Experience The Magic Of Equestrian Sport At WEF 2025

Experience The Magic Of Equestrian Sport At WEF 2025

By Alicia McLaughlin

The Winter Equestrian Festival is back, and 2025 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 an incredible 13 weeks before wrapping up on March 30. This year’s 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, including Olympians, 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 for everyone.

One of the marquee attractions at WEF is the fan-favorite Saturday Night Lights series. Every Saturday evening, the International Arena transforms into a Grand Prix spectacle, featuring elite show jumping competition under the stadium lights. 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 per car, and the night includes live music, food vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, a carousel, and even more entertainment for kids and adults alike. 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 4* and 5* evenings) offers a sophisticated viewing space that turns into a nightclub for guests over age 21 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.

WEF 2025 offers much more than just show jumping. The festival is packed with exciting and diverse competitions that cater to all tastes and interests. Among them are:

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 this year’s bragging rights.

Leadline Classes on Sundays — For those who love to see the next generation of riders, don’t miss the Leadline Classes on select Sundays during the season. This adorable event features kids as young as age one competing in the International Arena, showcasing their potential as future equestrian stars.

The Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments — This event 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 Palm Beach County charities. It’s an uplifting highlight that reflects Wellington International’s deep commitment to supporting local communities.

The $150,000 CSIO4* Nations Cup, presented by Florida Coast Equipment — One of the most prestigious events of the festival, the Nations Cup brings together teams from around the world, each representing their country in a thrilling show jumping competition. Last year saw teams from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain and more compete in a fierce battle for international glory. Fans will be cheering on their favorite nations as teams strive to take home the coveted Nations Cup title. Last year, Ireland won. Who will be our winning nation this year?

The $100,000 Peter Wetherill WCHR/USHJA Hunter Spectacular — For fans of hunter competitions, this class 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.

The $100,000 Team Hunter Competition — Under the lights, hunter riders take part in this unique team event, jumping a 3’3” course in the International Arena. It’s an exciting addition to the Winter Equestrian Festival lineup, benefiting the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.

The WEF Equitation Championship, presented by Arion Sellier — This challenging competition 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.

The $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix — As the grand finale of WEF 2025, the Rolex US 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. The Grand Prix will serve as the culmination of 13 weeks of intense competition, 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.

The festival’s wide-reaching effects include job creation, labor earnings and a boost in tourism-related spending, with WEF participants and spectators directly spending more than $242.2 million.

The 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival 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 in Wellington. For more information on events, schedules and ticketed experiences, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com.

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