We are all very excited for a new year, and Florida is always a nice way to start it off.”

Oliver Kennedy is another familiar face (and voice) of the WEF circuit each year, serving as an international judge and ring announcer, as well as bringing horses and riders to Wellington from his family’s ESP Farm in Maryland, where his wife Rachel is head trainer.

“This is my 12th year in Wellington working at WEF,” Kennedy said. “It is always fun for me to work at WEF because the quality of the horses and riders is so high. The competition is some of the best we see all year long.”

Spending time in Wellington is always special, he added.

“What is fun for my family is that I can come down and work either judging or announcing all winter long, and my wife Rachel can bring the whole barn and all of the clients down for the winter season,” Kennedy said. “We always have great circuits in Wellington, and we have riders showing in the Low Adult Hunters, all the way up to the big jumpers.”

While trainers from across the country and around the world bring their students to train and compete at every level of WEF competition, the world’s best riders have unparalleled opportunities to participate in top competitions in Wellington.

Highlights of the 2017 WEF circuit include four weeks of CSI5* competition. The five-star grand prix events will be featured on Saturday nights, Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11 and March 25. The $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*, previously held in the 12th and final week of competition, has been moved to Week 11 this season.

An international fan favorite, the popular $150,000 Nations Cup, returns during Week 8 of CSIO 4* competition, where teams represent their countries over two rounds of competition to see which nation is best. A fantastic night of sport and fun at PBIEC, the exciting event brings horses and riders from around the globe to compete on Wellington’s international stage on Friday, March 3.

As always, several events are taking place on the grass jumping field at the PBIEC Stadium this season. Two of the big events scheduled for the derby field this year include the $216,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI 4* on Sunday, Feb. 5 and the $50,000 USJHA International Hunter Derby to conclude the circuit on Sunday, April 2.

The Suncast 1.50m Championship Jumper Series returns in 2017 with events hosted both on the Stadium’s grass jumping field and in the main International Arena at PBIEC. The annual series features great prize money and more opportunities for international riders to earn valuable world ranking points.

While the established show jumpers take on the major grand prix events throughout the circuit, the Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series returns this year, offering opportunities for up-and-coming grand prix competitors to gain valuable experience as well.

Thanks to new title sponsor Hollow Creek Farm, the U25 series will offer 10 events throughout the circuit, totaling $215,000 in prize money and giving young riders a valuable steppingstone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.

Another highlight is the eighth annual Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, which returns to WEF on Saturday, Feb. 4, with professional and amateur riders competing to raise money for a good cause. To date, the event has distributed more than $9.2 million to more than 200 nonprofits in Palm Beach County. This year, the Great Charity Challenge has a minimum fundraising goal of $1.5 million to add to its already incredible fundraising amount, surpassing the $10 million milestone.

Hot off an Olympic year, many of the world’s best will return to utilize the WEF circuit as an important part of their seasonal training. The Winter Equestrian Festival has proven to be a valuable training ground for both riders and horses at different points in their careers, especially in championship years.

Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to welcoming international competitors to Wellington for another fantastic season. Don’t miss all of the fun and excitement at this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival. To learn more, visit www.pbiec.com.

Sponsors Continue To Make WEF

One Of The Best Shows In The World

The success of the Winter Equestrian Festival would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of many wonderful supporters.

An iconic sponsor of equestrian sport since 1957, Rolex stepped up to become the “Official Timepiece” of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in 2014 and has since taken competition at WEF and PBIEC to the next level.

Rolex is the title sponsor of the Week 11 CSI 5* competition this year on March 22-26. An important change to the schedule in 2017 will see the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* featured in Week 11 on Saturday, March 25.

Of course, there is plenty of action before then. As the 12-week circuit began, WEF Week 1 kicked off Jan. 11 thanks to title sponsor Wellington Regional Medical Center, which also served as the presenting sponsor of the always popular $75,000 Battle of the Sexes. Week 1 then hosted the $75,000 Rosenbaum Mollengarden Grand Prix on Sunday, Jan. 15.

International competition began with Week 2’s CSI 2*, sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, which ran from Jan. 18 to 22. They presented the $86,000 Marshall & Sterling Grand Prix CSI 2* on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Adequan (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is a longtime supporter of the Winter Equestrian Festival, and returned as this year’s title sponsor for the Week 3 CSI 3* competition on Jan. 25-29. Week 3 featured the $130,000 Adequan Grand Prix CSI 3* on Saturday, Jan. 28, under the lights of the International Arena.

Ariat International is the sponsor of Week 4’s CSI 4* on Feb. 1-5, which features the highlight $216,000 Ariat Grand Prix CSI 4* on the grass jumping field at the PBIEC Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 5.

Week 4 also features the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, on Saturday, Feb. 4. The event is a unique pro/am team challenge where the world’s top riders join forces with equestrian sport’s most prominent families to earn a sliding scale of prize money for Palm Beach County charities. In addition, Fidelity Investments is the title sponsor of Week 5’s CSI 5* competition on Feb. 8-12, which will feature the $380,000 Fidelity Investments Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Suncast sponsors the 1.50m Championship Jumper Series, which runs throughout the 12 weeks of WEF competition, and is also the title sponsor of Week 7’s CSI 5* competition on Feb. 22-26. The week will feature the $380,000 Suncast Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Lugano Diamonds presents Week 8’s CSIO 4* event on March 1-5. The exciting week hosts the $150,000 Nations Cup on Friday, March 3, which sees teams of riders representing their countries on the world’s stage. That Sunday, March 5, also features the $216,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSIO 4*.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate is the title sponsor of Week 9’s CSI 5* competition, running March 8-12. The week will feature the $380,000 Douglas Elliman Grand Prix CSI 5* on Saturday, March 11.

