A Wellington Tradition Of Giving Returns At Foundation’s 11th Annual Red, White & Blue Jeans: ‘A Salute To Our Heroes’ Event Nov. 13

By Shannon Anastasio

Patriotism, philanthropy and hometown pride will take center stage Friday, Nov. 13, when the Wellington Community Foundation presents its 11th annual Red, White & Blue Jeans: “A Salute to Our Heroes” event at the Wellington National Golf Club. The highly anticipated event will unite supporters from across the community for an evening dedicated to celebrating service, strengthening local families and investing in a brighter future for Wellington residents in need. A $100 ticket includes a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing.

What began as a celebration of Wellington spirit has grown into an important tradition of generosity, reflecting the remarkable difference that neighbors can make when they rally behind a common cause. This year, the Wellington Community Foundation is setting its sights on an ambitious fundraising goal, with proceeds dedicated to advancing vital assistance for local children, seniors and veterans.

The need for these resources reaches far beyond what many people might imagine. For a struggling parent, receiving school clothing, athletic shoes and a fully stocked backpack can mean one less financial burden and a more confident start to the academic year for a child. For an older resident living alone, a thoughtful birthday remembrance or a holiday meal can restore a sense of connection and belonging. For a former service member navigating mobility challenges, accessibility improvements at home can make the difference between dependence and greater self-sufficiency.

Such moments illustrate why the foundation’s work matters. Its year-round efforts address practical challenges that can otherwise go unnoticed in a community often associated with prosperity. Financial uncertainty affects households in every neighborhood, and local assistance can provide a crucial bridge during difficult circumstances. By directing resources toward carefully identified needs, the foundation helps residents maintain dignity, pursue opportunities and experience the reassurance of knowing that others stand beside them.

Education remains an important priority, with initiatives that help students prepare for classroom success and provide funding for school-based programs. Seasonal outreach brings comfort to households during the holidays, while youth enrichment opportunities give children valuable experiences beyond the school day. Older adults benefit from outreach designed to combat isolation, and veterans receive assistance intended to improve their quality of life. Each initiative reflects a practical investment in people rather than simply a contribution to a cause.

Behind these accomplishments stands a network of generous businesses, civic-minded individuals, community partners and volunteers. This year’s sponsors include: Wellington Regional Medical Center, SOR Entertainment, Shapiro Pertnoy Companies, Seacoast Bank, Barron & Associates, Jim & Paula Sackett, Wellington Florist, Wellington The Magazine, Jeffrey Fromknecht, Medicare Maggie, Mike & Phyllis Gauger, Mickey & Lizz Smith, the Tortoise and the Hare, the Village of Wellington, Diamante Farms Dressage, Roxanne Stein & Stephen Moss and Don & Maureen Gross.

The evening also serves as a reminder that honoring Wellington heroes extends beyond ceremonial recognition. It means remembering the sacrifices of military personnel, standing alongside veterans as they navigate everyday challenges. “This year’s overall theme is THANKS TO YOU!, and we truly mean it,” WCF Chair Jim Sackett said.

For those unable to participate in person, financial gifts remain an important way to support the foundation’s work. Every act of generosity helps create opportunities, ease hardship and reinforce the foundation’s efforts in “building a stronger community.”

Additional information about attending the event, sponsorships and charitable contributions is available at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

Showgrounds Expansion A Major Investment In Wellington’s Equestrian Future

By Patrick Sherry

The showgrounds that bring in top riders from around the world, legions of equestrian fans and millions of dollars to Wellington’s economy each year is now nearly twice as large. After years of planning, Wellington International has unveiled its multimillion-dollar expansion of competition space aimed at keeping the village the premier winter equestrian capital of the world.

Wellington International and Wellington Lifestyle Partners are preparing for the upcoming equestrian season with a massive investment to deliver world-class facilities and experiences for all. The $60 million expansion is called Wellington International South. The newly developed 98 acres include state-of-the-art facilities, more competition rings, expansive green space and expertly designed grounds to stay functional throughout the season.

“It’s going to elevate us without question. We’re already probably the best,” Wellington International President Michael Stone said. “We’re the best circuit in the United States in terms of the level of competitors who compete here, the size of the crowds who come to watch, and this maintains our position, further enhances it and gives us the opportunity to run more events at different times of the year.”

The southern expansion, which has grown Wellington International’s footprint to a total of 215 acres, is intended to improve the experience for competitors and spectators. The original showgrounds have been in use for decades. Previously, they were incrementally developed and expanded as the sport grew in the village. This growth came with increased demand to hold more competitors and provide more amenities to support equestrian riders.

Paige Nuñez, president of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, explained that horses and the sport were at the center of all the planning for the new expansion. The construction team has built five new 60-stall barns with wash racks; a massive 84,000-square-foot covered arena; new competition arenas and bridle paths; horse shade structures at each ring; a new derby field with a natural grass surface designed to handle high-level performance in South Florida’s weather; and installed world-class GGT textile footing and advanced drainage systems.

