Discover A Hidden Winter Haven For Shoppers & Sellers Here In Wellington
By Elaine Shuster
The winter season in Wellington is known for the thousands of horses and riders that compete annually here, but local savvy shoppers have also learned that the winter months are a prime time to take advantage of the easy access to international commodities, limited-edition curiosities and local essentials.
Though the location of this merchandise may not be where one would expect, the many unique storefronts have proven to be an enticing extra to some of the most popular events around: the horse shows.
From January through early April each year, Wellington International, the home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, welcomes equestrians and their four-legged partners to compete, but the venue also has plenty in store for non-competing family members, friend and fans. At Wellington International, areas dubbed Hunter Hill, Tiki Terrace, International Club Shoppes, Vendor Village and other quaint names serve as temporary “main streets” tucked into this equestrian crown jewel.
Shoppers are able to sift through racks, tables and shelves for 13 weeks in search of the perfect item, many of which are traditionally only available online, internationally or for a limited amount of time, offering customers a unique opportunity to patronize shops that would otherwise be unavailable to them and handle items that could normally only be seen through a screen.
“We are very proud of the collection of shops that choose to spend their winter with us each year,” said Annette Goyette, director of advertising and vendor operations at Equestrian Sport Productions, which manages the Winter Equestrian Festival. “The diversity of all the various stores offers a high-quality experience to our guests, and it also allows each boutique to showcase its unique products or services. Nearly all the shops are small businesses, meaning that visitors are supporting entrepreneurship when they choose to shop with us.”
The long list of storefronts, which cater to both equestrian and mainstream customers, encompasses a wide array of diverse products and services, including clothes, jewelry, home curiosities, equine supplies, footwear, food, accessories and more. Shoppers can find everything from knick-knacks to luxury splurges, and dogs can even be adopted from Danny & Ron’s Rescue.
In 2022, there were more than 100 vendors and plentiful places to eat and relax. Of that group, the majority do not have permanent brick-and-mortar stores outside of the horse show. Some vendors only stay for a few weeks of the circuit, offering an ever-changing shopping experience.
While most of the on-site vendors can be cleanly classified as equestrian or non-equestrian, a couple notably offer products that can serve either category. DerDau, a family-run business, crafts custom leather boots that are suitable for riding as well as everyday wear, and Charles Ancona, the official jacket supplier of the United States and Irish show jumping teams and a popular choice for riders, also sells motorsport jackets and is coming out with a new fashion line. Lauracea’s waterproof leather bags serve as fashionable helmet bags or travel totes. There are rotating artist spotlights, each with a unique medium and finished pieces.
While shoppers are able to take advantage of the array of items, the sellers also benefit from their semi-permanent winter home, making for an ideal situation for both parties. During the winter equestrian season in Wellington, shop managers have a home base for three months, giving them a chance to reach a consistent stream of foot traffic on the heavily visited property and promote items in person.
“As an artist who specializes in making bronze sculptures of horses in motion, the shows at Wellington International during the Winter Equestrian Festival have been an important place for me to connect with horse enthusiasts from all over the world,” Clare Christie of Clare Christie Fine Art explained.
The Winter Equestrian Festival has attracted loyal shops such as Hunt Ltd., CM Hadfield’s, McGuinn Tack Trunks, Running Fox and Kocher for many years, some for several decades, but there have also been fresh arrivals each season that allow for visitors to stumble upon something novel while still relying on old favorites. In 2022, the famous footwear brand Sam Edelman tried its hand — or foot, rather — at the horse show, and Denmark-based Helgstrand Jewellery also made its debut appearance in Wellington.
“Last year, Helgstrand Jewellery attended the Winter Equestrian Festival for the first time, and it was such an incredible experience! One of the great things about being a vendor at Wellington International is that we get to showcase our brand to people from across the world,” said Marianne Helgstrand, founder of Helgstrand Jewellery. “Our jewelry collections are inspired by our beloved world of horses, and it is amazing to be able to present our pieces to a community equally passionate about horses as we are.”
Though nearly the entire roster of boutiques at Wellington International during the winter season are nomadic throughout the year with few having physical bases, two local, Wellington-based shops opted to enhance their existing presence in the community with a location at the showgrounds. Both Eyes of Wellington and TackNRider create a second home for customers during the winter months, offering products and services to equestrian enthusiasts at the horse show.
“This is a premier show and a premier town, and that is what makes us come every year to Wellington International. There are a lot of shows around the country, but there is only one which is above all,” said Prashant Ramani, president of TackNRider.
The Winter Equestrian Festival will return to Wellington International in a few short months, kicking off Jan. 4, 2023, and concluding April 2, 2023. Whether you are looking for a bracelet, saddle or priceless work of art, it is worth a visit to the property to see for yourself what strikes your fancy, whether in or out of the riding ring.
Visit www.equestriansport.com to learn more.