Week 10 brings longtime WEF sponsor Horseware Ireland back to present CSI 3* competition from March 15-19. The week’s major grand prix will present a $130,000 purse on Saturday, March 18.

The 12th and final week of WEF hosts CSI 4* competition from March 29-April 2, sponsored by the Wanderers Club, and features the final Saturday Night Lights event, the $216,000 Wanderers Club Grand Prix CSI 4*, on April 1.

Along with its weekly sponsors, WEF welcomes Hollow Creek Farm as the new title sponsor of this year’s U25 Grand Prix Series. With 10 events throughout the circuit totaling $215,000 in prize money, the series gives young riders a valuable steppingstone from the junior and amateur ranks to the grand prix level.

The Winter Equestrian Festival comes together each year thanks to these and many other generous supporters. Learn more at www.pbiec.com.  

There’s Plenty To Do At The Winter Equestrian Festival This Season

The Winter Equestrian Festival is not just a horse show. For horse lovers, WEF is the epitome of equestrian sport, but the event also offers family-friendly fun and many activities for everyone to enjoy. From social events, to fabulous shopping, dining and nightlife, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center caters to many different interests throughout the winter season.

Anyone can visit WEF during the day from Wednesday through Sunday to watch equestrian competition in 12 different arenas, featuring everything from children on ponies to Olympic show jumpers riding the world’s most talented horses.

In between competitions, spectators can enjoy a walk through the beautiful tropical gardens and scenery of the venue, sample delicious food and drinks at a variety of dining locations, and shop at many vendor boutiques.

This year’s shopping experience at PBIEC includes something to fit every budget, with low-cost options, high-end luxury items and everything in between. Clothing, jewelry, art, horsewares and much more are offered in various locations throughout the venue, including Vendor Village, Hunter Hill and the Bridge Deck. Shoppers can also find the WEF Boutique located on the South Bridge Deck overlooking the International Arena, and in Vendor Village, where fans can find the perfect WEF clothing, posters or souvenirs.

For the discerning equestrian, the Equis Boutique delivers superior service, while offering top quality brands and made-to-order, customized products. By providing a unique shopping experience, Equis rises above an ordinary tack shop to offer luxury brands worn by some of the top riders in the world. Equis Boutique founder César Hirsch enjoys the experience at WEF each season, as top equestrians from around the world stroll the showgrounds daily.

“Having the opportunity to showcase our products to a concentrated group of elite riders for an extended period of time is a unique opportunity for vendors like Equis Boutique that follow show jumping around the country,” Hirsch said. “The Winter Equestrian Festival offers exactly that, and we are grateful to be involved in the circuit. Equis Boutique carries brands sourced from European companies and strives to introduce their products to a new market in North America. There is no better place to accomplish that than in Wellington during the winter season.”

For anyone looking to grab a bite to eat throughout the day, a variety of food vendors are located around the property, including: Tito’s Tacos, the Tiki Hut, Coliano’s Pizza, Loopy’s Crepes, Nathalie’s Café and much more.

On Saturday nights, the family-fun atmosphere and adult nightlife comes alive at the popular Saturday Night Lights events. The Kid’s Fair is always popular, featuring the Venetian carousel, bounce houses, face painting, pony rides, magicians, a petting zoo and more. As always, families can choose from a variety of food vendors. A live band and different performers from local elementary schools also entertain the crowds each week.

For PBIEC guests who are of age, the Gallery Night Club is a stylish, modern lounge that is open to the public every Saturday night with table seating and VIP bottle service featuring Veuve Clicquot champagne. The club features great DJs and dancing following every Saturday Night Lights competition.

Also available on Saturday evening for those who wish to enjoy the competition in style, the Special Events Pavilion will now be the site of the Veuve Clicquot Suites. With a special signature Veuve Clicquot branded look, the suites will offer the same great gourmet buffet and table service with the opportunity to purchase Veuve Clicquot by the bottle and special Veuve Clicquot highlights throughout the 2017 season.

The Veuve Clicquot Suites offer a spectacular setting to watch the largest grand prix class of the week, as top equestrian athletes and Olympians compete for international titles. Guests are treated to a VIP evening with family or close friends while enjoying live music, food and crowd performers from the comfort of their suite. The suites provide an intimate setting with optimal viewing for small groups of six or parties up to 22 people — all right in the middle of the equestrian action. To book a Veuve Clicquot Suite, call (561) 784-1136.

Beachside at WEF, one of the most popular seating areas to watch show jumping action, is an open-air ringside seating area just steps away from world-famous show jumpers galloping by. Table purchases include buffet and table service, offering Veuve Clicquot with VIP packages. To book a table at Beachside, call (561) 603-2958.

Be sure to make plans to come on out to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this winter to experience the finest in equestrian sports, shopping, dining and more.