“We’re thrilled that after so many years of operating within a very congested facility, we’ll now have a significantly larger footprint and the opportunity to offer an enhanced experience for all of our competitors,” Nuñez said.

Equestrian fans will also get to experience new improvements in the stands. Permanent covered grandstands for 1,500 spectators have been added, along with new food and retail shopping areas and covered seating at all competition rings. Getting to the show grounds is now easier, too. The construction team has installed thousands of parking spaces for vehicles and expanded golf cart shuttle routes for ease of access throughout the properties.

Wellington Lifestyle Partners hired internationally recognized equestrian experts to bring these ambitious plans to life. Wellington International also employs a large team of professionals who work to maintain the showgrounds. For the grass derby field alone, specialists have recently taken more than 60 samples almost daily to test conditions and make sure the surface is ready for high-level competition.

“We’ve had an exceptional team of contractors, professionals and consultants who understand the significance of this project and its benefits to the community,” Nuñez said. “Everyone has gone above and beyond to deliver the highest quality work.”

Wellington International has long been one of the world’s hubs of equestrian sport. Its most well-known competition circuit is the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). The 13-week annual event is considered the largest and longest-running equestrian competition in the world. The expansion will also allow the introduction of the Global Dressage Festival, previously held at Equestrian Village, to the main showgrounds.

Each year, from January to April, Wellington welcomes thousands of fans, riders and trainers to WEF. The 2026 festival alone generated $607.3 million in economic impact for Palm Beach County — making it the single largest sports competition in the entire state.

“The Winter Equestrian Festival is an incredibly important economic engine for Palm Beach County and our local community,” Nuñez said. “Equestrian sport draws people here from all over the world, and what’s really exciting is that we’ll be able to better serve participants at every level.”

Over the years, Wellington International has been facing increasing competition from other horse shows. Competition from areas in Ocala and Naples, in particular, has been growing. But this multimillion-dollar investment to expand the local showgrounds is part of a larger effort to keep the village one of the best places for horse shows in the world. Even outside of the WEF, it is hoping to host more competitions for riders of all levels.

“[The expansion] gives us the opportunity to maintain our position at the top — the one that all the other horse shows aspire to be,” Stone said.

The entire expansion is not yet complete, but the key portions, including most of the important horse facilities, are ready. A new VIP facility, some stadium seating, additional paving and parking are currently being worked on. Heavy rain over the last couple of months has impacted construction, but Wellington International and Wellington Lifestyle Partners are still on schedule to have everything ready before WEF begins in January.

Stone said that those who have seen the new showgrounds expansion already are excited for the upcoming season. He added that from riders to spectators, they will feel the difference and have an even better experience.

“Whenever anybody comes to actually see the venue and realizes what has been done and what’s there, they’re always hugely impressed and very positive,” Stone said.

Nuñez explained that the opening of the new expansion is just the beginning. Once opened, officials will evaluate operations and collect feedback to see how they can continue to improve going forward. There may even be possibilities for future projects to continue to expand Wellington International.

“This first year will be an important opportunity to see how everything functions operationally,” Nuñez said. “We’ve also intentionally preserved certain areas for future development as the facility continues to evolve.”

The expansion of the showgrounds is more than an additional 98 acres. It is part of the community’s effort to continue to invest in the future to remain an international leader in equestrian sport. Through the Wellington International South showgrounds, those involved in the project are aiming to further push the village’s equestrian scene.

“We’re hopeful that the expansion will encourage more people to get involved in the sport, with additional opportunities and divisions for newcomers to participate and develop a lifelong passion for equestrian sport,” Nuñez said.

To learn more about Wellington International and the recent expansion, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com.

Devon Kane And Vamos Capture TerraNova World Cup Grand Prix

Story By Shannon Anastasio  |  Photos by Jessica Buehler

Wellington-based dressage rider Devon Kane recently won the FEI World Cup CDI-W Grand Prix at the TerraNova Equestrian Center before adding a second victory in the freestyle, highlighting an exceptional weekend for the local dressage community.

Kane and Vamos delivered a standout performance at TerraNova, capturing the Grand Prix with a personal-best score of 69.043 percent before returning the following day to win the World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle. The double victory marked an important achievement for the rider and her family’s Diamante Farms Dressage, owners of the accomplished 14-year-old Westfalen gelding.

Competing Friday, Oct. 16, in challenging heat on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Kane and Vamos topped the four-rider World Cup Grand Prix field, finishing ahead of fellow Wellington-based competitor Christian Simonson. The result reflected the continued progress of a partnership approaching three years at Big Tour, the highest level of international dressage.

Kane’s Grand Prix victory was particularly meaningful because the 69.043 percent score represented a personal best for the pair in the class. Their performance demonstrated the consistency and connection that have developed through their work together, with Vamos showcasing the athleticism and training required to compete successfully on the international stage.

