The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the world’s largest and longest-running equestrian competition series, offering an elite yet welcoming environment for riders, horses, and spectators. Held annually in Wellington, Florida, WEF brings together top-level international show jumping, hunter, and equitation sport across an unparalleled multi-week winter circuit.
The Winter Equestrian Festival is widely regarded as the heartbeat of the global winter equestrian season. With world-class competition, family-friendly entertainment, and a vibrant social atmosphere, WEF is not only a sporting event but a destination experience for the entire equestrian community.
Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Overview
Dates: January – March (13 consecutive weeks annually)
Location: Wellington International, Wellington, Florida, USA
Duration: 13 weeks of weekly horse shows
Audience: Professional riders, amateurs, youth competitors, families, and equestrian fans of all ages
The Winter Equestrian Festival features weekly standalone competitions that allow riders to participate for a single week or throughout the entire circuit. From grassroots hunter divisions to elite FEI 5* Grand Prix classes, WEF offers opportunities for every level of rider and horse.
About the Winter Equestrian Festival
WEF is designed to combine high-performance sport with accessibility and education. Riders compete in a structured, progressive environment while benefiting from top-tier footing, professionally designed courses, and consistent competition conditions week after week.
The festival has helped shape Olympic champions, develop young horses, and introduce thousands of spectators to the sport of show jumping in an engaging and approachable way.
Winter Equestrian Festival Competition Format
Disciplines Featured:
Show Jumping (National & FEI CSI competitions)
Hunters
Equitation (Junior, Amateur, and U25)
Weekly Schedule:
Wednesday–Friday: Hunter, equitation, and jumper classes
Saturday: Feature events and Grand Prix competitions
Sunday: Championship and concluding classes
Each week operates as its own horse show, allowing competitors to tailor their schedule around training goals, horse development, or championship pursuits.
Signature Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Events & Highlights
Saturday Night Lights
One of WEF’s most popular attractions, Saturday Night Lights features high-level Grand Prix show jumping under stadium lights combined with live entertainment, food vendors, shopping, and family activities.
FEI Grand Prix & Nations Cup
International riders from around the world compete in CSI4* and CSI5* Grand Prix events, including Nations Cup competitions where teams represent their countries.
Hunter & Equitation Championships
WEF is a key destination for junior and amateur riders aiming for national titles, year-end points, and exposure to top trainers and judges.
Spectator Experience at Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF)
Viewing Areas:
Multiple grandstands and open viewing spaces across show jumping, hunter, and equitation arenas
Hospitality & Dining:
On-site restaurants, food trucks, VIP hospitality lounges, and casual seating areas
Atmosphere:
Energetic, polished, and family-friendly with a strong social scene
Activities:
Vendor village shopping, kids’ zones, live music, rider meet-and-greets, and behind-the-scenes barn access
Attending WEF offers more than just competition—it’s a full-day lifestyle experience centered around horses, sport, and community.
Winter Equestrian Festival Entry & Participation
Who Can Compete:
- International professionals
- Amateur and junior riders
- Youth and developing athletes
Entry Process:
Entries are submitted weekly through Wellington International’s official competition system. Riders may compete for one week or the entire circuit.
Tips for Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Competitors:
Plan stabling and housing early due to high seasonal demand
Review weekly prize lists and FEI requirements carefully
Take advantage of consistent footing and course design to develop horses progressively
WEF is widely used as a preparation ground for World Cup finals, championship teams, and Olympic-level competition.
Why You Should Attend the Winter Equestrian Festival?
World-Class Sport: Watch Olympic and World Championship riders compete up close
Unmatched Venue: One of the most advanced equestrian facilities in the world
All Levels Welcome: From first-time spectators to lifelong horse people
Family-Friendly: Entertainment, open spaces, and activities for all ages
Photographer’s Dream: Stadium jumping under lights, elegant hunter rounds, and beautifully presented horses
For riders, fans, and families alike, WEF represents the pinnacle of winter equestrian sport in an exciting and accessible setting.
Event Organizer
Organizer: Wellington International
Experience: Hosts elite international show jumping, hunter, and equitation competitions year-round, including the Winter Equestrian Festival and major FEI events
