To Our Community,
The Wellington International Team, with incredible support from Wellington Lifestyle Partners, has been working hard to take the Winter Equestrian and Global Dressage Festivals to the next level.
I promised you that each year we would get better. I think we all agree that 2025 was better than 2024, and we are making sure 2026 is even more impressive with major improvements in sport, infrastructure, and hospitality. The newsletter below gives a preview of those improvements already in place and those in progress.
Sincerely,
Murray S. Kessler
CEO - Wellington International
Mark your calendars! Anticipation is building for another exciting equestrian season in Wellington! The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) will showcase 13 weeks of elite competition from December 31 through March 29, while the Global Dressage Festival (GDF), presented by Adequan® will return to Equestrian Village with top-level international dressage from January 7 through March 29. Click below for an overview of the 2026 competition dates.
As we prepare for another extraordinary competition season, the team at Wellington International, with the strong support of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, has been hard at work upgrading the facility and enhancing the competitor and spectator experiences. Below are a few highlights of what’s new and improved for our community.
Competition Enhancements:
- Over $1,000,000 total prize money increase to a record $16,000,000 for the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival season!
- The Rolex US Equestrian Open 5* Grand Prix prize money has been increased to $1,000,000!
- All 4* WEF Grand Prix qualifier prize money has been increased from $62,500 to $116,100.
- 68 FEI jumping world ranking classes.
- FEI Winning Round Qualifiers: Updated to a two-round format with faults carried forward.
- Prize money has increased in all 1.25m and higher Junior and Amateur Jumper Classics from $10,000 to $15,000.
- 3 dressage FEI World CupTM Qualifiers will be offered.
- An incredible dressage masterclass, featuring some of the world's top dressage riders!
- All new merchandise with a fresh new look for our hunter/jumper and dressage community.
Wellington International Facility Updates (North Venue):
- The FEI barns are being completely renovated to include new Barnwalkers Pro-Series Stalls and Equitan rubber surfaces are being installed for equine safety and comfort. In addition to lots of other improvements in FEI.
- New GGT textile footing is being installed by JTWG, Inc. in the International Arena and International Schooling Area.
- Major renovations have been completed by JTWG, Inc. in the Grand Hunter Ring.
- The main lunging ring by Barn 2 has all new footing and drainage base.
- Pony Island is getting a complete facelift (including new bathrooms)!
- The Pony Island rings (11 & 12) are being completely redone with a new base, footing and drainage.
- We have expanded golf cart paths & parking for safer and more efficient travel.
- WiFi enhancements throughout the venue for better connectivity.
- A NEW website will launch in the fall that consolidates our events for both hunters/jumpers and dressage.
- Paved and resurfaced roads between barns to reduce dust and improve drainage, as well as refurbished wash stalls and manure bins.
- The Judge’s stands at Equestrian Village that are used for the dressage competition have been redesigned to minimize obstructed views.
- The dressage spectator stands at Equestrian Village will be covered during the 2026 competition season.
- We will offer lots of food and beverage enhancements, including food service to the box seats, new Tiki Hut furniture, new self-contained buffet bars, additional action stations for more variety, a major kitchen renovation and much more!
- Numerous landscaping improvements throughout Wellington International have been made, such as:
- The refurbishment of the DeNemethy Hill! Irrigation has been added and all old wood has been removed.
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- The deck on the left-hand side of the International Arena has been removed, and sod has been added.
- Wellington International's entrance and Vendor Village have been re-landscaped.
New South Venue Updates by Wellington Lifestyle Partners:
- The three rings completed last year will be supplemented by one additional new ring. All four will be available for exercise during the 2026 WEF season.
- The Grass Derby Field has been completed and will be growing a solid root base for use in the 2027 season.
- A new 205' by 420' covered arena is currently being constructed.
- Roadwork is underway at Pierson Road & South Shore and Gracida & South Shore to improve traffic flow.
There's a lot to be excited about for the 2026 competition season! Please follow us on social media for further updates. We look forward to seeing you!