The success continued Saturday, when Kane and Vamos returned for the freestyle. Performing to an energetic Latin soundtrack featuring Enrique Iglesias’ “Bailamos” and Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito,” the pair earned another personal-best score, this time 75.505 percent, to secure their second victory of the weekend.

The freestyle combines the technical requirements of Grand Prix dressage with music and choreography, giving riders an opportunity to demonstrate their horses’ athletic ability and their partnership’s harmony. Kane and Vamos delivered a confident performance that included demanding movements such as elevated two-time changes on a 20-meter circle.

Together, the two wins elevated Kane to the top of the North American qualifying standings for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, scheduled for March 2027 in Gothenburg, Sweden. TerraNova was the second of 10 North American qualifying competitions, with riders earning points throughout the season in pursuit of a place at the championship.

Kane’s husband, Kevin Kohmann, also a prominent Wellington-based dressage rider, won the circuit opener in Devon, Pennsylvania. Although he did not compete at TerraNova, Kane’s results moved her ahead in the qualifying race as the season continued toward its international finale.

For the Kane family, the achievement also brought recognition to Diamante Farms, the Wellington operation owned by Kane’s mother, Terri Kane. The farm’s support has been an important part of the partnership’s journey, and the TerraNova victories offered a rewarding result for the team behind the horse.

Wellington’s strong showing extended beyond Kane’s victories. Simonson finished second in Friday’s World Cup Grand Prix aboard Fleau de Baian, earning 68.065 percent with the 16-year-old Dutch-bred stallion. The pair also placed second in Saturday’s freestyle with 73.67 percent.

Simonson represented the United States aboard Fleau de Baian at the FEI World Championships in August and earned reserve champion honors at the World Cup Final in Texas in April, riding Indian Rock. His results at TerraNova added to an impressive international season.

Wellington-based Quinn Iverson also earned top honors, winning the CDI3* Grand Prix aboard Gremlin 41 with a personal-best score of 69.696 percent. The 11-year-old Oldenburg gelding delivered an excellent performance for Iverson, adding another victory to the community’s successful weekend.

Kane’s double World Cup win, Simonson’s runner-up finishes and Iverson’s CDI3* victory underscored Wellington’s standing as a leading center for international dressage. For Kane and Vamos, however, TerraNova was especially significant: a personal-best Grand Prix score, a second victory in the freestyle and the lead in the North American qualifying standings have placed the partnership firmly in the spotlight as the road to Gothenburg continues.

Thrilling 2027 Polo Season In Store At NPC In Wellington

By Fiona Slusarev

Powerful ponies take to the field and mallets clash as the mightiest polo players flock to the National Polo Center-Wellington (NPC) for the 2027 winter competition season. Teams from across the nation and around the globe will come together to vie for recognition at the top levels of the sport.

This season, the United States Polo Association (USPA) will host 18 weeks of elite polo competition, beginning Dec. 27 and concluding May 2. Competitors and spectators alike can look forward to competitions across multiple levels of the sport, as well as highlights like the prestigious Gauntlet of Polo, the Heritage Cup Final, the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, the NPC 16-Goal Championship, the National President’s Cup and the annual international event.

NPC has been owned and managed by the USPA since 2022, but the facility has a far longer history as a premier polo location dating back to 2003. The center has become a prime destination for low-, medium- and high-goal competition, showcasing the best of polo. Each year, competitors and spectators turn out for the exceptional experience on the field and on the sidelines.

Whether you’re a seasoned polo enthusiast or newcomer to the sport, the 2027 season at NPC offers many ways to experience the grandeur of polo. Spend the day witnessing the skill and thrill of horses and riders working as a team. Don’t forget to take part in the traditional half-time divot stomp when spectators take to the field to replace torn patches of turf the horses kick up during play. Perhaps enjoy the day along with a fun tailgate or a luxurious brunch experience.

NPC officially welcomes players and fans back on Sunday, Dec. 27 for the season opener, just days before everyone rings in the new year. The Heritage Cup arrives at NPC for its final on Sunday, Jan. 3, welcoming the new year in style and setting the tone for a thrilling season to come.

The Women of Wellington (WOW) Polo Series returns to NPC with the USPA WOW Women’s Challenge on Jan. 15, furthering its mission to support and advance women in polo with medium-goal events. The first qualifier of the season for the NPC 16-Goal Championship, the Joe Barry Memorial, will have featured matches on Sundays, Jan. 10 and Jan. 17 at U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, with the final scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 24.

The season only grows in momentum in February. The Ylvisaker Cup, another NPC 16-Goal qualifier, will hold two featured matches on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One, set for Sundays, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, with the final match scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19 on Armstrong Field. The U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship semifinals and final will conclude on the NPC grounds, with polo’s top women riders vying for the win on Sunday, Feb. 14.

The first leg of the Gauntlet of Polo, the multi-tournament high-goal series hosted by NPC, kicks off with the C.V. Whitney Cup beginning Jan. 27 with the semifinals following on Feb. 17 and the final on Sunday, Feb. 21. Continuing the gauntlet, the USPA Gold Cup closes out the month of February with the tournament opening on Feb. 24, moving into March with the semifinal on Wednesday, March 17 and the final on Sunday, March 21 on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field One.

