Experience The Magic Of Horses At The Winter Equestrian Festival
By Alicia McLaughlin
The 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival promises to be the most thrilling season yet. Hosted at the Wellington International showgrounds, WEF is the largest and longest-running annual equestrian competition in the world, spanning 13 weeks from Jan. 1 through March 30, 2025. This 2025 edition will captivate equestrian enthusiasts and newcomers alike with its blend of top-tier show jumping, family-friendly events and entertainment, all within a world-class venue.
From Wednesday to Sunday each week, Wellington International opens its doors from 8 a.m. until the end of daily competitions, usually wrapping up around 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy more than 100 food and retail vendors scattered throughout the grounds, with plenty of shady spots to take in the excitement of the equestrian events. Visitors can watch elite athletes competing at the highest level of show jumping each day. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or attending for the first time, WEF offers an accessible yet world-class experience.
Enjoy show jumping and entertainment under the night sky at one of the marquee attractions of WEF — the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights series. Every Saturday evening, the International Arena transforms into a Grand Prix spectacle, featuring elite show jumping competition. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the main event kicking off at 7 p.m. But Saturday Night Lights is more than just show jumping; it’s an experience for the whole family. Admission is free, with a small parking fee, and the night includes live music, food vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, a carousel and plenty of additional entertainment options. Top athletes will compete for prestigious titles, giving visitors a front-row seat to the very best in equestrian sport.
For those seeking an upgraded experience, Wellington International offers exclusive hospitality options. The Blue Ribbon Club provides premium seating and dining, while the Gallery (available during evenings with 4* and 5* events) offers a sophisticated viewing space that turns into a nightclub once the competition ends. Alternatively, the Tiki Hut offers casual dining and prime views of the action all week long, with reserved seating available for purchase on Saturday nights.
The festival is packed with exciting and diverse competitions that cater to all tastes and interests, such as the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes. This lively competition pits eight men against eight women in a thrilling relay race across a jumping course. Expect fast-paced action, high energy and lots of crowd interaction as the teams battle it out for bragging rights.
For those who love to see the next generation of riders, don’t miss the Leadline Classes on select Sundays. This adorable event features kids as young as one competing in the International Arena, showcasing their potential as future equestrian stars.
The Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, brings together one professional and two junior/amateur riders in a relay competition in costume. This heartwarming event blends equestrian sport and philanthropy, raising more than $2.25 million in 2024 for more than 50 local charities. It’s an uplifting highlight that reflects Wellington International’s deep commitment to supporting the community.
The $150,000 CSIO4* Nations Cup, presented by Florida Coast Equipment, is one of the most prestigious events at WEF. The Nations Cup brings together teams from around the world, each representing their country in a thrilling show jumping competition. Fans will be cheering on their favorite nations as teams strive to take home the coveted title. Last year, Ireland won. Who will be our winning nation this year?
For fans of hunter competitions, the $100,000 Peter Wetherill WCHR/USHJA Hunter Spectacular is a must-see event. Combining grace and precision, the competition showcases the finest hunter horse-and-rider combinations in the U.S. as they take to the arena in a display of elegance.
Under the lights, hunter riders will also take part in the $100,000 Team Hunter Competition benefiting the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, a unique team event, jumping a 3’3” course in the International Arena. It’s an exciting addition to the WEF lineup.
The WEF Equitation Championship, presented by Arion Sellier, puts young riders to the test, removing all outside help from trainers or assistants. Riders must walk the course, plan their strategy and warm up entirely on their own, making it one of the most unique and prestigious equitation events in the country.
As the grand finale of WEF, the $750,000 Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open Grand Prix stands as one of the most prestigious show jumping events in the U.S. and marks the final (and only U.S.) stop in the inaugural Rolex Series. With $750,000 in prize money on the line, this event attracts the best riders from around the world, competing at the highest level, ensuring a dramatic and thrilling conclusion to the competition season.
Beyond its sporting and entertainment value, WEF is a critical driver of the local economy. In 2024, WEF generated an impressive $403.6 million in economic impact for Palm Beach County, a 14 percent increase from the previous year.
WEF 2025 promises to be an unforgettable season of sport, entertainment and community impact. Whether you’re a passionate equestrian fan or just looking for a fun day out, WEF has something for everyone.
Wellington International is located at 3400 Equestrian Club Drive. Learn more at www.wellingtoninternational.com.
