2026 WEF Features Record $16 Million In Prize Money And Transformative Upgrades
By Grace Klement
Wellington is once again preparing to welcome the world for another extraordinary season of elite equestrian sport. The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival returns from Dec. 31, 2025, through March 29, 2026, bringing 13 weeks of top-level competition, drawing in thousands of athletes, horses and spectators to Palm Beach County.
Wellington International, backed by the support of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, has been preparing both the competition calendar and the facility itself after a record-setting 2025 economic survey, citing $536.2 million in economic impact in Palm Beach County. Riders, owners and spectators can expect not only record-breaking prize money, but also major improvements across the grounds designed to elevate the experience for everyone who calls WEF a winter tradition.
Record-Setting Competition Enhancements — Prize money marks the event’s iconic status, and WEF will now offer a record $16 million in total available winnings. The Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix has increased its prize money to a landmark $1 million. Riders competing in the 4* WEF Grand Prix qualifiers will also benefit, with prize money increasing from $62,500 to $116,100. More than $2 million will be offered in hunter prize money during the season.
The schedule features 68 FEI jumping world ranking classes and updated FEI Winning Round Qualifiers in a two-round format with faults carrying forward. These refinements are designed to create an even more thrilling sport while offering competitors valuable ranking opportunities.
Junior and amateur riders will also feel the excitement, since prize money in all 1.25m and higher Jumper Classics has risen from $10,000 to $15,000, as well as an additional Medium Amateur team class. Spectators can also look forward to an upgraded experience, with night classes promising new surprises to keep the energy high under the lights.
And for fans who love to take a piece of WEF home, an all-new line of merchandise with a fresh, modern look will debut this season.
Transformative Facility Upgrades — Wellington International has made significant strides in upgrading its facilities. At the North Venue, home to the iconic International Arena, competitors and their horses will find sweeping improvements designed with performance, safety and comfort in mind.
The FEI barns are undergoing a complete renovation, now featuring state-of-the-art Barnwalkers Pro-Series stalls and Equitan rubber surfaces to ensure the highest standards of equine care. The footing has been renewed with new GGT textile footing installed by JTWG Inc. in both the International Arena and the International Schooling Ring. The Grand Hunter Ring has also undergone major renovations, while the main lunging ring by Barn 2 now boasts new footing and an improved drainage base.
Pony Island, a beloved hub for junior competition, is receiving a full facelift, including new bathrooms, completely redone rings with upgraded bases, footing and drainage, ensuring that the next generation of riders has a first-class environment to compete in.
Expanded golf cart paths and parking will make travel more efficient and safe, while Wi-Fi upgrades throughout the venue will improve connectivity for competitors, trainers and fans alike. Paved and resurfaced roads, refurbished wash stalls and redesigned manure bins all reflect the venue’s commitment to detail.
Spectators will especially enjoy the many hospitality enhancements. New Tiki Hut furniture, food service to the box seats, self-contained buffet bars and even a major kitchen renovation promise to make dining at WEF as memorable as the competition itself.
The grounds at Wellington International have also been refreshed, from the refurbished DeNemethy Hill with new irrigation and landscaping to a redesigned entrance and Vendor Village, greeting guests with a fresh look.
Expanding the South Venue — Wellington Lifestyle Partners has invested in the South Venue’s infrastructure. The three new rings completed last year will be joined by a fourth ring, all available for exercise throughout the 2026 season. The South Venue also features a new 205-foot-by-420-foot covered arena built by Coastal Steel Structures. In addition, the Grass Derby Field, newly completed, will be carefully nurtured over the coming months to develop a strong root base, with competition planned for 2027. Roadwork improvements at Pierson Road and South Shore Blvd., as well as Gracida Street and South Shore, are also underway to improve traffic flow.
A Season to Remember — As the countdown begins, the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival promises a season defined by record prize money, world-class competition, and an environment built for athletes, horses and fans. From upgraded arenas and barns to enhanced dining and hospitality, every detail reinforces Wellington International’s commitment to excellence.
Wellington International is located at 3400 Equestrian Club Drive in Wellington. For more information, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com.
WEF 2026 SCHEDULE
WEF Premiere Week
USEF Premier “AA”
Dec. 31, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
WEF Week 1
CSI3*, USEF Premier “AA”
Jan. 7-11
WEF Week 2
CSI3*, U25, USEF Premier “AA”
Jan. 14-18
WEF Week 3
CSI4*, CSI2*, USEF Premier “AA”
Jan. 21-25
WEF Week 4
CSI4*, CSI2*, U25,
USEF Premier “AA”
Jan. 28 – Feb. 1
WEF Week 5
CSI5*, CSI2*,
USEF Premier “AA”
Feb. 4-8
WEF Week 6
CSI3*, U25, USHJA/WCHR Hunter Spectacular, USEF Premier “AA”
Feb. 11-15
WEF Week 7
CSI5*, CSI2*, USEF Premier “AA”
Feb. 18-22
WEF Week 8
CSIO4*, U25, USEF Premier “AA”
Feb. 25 – March 1
WEF Week 9
CSI5*, CSI2*, USEF Premier “AA”
March 4-8
WEF Week 10
CSI4*, U25, USEF Premier “AA”
March 11-15
WEF Week 11
CSI4*, CSI2*, USEF Premier
“AA”, WEF Equitation
March 18-22
Rolex Finale Week
CSI5*, CSI2*, WCHR, USEF Premier “AA”
March 25-29