The Iglehart Cup, the third NPC 16-Goal qualifier, is next with the final on Armstrong Field on Friday, March 12. The U.S. Open Polo Championship is the final gauntlet event. It starts on March 24 and continues into April with the semifinal on the Wednesday, April 14 and the final on the Sunday, April 18 at U.S. Polo Assn. Field One.

The Outback Cup closes out the NPC 16-Goal qualifiers on Armstrong Field on Friday, April 2. The four NPC 16-Goal qualifiers come together to put horses and riders to the test in preparation for the NPC 16-Goal Championship semifinals on April 6 and the final on April 9.

It’s time for 8-goal polo to shine on April 12 with the National President’s Cup, with the final set for April 18 on Armstrong Field. The season comes to an exhilarating close with the annual international event on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One.

This year’s event will be the II Federation of International Polo (FIP) Women’s World Polo Championship, making its U.S. debut on April 24, with a featured match on Sunday, April 25 and the final on Sunday, May 2.

Spectators are invited to experience the world of polo every Sunday from Dec. 27 through May 2 with afternoon matches on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. Tickets are available for purchase online, while spectating from the stadium, field tailgate, private box seats, hospitality tents or brunch is available upon inquiry through the box office. Polo fans can also watch matches for free on days other than Sunday.

The National Polo Center-Wellington is located at 3667 120th Avenue South. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.nationalpolocenter.com. To contact the box office, e-mail boxoffice@nationalpolocenter.com or call (561) 895-5052.

Top Horses And Riders To Return For 2027 Winter Equestrian Festival

By Fiona Slusarev

As days get shorter and cooler, it’s almost time for the most iconic of equestrian events: the Winter Equestrian Festival at Wellington International. The 2027 season marks the festival’s semicentennial anniversary of bringing the top horses and riders together from across the country and around the globe.

Under the leadership of Wellington International President Michael Stone, the 2027 WEF season will welcome more classes, an increase in prize money and the debut of the new Wellington International South showgrounds, which house the new Derby Field. In honor of WEF’s 50th anniversary, there will be special events and limited-edition merchandise available.

This season also marks North America’s inaugural CHIO, a French acronym for Concours Hippique International Officiel, which are team competitions that include a four-star show jumping event (CSIO4*), a junior show jumping competition (CSIOJ) and a children’s show jumping competition (CSIOCH), as well as a three-star dressage competition (CDIO3*), held as part of the Global Dressage Festival.

Saturday Night Lights will return again this year, offering a high-energy environment for spectators to watch the best riders compete under the bright stadium lights of the International Arena. The atmosphere is truly like no other with the packed seats, an array of foods to sample, the best equestrian shopping and other entertainment for all ages.

Whether you’re watching from the stadium seats, the Wellington Club bar, sitting under the pavilion of the Blue Ribbon Club, dining at the NetJets Landing, relaxing atop the Tiki Bar or keeping the energy up after the competition ends in the Gallery, Saturday Night Lights are always memorable.

“You get the chance to see the Olympic champions, world champions — Pan Am, European — the highest level of any sport,” Stone said. “And it’s an incredible experience when you can actually sit at the ring, and you’re right up close to see the guys and girls competing every week at the highest level.”

Spectators will no longer have to park at Equestrian Village and take a bus to get to Saturday Night Lights when on-site parking is full. More parking spaces are now offered across the Wellington International grounds, and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the expanded golf cart and shuttle options to easily move around the property.

The Great Charity Challenge returns for its 18th year on Saturday, Feb. 6. Sponsored by Fidelity Investments, the event continues to support meaningful causes across Palm Beach County. Last year’s event spread $2.3 million over more than 80 nonprofits. This year, riders and horses will again turn out in elaborate dress, donning masks in honor of the “Once Upon a Masquerade” theme while supporting the larger community.

Along with the showgrounds expansion, footing has been upgraded in rings 6, 8, 9 and 10, as well as the Rost, Grand Hunter, Mogavero and DeNemethy rings — something that is appreciated by riders and horses alike.

A new high performance ring, located on the original grounds, has been created and will hold high levels of competition outside the International Arena, a request that Stone has heard from competitors for years.

“The riders are going to be really happy with it because there is a demand for horses that are coming up to the international level, but maybe aren’t quite there yet, to have somewhere they can compete. So, now they’ll have that opportunity,” Stone explained.

Expanded class offerings will join the WEF schedule this season, including weekly 1.45m National classes, cross rails, pony and the Itty Bitty Jumpers. More opportunities to join these lower divisions are sure to please riders just getting into, or back into, show jumping. Young horses will get to have some fun on the grass with the 1.30m Young Jumpers, now competing on the new Derby Field during select weeks.

