Wellington International, the United States’ premier horse show venue and Rolex, a proud supporter of the highest levels of equestrianism since 1957, announced today that their partnership, which started in 2012, will continue. Rolex will remain the Official and Exclusive Timepiece of Wellington International, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival. The primary goal of the collaboration will be to elevate the equestrian and spectator experience in North America through the Wellington International venue.
One of the highlights of the partnership will continue to be the Rolex CSI5* Grand Prix which takes place during the final week of the WEF horse shows. The event attracts some of the most elite horse and rider combinations in the world including several Rolex Testimonees. This partnership reaffirms the commitment of both companies to Perpetual Excellence in everything that they do.
WEF, which has been held in Wellington, FL, since 1974, is the world’s largest and longest-running horse show. WEF contributes more than $304 million to the local Palm Beach County economy each year. With over 34,000 entries and 8,000 horses, the sprawling 111-acre venue transforms into the epicenter of equestrian sport every winter from January to April.
In 2024, the last week of WEF will be celebrated as the Rolex Finale Week. This special week will feature unique classes, events, hospitality and awards, culminating during the Rolex CSI5* Grand Prix held in the International Arena, surrounded by club-level viewing experiences and free spectator seating. Attendees and their families can dine, enjoy the competition, and be entertained with world-class show jumping during the final Saturday Night Lights grand prix event of the 13-week season.
Michael Stone, President of Wellington International said, “It is our profound honor to partner with Rolex. We appreciate their support and guidance over the last eleven years and look forward to our future partnership. This collaboration is key to developing and elevating the equestrian sport in North America”.
In addition to the Wellington International partnership, Rolex will continue to support the Great Charity Challenge (GCC) with a significant donation each year. The relay-style jumping competition pairs equestrian teams with charities that serve Palm Beach County. The GCC has raised $19.4 million for 314 Palm Beach County non-profit organizations to date.
At Wellington International, “Setting New Standards” is more than just a motto; it is ingrained in every decision and partnership they make. This historic ongoing partnership with Rolex will enable Wellington International to enhance 5* competition, hospitality, and the event experience for equestrians and visitors.
ROLEX AND EQUESTRIANISM
Through its support of the finest international riders, competitions and institutions, Rolex has been a long-standing partner of equestrianism globally. This enduring commitment is based on a rich heritage stretching back more than 60 years, starting with the relationship with pioneering British Olympian Pat Smythe. The brand is a founding partner of the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, the sport’s ultimate prize, which is awarded to any rider who, consecutively, wins the Grand Prix at three of the four Majors: The Dutch Masters, the CHIO Aachen, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament and the CHI Geneva. Rolex’s partnerships with key figures in the equestrian community – among them, Steve Guerdat, Martin Fuchs, Daniel Deusser, Scott Brash, Kent Farrington, Jessica Springsteen, Harry Charles and Rodrigo Pessoa – run across generations, enabling knowledge and experience to be shared. As part of its commitment to promote development and constant improvement, Rolex supports the Young Riders Academy, which nurtures future talent.
ABOUT WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL
Wellington International is the home of the internationally recognized 13-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and 28 weeks of the Annual Series horse shows. WEF came to Wellington in 1974 and boasts more than 111 acres, 18 competition arenas, over 400 permanent equine stalls, horse trails, pedestrian paths, and golf cart tracks. This award-winning venue operates the world’s largest and longest-running hunter/jumper horse show while annually welcoming thousands of riders from all 50 states and more than 52 countries. In addition to equestrian sporting events, Wellington International offers VIP, hospitality, event spaces, world-class shopping and much more! With the support of their parent company, the Global Equestrian Group (GEG), Wellington International is focused on the future of equestrian sport to better serve exhibitors, stakeholders, and community.
