Wellington International, home to the world-renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) and Annual Series horse shows, is proud to announce the expansion of its equestrian footprint to 215 acres with the development of 98 acres into Wellington International South.
Set to open for competition in the fall of 2026, Wellington International South is being thoughtfully designed as a world-class venue for equestrian sport in North America, featuring expansive green space, lush landscaping, ample shade for horses and spectators, and state-of-the-art competition facilities. The new venue will serve as the future home of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival while also hosting FEI show jumping, hunter derbies, Under 25 jumping competitions, and seasonal events.
“This project represents the next chapter for equestrian sports in Wellington,” said Michael Stone, President of Wellington International. “We are building a venue that prioritizes the experience for horses, riders, owners, grooms, and spectators alike while continuing to elevate Wellington International as the premier horse sports destination in the world.”
Want to learn even more about Wellington International South? Hear from Michael Stone and Ashley Holzer as they tour the new facility in the video below.
Designed for Horses and Athletes
Wellington International South has been master– planned to create an elevated and welcoming environment that blends elite equestrian sport with park-like surroundings.
The new facility will include:
- More than 98 acres featuring state-of-the-art competition facilities and modern VIP hospitality space
- Expanded golf cart shuttle routes for ease of access to the North and South properties
- Thousands of parking spaces for cars and golf carts
- Ample restroom facilities
- Permanent covered grandstands with seating for 1,500 spectators
- Food and retail shopping areas by the CDI International Arena and Covered Arena
- Covered spectator seating at all competition rings
- Dedicated horse shade structures at each ring
- A new horse show office
- A horse & human-friendly bridge connecting the stabling and competition areas
Take A Closer Look
Travis Gould and his team at JTWG, Inc., are leading the installation of the ebb-and-flow watering systems in the Covered Arena and CDI International Arena, as well as the placement of premium GGT Textile in the competition rings and bridle paths. JTWG is also responsible for the construction and completion of all new riding rings across Wellington International South.
Competition & Schooling Arenas
- CDI International Arena measuring 250’ x 350’ (this arena will host up to 3,000 spectators)
- Covered Arena measuring 205’ x 420’
- 4 additional National hunter/jumper competition rings (A-D), adding 290,800 sq ft of competition and schooling areas
- 2 National Dressage Ring(s) measuring 225’ x 420’
- A grass derby field measuring 375’ x 325’
- Dedicated FEI and National schooling & lunging areas
- 84,000-square-foot Covered Arena, constructed by Coastal Steel Structures
The new grass derby field is being constructed by internationally renowned turf expert Richard Hayden of Hayden Turfcare. Hayden’s portfolio includes some of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues, including:
- The RDS Arena in Dublin, Ireland
- Hickstead Arena in Sussex, England
- Karlswood Stables in Ireland
- FIFA World Cup venues
The derby field will also feature a dedicated tailgating area designed to enhance the spectator experience.
Modern Barns & Competitor Amenities
The facility’s permanent barns, being completed by Barnwalkers in partnership with IDA Development, will include five 60-stall barns with wash racks, Equitan rubber surfaces, and integrated restroom facilities.
Each permanent barn includes:
- 60 permanent stalls
- 12’ x 12’ stall dimensions
- Equitan aisle surfaces
- Wash racks and restroom facilities
Elevating Equestrian Sport in North America
The unveiling of Wellington International South represents a major investment by Wellington Lifestyle Partners in the future of equestrian sport in Wellington, Florida, and North America. This investment reinforces Wellington International’s commitment to delivering world-class facilities and experiences for generations to come.
As the venue prepares for its fall 2026 soft launch and full 2027 competition season debut, Wellington International South is poised to become one of the most advanced and thoughtfully designed equestrian facilities in the world. Future plans for Wellington International South include additional hospitality and vendor spaces, more permanent barns and other amenities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Hayden Turfcare, Barnwalkers, Coastal Steel Structures, GGT Textile Footing, IDA Development and JTWG, Inc., for their outstanding partnership in the development of Wellington International South.
If you have questions about Wellington International South, please ask them here.