Much beloved classes, including BrainJuice U25, the Team Hunter Challenge, Masters Mania, the Lövsta Future Challenge Final and the 1.20m Young Jumper Final presented by North Star Sport Horses, return to the schedule this year. This season also adds an additional CSI5*, for a total of five five-star competitions with fence heights ranging between 1.40 to 1.60 meters.

The season begins with Premiere Week, set for Jan. 6-10, with five packed days of competition from lead line through the professional level. Competitors and spectators can look forward to the fan-favorite Battle of the Sexes on Saturday night, when riders will vie for a $75,000 prize, presented by LeMieux.

Week 1 already ups the stakes with both CSI5* and CSI3* classes offered. The CSI5* Modon Grand Prix on Saturday boasts a hefty $500,000 prize, and the CSI3* Frank & Eileen Grand Prix on Sunday grants a pot of $120,000.

Another CSI3* is in store for Week 2, this time on the new Derby Field. This $140,000 CSI3* joins a thrilling line up of 1.45-meter classes and other Grand Prix events. Week 3 closes out the month of January with CSI4* and CSI2* competitions scheduled. You can find both classes every day except Sunday in the International Arena.

Week 4 follows suit with more CSI4* and CSI2* competition across multiple days, as well as the $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $25,000 BrainJuice Under 25 (U25) Grand Prix. The excitement keeps up in Week 5, featuring the CSI5* and CSI2* events.

The middle of the competition season falls in Week 6, which brings the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) and CSI3* classes. Equestrians don’t have to fret that the season is approaching its close yet, with CSI5* and CSI2* competitions set for Week 7; the new CSIO4* scheduled on Week 8; CSI5* and CSI2* classes set for Week 9; CSI4* competition during Week 10; and CSI4* and CSI2* events during Week 11. This leads up to the CS15*, CSI2* and WCHR classes during Rolex Finale Week.

The competition closes with the unparalleled $1,000,000 Rolex Grand Prix, but the effect of the season is felt even after the ground grows quiet. With 13 weeks of unrivaled competition offerings, the hub of winter equestrian life leaves an impact on the greater Palm Beach County area. Last season alone generated a $607.3 million impact to the county’s GDP through visitor and equestrian spending, according to the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. That equates to a 13 percent increase from 2025, and if previous years can be any indicator, WEF 2027 will be another impressive year.

Wellington International is located at 3400 Equestrian Club Drive. For additional information about WEF, including events and class offerings, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com.

New Venue, Same Exciting Competition At The 2027 Global Dressage Festival

By Fiona Slusarev

As the winter season returns, dressage competitors and fans alike are preparing for another dazzling year at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF).

Top dressage riders from across the globe will flock to Wellington for 10 weeks of dressage competition spanning four months, featuring FEI classes and qualifiers for the World Cup, Pan American Games, North American Youth Championships, and other national and regional competitions. Qualifications also open this January for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur ushers in a season promising more than $500,000 in prize money, a spectacular array of Friday Night Stars freestyles, para-dressage classes, and competition across multiple levels and age groups — all at the new home of the Global Dressage Festival at Wellington International South. The new venue offers more space, a covered arena, fresh footing and modern stabling.

“Simply put, we will offer the best dressage circuit in the world, in a beautiful, brand-new venue with the absolute best conditions for horses and riders, and all dressage lovers,” Baur said.

The masterclass will return this year during Week Three with dressage legends Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour, Kyra Kyrklund and Jan Brink. With last year’s debut masterclass selling out all 2,000 tickets, this year promises another informative and action-packed evening that gives riders a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the sport.

A perennial favorite, the Friday Night Stars, returns every Friday of the competition season. Riders and dressage enthusiasts can get up-close to the pinnacle of dressage during this weekly Grand Prix that showcases the best horses and competitors from around the world. The new venue provides 500 general admission seats, live music, food and beverage vendors, and shopping options for a lively evening.

Each Friday Night Stars is free to attend, with parking costing $25 or $35 for valet. Doors open at 6 p.m. and competition officially begins at 7 p.m. under the lights. Harmony and athleticism come together during each freestyle, where the rider’s choice of music accompanies intricate dressage movements.

Weekly competition runs Wednesday to Sunday, with most competitions finishing and vendors usually closing in the late afternoon. In between class times, riders and spectators can sample some of the culinary offerings, having a sit-down meal or grabbing a snack to go. There are also plenty of opportunities to grab some official AGDF and WEF merchandise, or do a last-minute pick up of any spurs, gloves or other accouterments forgotten at the barn.

Week 1 of competition celebrating the partnership between horses and riders kicks off on Jan. 13. The exciting schedule holds a CDI-W, a French term meaning Concours de Dressage International, which is a World Cup qualifying class that is recognized by the FEI. The week also includes national classes and the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial.

Week 3 of AGDF presents a CDI5*, the highest level of international dressage competition recognized by the FEI. These competitions include three parts: the Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. The week also holds a CPEDI3*, a para-equestrian event that consists of two Grand Prix tests and one Grand Prix Freestyle.

