For Canada’s Sofia Popescu Being In Wellington Is Key To Her Equestrian Future
Story By Siena Rosato/Cavaletti Consulting | Photos By Mia Baker
For young riders chasing international dreams, there are certain places that feel legendary — venues that represent not only top of the sport, but opportunity, growth and belonging. That is certainly the case for Canada’s Sofia Popescu, whose dreams of international success and Olympic medals have led her to Wellington, home of the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
After only a short taste of the circuit in 2024, Popescu made the decision to return last season, an intentional shift in her program that reflects both her long-term ambitions and the undeniable draw of Wellington as a global hub for equestrian sport.
Popescu began her junior career in Langley, British Columbia, where the realities of Canadian winters limited her competition schedule. “I was only able to show in the summers because of weather,” she explained, noting that winter competition initially meant just a couple of weeks at the Desert International Horse Park in California.
As her ambitions grew, so did her willingness to travel. In pursuit of goals like qualifying for the Pony Finals, Popescu began spending entire winters on the west coast, balancing time between California circuits and summer competition, eventually committing to a full-time move west, which was the first pivotal step in her development as a rider.
Still, Wellington remained on her radar. “I have dreamed about showing at WEF ever since I started trying horses there many years ago,” she said.
That dream became reality at the end of the 2024 winter season, when she spent several weeks competing on the east coast. It didn’t take long for her to recognize the difference.
Following that initial experience, Popescu made another major decision: to base herself out east with trainer Ilan Ferder and his team. What began as a temporary stay quickly became something more permanent. “After that, I realized I was right where I wanted to be and never wanted to leave,” she explained.
Part of Wellington’s appeal lies beyond the showgrounds. The community itself offers a unique blend of small-town charm and world-class infrastructure. For riders, it’s a lifestyle built around proximity to horses, to trainers and to peers who share the same level of dedication.
“Being a golf cart away from my horses is so important to me,” Popescu said, emphasizing the convenience and connection that define daily life during the circuit.
But it is the sport itself that truly sets WEF apart. Each week, riders face technical tracks, international-caliber competition and an atmosphere that mirrors championship conditions. For a developing rider, that consistency is invaluable.
“I think WEF does a fantastic job with courses and classes,” Popescu said. “Getting to ride against and watch some of the best of the best is so special.”
One moment in particular stands out from her first winter: watching top international competitors deliver a standout Nations Cup performance under the lights on a Saturday night. “It was one of the most impressive performances I’ve ever seen,” Popescu recalled.
Experiences like that, she said, are both inspiring and motivating reminders of the level she hopes to reach.
From a competitive standpoint, Wellington has also proven instrumental in helping Popescu work toward one of her key goals: representing Canada at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC). The depth and difficulty of WEF competition provide ideal preparation for the pressures of championship riding. “I always feel so prepared for it every year after jumping my whole winter here,” she said.
Popescu has competed at the NAYC three times and has even bigger goals of representing Canada on Nations Cup teams — and one day, potentially, at the Olympic Games.
Wellington has become a hub for a strong Canadian contingent each season, with top professionals, fellow juniors and national team figures all based in the area. Popescu finds herself immersed in the very environment she hopes to be part of long-term. “It’s really a great experience to ride amongst the people I will hopefully jump on international teams with someday,” she said.
Central to her progress has been her partnership with Ferder, whose guidance has shaped both her riding and mindset. “One thing he reminded me my first winter here was that this sport is a marathon, not a sprint,” Popescu explained.
In a setting where comparisons can be inevitable, that perspective has helped her stay grounded and focused on her own development. “Mostly, you are in competition with yourself,” she added, a philosophy that has allowed Popescu to measure success in terms of growth rather than results alone.
That growth has been evident. This winter marked Popescu’s introduction to the CSI2* level, where she has found increasing consistency against deeper fields. “Starting to jump these bigger classes amongst so many professionals I look up to has been really incredible,” she said.
With a talented string of horses, her focus remains on building confidence and consistency across the board. At the top of her string is Sade De Rialfo Z, a 10-year-old warmblood mare that Popescu began riding a year ago. Each round is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and refine her approach, an effort that paid off in a standout performance during WEF Week 9. “My favorite accomplishment this winter was the 2* that I jumped with Sade,” she said. “She gave me such great effort and really showed me how much we have both grown together.”
Outside the ring, Popescu has embraced the rhythm of Wellington life. From discovering local coffee shops with friends to enjoying slower Mondays at the barn, she values the balance that the circuit provides. “Wellington has so many hidden gems,” she said. “I really love and appreciate the feel of a small community.”
Looking ahead, Popescu plans to continue building on this momentum. A summer in Traverse City awaits before she returns to Wellington with even bigger goals. Chief among them is stepping into the U25 division in 2027, alongside continued progress with her horses.
For Popescu, the decision to base herself in Wellington full-time has already proven transformative. In a sport where progress is measured over years, not weeks, she has found a place that supports both her ambitions and her day-to-day growth. And as she continues to climb the ranks, Wellington remains not just a winter destination, but a cornerstone of her journey toward the top of the sport.
To follow Sofia Popescu, find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sof_eq.
