2026 Winter Equestrian Festival Returns to Wellington with $16.55 Million in Prize Money
- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Located approximately 75 miles north of Miami, about a 1.5-hour drive, Wellington International will once again welcome the world’s top equestrian athletes, trainers, families, and fans for the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), running now, through March 29, 2026.
Christian Kukuk & Checker
Spanning 13 weeks, the festivals serve as an unofficial training ground for the LA 2028 Olympic Games and feature elite competition across show jumping, hunter, and dressage disciplines. WEF is the largest annual equestrian competition in the world, drawing thousands of horses and riders from more than 42 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
With free general admission, fans can attend two weekly marquee events: Saturday Night Lights and Friday Night Stars. Saturday Night Lights features top-level Grand Prix show jumping with horses and riders clearing obstacles up to 5’3” high and 6’5” wide, alongside family-friendly entertainment. Friday Night Stars showcases Grand Prix Freestyle dressage performances set to music under the lights at Equestrian Village.
Aerial shot of Wellington International.
The 2026 season brings more than $1 million in added prize money, increasing the total purse to $16.55 million. Highlights include the $1,000,000 Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix and multiple $500,000 CSI5* events. The 17th Annual Great Charity Challenge sponsored by Fidelity Investments®, held Jan. 31, will benefit more than 30 Palm Beach County nonprofits. Since its launch, the event has distributed over $24 million to local charities.
The festival continues to deliver major economic impact. In 2025, WEF generated $536.2 million for Palm Beach County, surpassing other major Florida sporting events. The 2026 season is expected to welcome more than 31,000 competitors from over 50 countries, reinforcing Wellington’s role as a global equestrian destination.
Rider Kevin Kohmann competing at the Global Dressage Festival. Courtesy of Susan J Stickle.
“This is where champions are made,” said Murray Kessler, CEO of Wellington International. “Wellington International has become central to the international equestrian community, bringing together the best riders, horses, and fans in the world.”
Major upgrades for 2026 include renovated FEI barns, improved arena footing, new covered spectator seating, expanded accessibility resources, themed event nights, and enhanced exhibitor amenities. AGDF will also welcome World No. 2 dressage rider Isabell Werth during Week 7.
Visitor Information:
General Admission is free. Gates open at 6 p.m. with competition beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday Night Lights and Friday Night Stars. Parking is $25 per vehicle at Wellington International and free at Equestrian Village. VIP experiences are available.
Crowds on a Saturday night during the Winter Equestrian Festival. Courtesy of Ashley Neuhof.
More information and full schedules are available at www.wellingtoninternational.com.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Jan. 9: Country Western Night – CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle presented by IDA Development
Jan. 23: CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle presented by 3 Graces Dressage
Feb. 5: CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Coastal Steel Structures
Feb. 20: Fan Appreciation Night – CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Zen Elite Equestrian Center
Feb. 27: Palm Beach Derby – CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Donato Farms
Mar. 13: ABBA Night – CSI-W Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Lövsta Stuteri
Mar. 20: Nations Cup Night – CDIO3* Grand Prix Freestyle presented by Modon
Courtesy of Ashley Neuhof.
Top 2026 Enhancements at the Winter Equestrian Festival
Competition Upgrades
Over $1 million in additional prize money, bringing the season total to $16.55 million
Rolex U.S. Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix: $1,000,000
$500,000 CSI5* for all other CSI5* Grand Prix events
4* WEF Grand Prix Qualifiers prize money jumps to $116,100
Enhanced Junior & Amateur Jumper Classics: $15,000
68 FEI Jumping World Ranking classes, including two-round Winning Round Qualifiers
Hunter competitions feature $1.5 million in prize money, including ten hunter derbies and two WCHR weeks
Facility & Fan Experience
Theme Nights during certain weeks of Saturday Night Lights
Upgraded YETI Box Seats for premium experience & viewing
A refreshed experience in the BrainJuice Tiki Hut
New merchandise and gifts in the Wellington International Shop
Accessibility resources in hospitality venues: sensory bags, magnifiers, flashlights, and large-print menus
Barns, Arenas & Grounds
Full FEI barn renovation with Barnwalkers Pro-Series stalls and Equitan rubber surfaces
Footing upgrades in International Arena, Schooling Area, Grand Hunter Ring, main lunging ring, and Pony Island
Pony Island transformation: rebuilt rings, improved drainage, new restrooms & picnic areas
Redesigned bridle paths with improved surfaces and drainage
Upgraded Wi-Fi, wash stalls, and manure management systems for exhibitor efficiency
Richard Vogel throwing ribbons to the crowd. Courtesy of Ashley Neuhof.
Top 2026 Enhancements at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival
Competition Upgrades
Over $550,000 in prize money
A weekly Leading Lady Award presented by Frank & Eileen
A $25,000 Stillpoint Farm Leading International Rider Freestyle Award
A Dressage Infusion Masterclass presented by 3 Graces Dressage
Facility & Fan Experience
World No. 2, Isabell Werth, will compete during Week 7 of AGDF
Theme Nights during certain weeks of Friday Night Stars
New covered spectator seating
New merchandise and gifts in the Wellington International Shop
Accessibility resources in hospitality venues: sensory bags, magnifiers, flashlights, and large-print menus
Christian Kukuk Meeting a Fan. Courtesy of Ashley Neuhof.
Barns, Arenas & Grounds
A new FEI lounge sponsored by Zen Elite Equestrian Center