Week 5 follows with an additional CDI-W, drawing competitors from around the world and more national class offerings. Week 6 focuses on more national classes, bringing riders of all ages from across the U.S. to compete.

Week 7 offers another opportunity for competitors to qualify for the World Cup with the third CDI-W. National classes round out the rest of the schedule for the final week in February.

Excitement ratchets up the with Week 8 of competition. A CDIO3* event will be held, which is a team-based qualifier for the World Cup. The Mary McPhail Memorial and national classes also join the roster.

Another CPEDI3* graces dressage fans during Week 9, with additional national classes. Week 10 brings the first CDI4* of the season, which includes a Grand Prix, Grand Prix Special and Grand Prix Freestyle. More national class offerings fill the week.

Closing out March is Week 11 with another CDI4* and national classes. The final week of competition bids the season farewell during Week 12 with national class offerings.

Seasoned dressage fans and newcomers can enjoy horses and riders moving in harmony while performing athletic feats for free during every competition day this season. Daytime parking is free or $20 for valet.

Baur’s personal season highlight is the Week 8 CDIO, during which he suggests spectators keep an eye out for key international competitors likely preparing for the Pan American Games.

“Spectators should come and experience dressage to witness the unique and special partnerships that riders have with their horses,” Baur explained. “When dressage is well done, it looks effortless and harmonious and is true poetry in motion.”

To learn more about the upcoming Adequan Global Dressage Festival season, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com/global-dressage-festival.

Faith, Family And Service Define Cardinal Newman High School

By Fiona Slusarev

Selecting a high school is a deeply personal decision for families and teens. It’s not only about choosing the place to spend the next four years, it’s about deciding the type of learning foundation that students will carry forward in life.

Cardinal Newman High School, a private Catholic school in West Palm Beach, has been committed to producing prepared and well-rounded young adults for decades through its faith-based education program that nurtures the whole person in spirit, mind and body. With a family-centered atmosphere, rigorous academics, athletics, arts and service, Cardinal Newman creates college-bound students ready to lead a life of purpose.

With a total enrollment of 800 students, this grade 9-12 college preparatory academy has a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 on a 45-acre campus. Classes are structured to be an hour long with a study period during the day. Offering 22 Advanced Placement (AP), honors and dual-enrollment courses, Cardinal Newman ensures that students are not only adequately challenged but also enter college prepared.

“I think the key distinguishing characteristic is the faith dimension of the school,” Cardinal Newman President Charles “Chuck” Stembler said. “We lead with the fact that we are a Catholic school. In addition to that, it is about the opportunities that we have. Some students come here because of the scholars program, some because of robotics or band, and some for athletics.”

An Array of Opportunities — In addition to the humanities, sciences and mathematics courses, students have opportunities to delve into the fine arts, performing arts, music, religious studies and more. The teachers take learning a step further at Cardinal Newman to help students develop critical-thinking and communication skills, as well as establish strategies for good study habits, organization and time management. School counselors hold meetings with each student multiple times each semester to review academic progress and provide social and emotional support.

The school provides excellent additional academic support to students with learning differences like dyslexia and dysgraphia through the new Cupertino Program. The program, led by an Orton-Gillingham-certified educator, works in tandem with the curriculum through a dedicated academic support class offering individualized instruction in reading, spelling, vocabulary, writing and morphology. The goal is to build an encouraging environment and a firm foundation of reading and spelling skills that will carry forward to greater academic independence.

“It’s geared toward students with a language-based learning difference — they’re really smart kids, they just learn differently. If you help those students learn how to build their skills, they really are incredibly successful,” Stembler explained.

College Prep Support — As a college preparatory institution, Cardinal Newman supports students through the college application process with one-on-one counseling, college workshops, financial aid planning and campus college fairs.

The combination of a rigorous academic environment with thoughtfully integrated guidance creates students who are ready for life beyond high school. It’s no wonder that the 2026 graduating year saw a 100 percent college acceptance rate.

“We have two full-time college counselors. All they do is work through the college process,” Stembler explained. “We are helping to make that process much easier and essentially position our students much better for the colleges they want to be a part of.”

While Cardinal Newman’s foundation in Catholicism shapes everyday life with the campus ministry, prayer, Mass, retreats and service, the school welcomes students of all faiths. All students are required to take one theology credit per year in order to graduate.

“For us, we are a Catholic school. It’s who we are and what we are. But, if you’re not Catholic, you don’t feel out of place because, ultimately, what we’re trying to do is take everybody along on their faith journey,” Stembler explained.

A Culture of Character Excellence — The community culture emphasizes compassion, integrity and community service. This creates students who learn to recognize the needs of others and take action to help through organizations like clubs and volunteer programs. Each year, a student is required to complete at least 25 hours of service. At Cardinal Newman, academic success is only part of the equation — a thriving student is developing a strong character influenced by faith, family and servant leadership.

This commitment to academic and character excellence is also seen through Cardinal Newman’s continued investment in the campus. In 2024, the Rocco A. Marcello Family Academic Building was unveiled, giving students access to state-of-the-art science labs, modernized learning environments, and a hands-on innovation lab for robotic and technological study.

Outside of academics, Cardinal Newman has numerous athletic and club offerings for students to broaden their interests. In 2025, the Crusaders won the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A state football championship. In beach volleyball and boys lacrosse, the Crusaders made it to their first-ever district championships last spring. Likewise, girls track and field earned its first district title in 25 years.

Meanwhile, a new athletic pavilion is expected to open at Cardinal Newman in February 2027, bringing baseball batting cages, an outdoor weight room, a golf simulator, and space for training drills supporting football, soccer, lacrosse and other sports.

Financial Support Available — Making quality, faith-grounded education available to more students is a priority at Cardinal Newman. The cost of materials, class retreats and athletic fees are included in tuition. Additional scholarships and need-based financial aid are also offered. The school accepts external private school scholarships through Step Up for Students, providing approximately $8,000 annually toward tuition and eligible fees for approved students.

“I really do believe that educating young people, as I say to parents, is a partnership with all of us: it’s your son or your daughter, it’s you, it’s us,” Stembler said.

Cardinal Newman High School is located at 512 Spencer Drive in West Palm Beach. For more information, to schedule a tour or apply, call (561) 683-6266, contact admissions@cardinalnewman.com or visit www.cardinalnewman.com.

American Legion Post 390 Supports Veterans While Serving The Community

Story By Patrick Sherry  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

When veterans leave the military, many never truly stop serving Americans at home. The American Legion, with more than a million veteran members and dozens at Wellington’s Post 390, is an army fighting to help local communities.

Veterans in Wellington founded American Legion Post 390 in 2008. The group started with 24 members but has since grown to have nearly 100 members. Throughout the year, those who are a part of the organization participate in a variety of initiatives intended to support local veterans and residents alike.

Maxwell Nelson, the current post commander, has been involved with the organization for about 15 years. He explained that members do everything from sponsoring local baseball teams to regularly holding blood drives — anything that helps veterans and residents in the area. Much of the post’s funds come from fundraisers and local sponsors, which are then directly invested back into their charitable efforts.

“We work hand in hand with the community,” Nelson said. “Whatever they would like us to do, we’re right there.”

Education and youth development are two of the organization’s biggest initiatives. Each year, they award $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors who have family members affiliated with American Legion Post 390. It also sponsors local high school students to attend the annual Florida American Legion Boys State program, where selected delegates run a mock state government to learn about the inner workings of these political environments.

Through its work in the community, American Legion Post 390 has developed a strong relationship with the Village of Wellington. Members of the organization routinely participate in civic holidays with village officials, such as observances for Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and public service through activities like regular “Adopt a Street” cleanup programs.

“I’m in many different organizations,” Nelson said. “I wear many different hats, and the one that I see gets the most [positive] feedback from is Wellington.”

Camaraderie is one of the most meaningful parts of being involved in an American Legion post. Service members, while in the military, live together through hardship and life-threatening situations for years, but when they leave this environment, many lose that shared bond. Veterans from local charters like Post 390 are there to fill that void and help each other find a similar tight-knit, military-like unit as they readjust to mainstream society. This connection with each other, combined with the post’s local activities, gives veterans new ways to contribute toward protecting American interests at home.

“Camaraderie is huge when you’re in the military,” said David Roman, adjutant of Post 390. “When you get out and come out to civilian life, you’re missing that camaraderie.”

Post 390 members meet monthly at the Wellington Community Center to discuss community projects and future activities. Local businesses and communities can reach out to participate in these meetings as speakers or provide their services to help veterans in the area.

Members also meet for breakfast each month at Turning Point Wellington to maintain the relationships they built together, too. These meet-ups help members maintain their bond with each other.

“I love my American Legion family,” Roman said. “We are like brothers and sisters. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

What sets the American Legion apart from other military veteran organizations is its eligibility policy, which welcomes all active-duty service members who have been honorably discharged since 1941 or are still serving. American Legion posts like Wellington’s local chapter have generations of veterans from all different branches of the military. All are committed to supporting each other and working to benefit the local veteran community.

“We all have something in common,” Roman said. “We’ve all been through hard times, good times and we’re able to talk about those things together… But camaraderie is what is key.”

Members of the American Expeditionary Forces founded the American Legion in 1919 while waiting to return home after World War I. The same year, the U.S. Congress officially chartered the organization. Throughout the years, members of the American Legion have been heavily involved in hundreds of veteran-related charity efforts and initiatives. Members’ work is meant to uphold the organization’s four pillars: national security, veteran affairs and rehabilitation, Americanism, and children and youth.

Among its most notable accomplishments is lobbying the federal government to pass the GI Bill of 1944 and helping fund independent scientific studies on the health impacts of Agent Orange exposure on veterans who fought during the Vietnam War.

