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Winter Equestrian Festival to Host Final Event of the Inaugural Rolex Series

May 23. 2024

Wellington, FL (5.23.24) – Wellington International is proud to announce the introduction of the Rolex Series in show jumping, a groundbreaking initiative uniting six of the world's most prestigious equestrian shows, each supported by Rolex. This significant announcement was made at the opening Rolex Series event – the CSIO Rome Piazza di Siena. The Rolex Series will also feature the CSIO Jumping International de La Baule, the CSI Jumping International de Dinard, the Dublin Horse Show, the Brussels Stephex Masters, and the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, USA.

These six historic shows are renowned for their unique qualities, including rich traditions, the highest standards of competition, and having been won by the most elite riders in the sport's history. The formation of the Rolex Series will foster collaboration among these premier events, driving continual improvement and innovation in the sport.

2024 & 2025 Rolex Series Events:

  • CSIO Roma Piazza di Siena, 23–26 May 2024
  • CSIO Jumping International de La Baule, 6–9 June 2024
  • CSI Jumping International de Dinard, 18–21 July 2024
  • Dublin Horse Show, 14–18 August 2024
  • Brussels Stephex Masters, 28 August – 1 September 2024
  • Winter Equestrian Festival, 25 – 30 March 2025

Rolex Testimonee Steve Guerdat, who attended the launch, stated: “The six shows that are part of the Rolex Series are some of the best shows in the world and the ones that we all, as riders, mark in our schedule every year. They are some of the most prestigious and historically significant competitions on our calendar, and by bringing this amazing group of shows together as part of the Rolex Series, the prestige and desire to win is only going to increase.”

Each event within the Rolex Series, spanning Europe and North America, reflects Rolex’s enduring commitment to excellence. These shows are steeped in equestrian tradition while embracing innovation and striving for continual improvement. The pinnacle class of each event will be the Rolex Grand Prix, a competition that demands the utmost harmony and trust between horse and rider.

The final Rolex Series event of the inaugural year will be hosted at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, USA. This three-month festival, running from January to March 2025, is one of the world's premier equestrian events and will culminate on the evening of March 29 at the much-anticipated Rolex Grand Prix during the Rolex Finale Week.

Rolex has been an esteemed partner of the Winter Equestrian Festival since 2012, and in 2015, the organization became the official sponsor of WEF’s Finale Grand Prix. Rolex is the official and exclusive timepiece of Wellington International and the Winter Equestrian Festival. Together, Rolex and Wellington International strive to elevate the equestrian and spectator experience in North America.

Winter Equestrian Festival Rolex Grand Prix Winners

2015 – McLain Ward (USA)

2016 – Ben Maher (GBR)

2017 – Sergio Alvarez Moya (ESP)

2018 – Margie Goldstein-Engle (USA)

2019 – McLain Ward (USA)

2021 – Daniel Deusser (GER)

2022 – Ashlee Bond (ISR)

2023 – Richard Vogel (GER)

2024 – Christian Kukuk (GER)

ABOUT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL

Situated in the heart of Wellington, FL, the iconic "Winter Equestrian Capital of the World", Wellington International is the proud host of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This internationally recognized 13-week event stands as the world's largest and longest-running hunter/jumper horse show in the world. Every year, WEF opens its gates to thousands of riders from all 50 U.S. states and over 34 countries, cementing its reputation as a global equestrian hub. Spanning more than 111 acres, Wellington International is equipped with 18 competition arenas, over 400 permanent equine stalls, dedicated horse trails, pedestrian paths, and golf cart tracks. Beyond the equestrian sports, WEF offers an all-encompassing experience, featuring VIP services, unmatched hospitality, versatile event spaces, and world-class shopping opportunities. With an annual contribution of more than $351 million to Palm Beach County's GDP and the creation of over 3,300 jobs, the festival's impact extends well beyond the facility. The Winter Equestrian Festival is a flagship event operated by Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC.