A11y.General.SkipToContent

2026 Wellington International Updates

2026 Competition Updates 

  • More than $16,000,000 in prize money will be offered!
    • Featuring the $1,000,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix
    • All CSI4* WEF grand prix qualifiers have had prize money increased from $62,500 to $116,100
    • $1,700,000 in hunter prize money will be offered
    • 3 CSI5* Grand Prixs offering $500,000 in prize money each
    • Prize money has been increased in ALL 1.25M and above Amateur and Junior Jumper Classics from $10,000 to $15,000
  • 68 FEI Jumping world ranking classes
  • All-new team Medium Amateur Jumper class under the lights!
  • 10 hunter derbies 
  • 2 WCHR weeks 
  • FEI Winning Round Qualifiers: Updated to a two-round format with faults carried forward
  • Spectator surprises during night classes!

Wellington International Facility Updates (North Venue)

Upgrades and facility enhancements have been completed at Wellington International for the 2026 competition season. Learn more below.

FEI Barns  

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 numerous other enhancements within FEI.

Click Here to Learn More about FEI Enhancements

Footing Enhancements

New GGT textile footing is installed by JTWG, Inc. in the International Arena and International Schooling Area.

Grand Hunter, Main Lunging Ring, as well as Rings 11 & 12 also got all new bases with improved drainage and new footing. 

All New Bridle Paths 

All bridle paths are being replaced with Equitan surfaces and Ebb & Flow footing. 

Pony Island Enhancements

In addition to all new drainage and footing in Rings 11 & 12 (located inside of Pony Island), spectators and exhibitors alike can enjoy all new bathrooms. Brand-new Equitan surfacing has been installed around the restrooms, giving them a fresh look. 

Pony Island is receiving a brand-new facelift for a fresh, modern look for everyone to enjoy. 

Golf Cart Path Expansion

High-usage golf cart paths are getting expanded to improve traffic flow and allow for safer travel! 

Landscaping Enhancements

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.
  • 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.

Exhibitor Enhancements

To improve the exhibitor experience, all roads between barns have been paved to reduce dirt and elevate your driving experience. 

The manure bins have been fully renovated to improve waste separation.

Wash stalls have received a face-lift for a fresh look. 

At Equestrian Village

The dressage spectator stands at Equestrian Village will be covered during the 2026 competition season.

The judges’ stands at Equestrian Village that are used for the dressage competition have been redesigned to minimize obstructed views.

Additional Enhancements

Wifi enhancements throughout the property for better connectivity. 

New Website consolidating Jumping, Hunter/Jumpers and Dressage and expanded bandwidth for ease and speed of use (launching this fall).

Numerous food & beverage enhancements including food service in the box seats, new Tiki Hut furniture, new self-contained buffet bars, renovated kitchen and much more.

South Venue Updates by Wellington Lifestyle Partners

All New Rings

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 by Coastal Steel Structures

Learn More Coastal Steel Structures Arena Here 

Improved Traffic Flow

Roadwork is underway at Pierson Road & South Shore and Gracida & South Shore to improve traffic flow.