In 1930, the organization’s advocacy helped establish the Veterans Administration, which later became the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This government agency continues to provide healthcare, financial benefits and memorial services to eligible service members and their families. Today, more than 1.6 million veterans are members of the American Legion, and the organization has more than 11,500 local posts worldwide.

“I’m a veteran, and it’s important to give back to the veterans and to the community,” Roman said. “I truly believe in what the American Legion does.”

This year for Veterans Day, members of Post 390 plan to participate in Wellington’s annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, starting at 8:15 a.m. They invite all active or retired service members to walk in the parade with them from Wellington Village Hall to the Wellington Veterans Memorial.

Millions of service men and women for years fought to keep the country safe. When they return home, the American Legion and its local posts are there to give veterans another chance to fight for the support and betterment of their comrades.

“If a veteran doesn’t support a veteran, a civilian won’t,” Roman said. “It’s very important that veterans support veterans. We’re there for each other when we serve, and we need to be there for each other after we serve.”

American Legion Post 390 meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. To learn more about American Legion Post 390, or to apply for membership, e-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com or visit www.alpost390.com.

Everyday Things Make Wellington A Community

Wellington isn’t defined by its facilities, budget, property values or even the awards it receives. It’s defined by its people. This Thanksgiving, as we gather with family and friends, I hope we’ll take a moment to appreciate not only the people around our tables but also the community beyond our front doors.

November has always been a month that encourages us to slow down, reflect and give thanks. Of course, between the holidays, family gatherings and everything else competing for our attention, slowing down is often easier said than done. But as we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself thinking about something we don’t always spend enough time appreciating: the everyday things that make a community a community.

Not the grand openings, ribbon cuttings or major announcements. Not necessarily the projects that make headlines or the accomplishments that earn awards. I’m talking about the things we sometimes take for granted. The neighborhood park where families gather on a Saturday morning. The streets we travel without giving much thought to who maintains them. The first responders who answer calls at all hours. The recreation programs that bring generations together. The neighbors who look out for one another, and the volunteers who give their time simply because they care.

These are the things that help define Wellington. As we continue celebrating Wellington’s 30th anniversary as an incorporated municipality, I’ve had an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come. When Wellington incorporated in 1995, our community had a vision for what it wanted to be. Thirty years later, much has changed. We’ve grown, our needs have evolved and the challenges are certainly different. But the fundamental reason that Wellington became a municipality remains just as relevant today: a community wanting a meaningful voice in shaping its own future.

I’ve spent more than two decades working for Wellington, including the past six years as village manager. During that time, I’ve witnessed extraordinary growth, difficult decisions, moments of celebration and moments when our community was tested. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a great community doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because people care enough to make it one. It happens because residents attend meetings, ask questions, challenge decisions and hold us accountable. It happens because volunteers serve on boards, coach youth sports, organize neighborhood activities and help those in need. It happens because our employees, many of whom live in the community, take pride in work that most people will never see. And it happens because, even when we disagree about how to get there, we share a common interest in Wellington’s future.

That last point seems particularly important these days. We live in a time when disagreements can quickly become divisions. Public conversations about taxes, growth, development and government priorities can be difficult. And sometimes, in the middle of debating what government should or shouldn’t do, we lose sight of why these conversations matter in the first place. They matter because we care about where we live. A resident questioning a proposed project, a parent advocating for a recreational program or a neighbor concerned about traffic isn’t necessarily standing in opposition to the community’s progress. Usually, they’re expressing something that we should all recognize: a personal investment in the place they call home.

Our responsibility in local government isn’t to expect everyone to agree. It’s to listen, explain our decisions, be responsible with public resources and remember that public service is ultimately about people. As village manager, I also know that much of what makes Wellington work happens quietly, long before most of us begin our day or well after we’ve returned home. There’s a public works team member responding to a drainage issue after a storm. A utility operator monitoring the systems that deliver safe drinking water. A parks maintenance team member preparing athletic fields before the first game. A customer service representative helping a resident navigate an unfamiliar process. And a deputy answering a call from someone experiencing what may be the worst day of their life. These moments rarely make headlines, but they matter.

I’m grateful for the people who show up every day to make them happen. As we look toward the end of another year, there will undoubtedly be more challenges and decisions ahead. That’s simply part of being a growing, evolving community. We won’t always have easy answers, and we won’t always agree on the choices before us. But I believe we can approach those challenges with a little more perspective, a little more patience, and a shared appreciation for what we’ve built together.

After all, Wellington isn’t defined solely by its facilities, its budget, its property values or even the awards it receives. It’s defined by its people. So, this Thanksgiving, as we gather with family and friends, I hope we’ll take a moment to appreciate not only the people around our tables but also the community beyond our front doors. The neighbor who lends a hand. The volunteer who gives an afternoon. The village team member whose work goes unnoticed. The resident who cares enough to get involved. Because sometimes the most important things about a community are the very things we stop noticing when everything is working as it should. And those are things worth being thankful for.

From our family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful start to the holiday season.