The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) returns to Wellington International in 2027 for a milestone season: its 50th Anniversary. Across the 200 acres that make up the North and South properties, athletes and guests will find upgraded competition rings and expanded classes. Sign up for our newsletters here to receive the latest details.
An Expanded 2027 Competition Schedule
WEF 2027 will feature weekly 1.45m National classes as well as Cross Rail, Pony and Itty Bitty jumpers, with additional 1.45m Grand Prix classes offered on select weeks. Young horses will also take center stage, with the 1.30m Young Jumpers competing on the new derby field during select weeks. The season opens with both CSI5* and CSI3* competition in Week 1, showcasing the depth and caliber of athletes at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Week 8 will mark North America’s inaugural CHIO at Wellington International, featuring CSIO4*, CDIO3*, CSIOJ and CSIOCH competition. Returning by popular demand are the BrainJuice U25, Team Hunter Challenge, Masters Mania, Lövsta Future Challenge Final and the 1.20m Young Jumper Final presented by North Star Sport Horses. For WEF 2027 draft schedules (Premier Week through Week 5), visit here.
Several new partners will also join WEF 2027, supporting new classes, special events, increased prize money and enhanced awards. More details will be announced as the season approaches.
Upgraded Rings and More Room to Compete
Significant footing updates have been completed in the Rost, Grand Hunter, Mogavero and DeNemethy rings as well as Rings 6, 8, 9 and 10. Ring 8 has also been dramatically widened and now has an adjacent viewing tent. It will host events previously scheduled in the DeNemethy Ring.
To help ease scheduling density at Wellington International North, WEF will use additional rings (A-D) at Wellington International South. The Wellington International show management team has spent the summer reviewing hundreds of classes and ring schedules with the needs of athletes, trainers, grooms and their teams in mind.
Discover Wellington International South
The new Derby Field at Wellington International South adds another setting for competition and will include a golf cart tailgating area. Go behind the scenes to see its creation in our Derby Field video.
With competition taking place across an expanded footprint, athletes, trainers, teams and guests are encouraged to use the complimentary golf cart shuttle service that circumnavigates the Wellington International property. An interactive digital map, expected to debut on the Wellington International website in early winter, will offer walking directions, venue & vendor information and other resources to help you navigate the grounds.
Celebrating 50 Years of Equestrian Competition
WEF’s 50th Anniversary will be celebrated with special events and limited-edition merchandise throughout the season. The Wellington International Shop has expanded its retail partnerships with new pieces, including items available exclusively during the 2027 season. Explore the collections and available preorders here.
The Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments® (GCC) returns for its 18th year with the theme “Once Upon a Masquerade.” Last season, the event distributed more than $2.3 million to over 80 nonprofit organizations. This year promises another memorable evening of philanthropy and sport.
Services and Amenities for the Season
Sportfot returns as the Official Sport Photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Exhibitors are encouraged to reserve photography services early here.
Onsite services will include:
- Dever Golf Cart Rentals
- Golf cart cleaning from Blue Ribbon Carts
- Large animal veterinary services from Palm Beach Equine Clinic, the Official Veterinary partner of Wellington International
- Small animal veterinary services from Paddock Paws
- Laundry services from Josie’s Laundry
- Onsite medical clinic for all your health needs from Ringside Health
Tickets for Wellington International’s premium hospitality venues are expected to go on sale in late fall. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and additional details about the 2027 Winter Equestrian Festival.
