Wellington’s 2014 equestrian season gets off to an exciting start this weekend, kicking off more than three months of fierce competition that has put the community on the map in the equestrian world. From high-goal polo to show jumping and dressage, the schedule is packed this season with top-level equestrian sports that bring people from near and far to the community. If you haven’t had a chance to discover Wellington’s most well-known sports, make it a resolution this year to get out to one of the equestrian venues.
Wellington has become synonymous with exciting high-goal polo, nail-biting jumping competition and elegant dressage performances. No matter what your speed is, you can enjoy a great day out with family and friends at an affordable price.
Kicking off Sunday, Jan. 5 is an exciting season of high-goal polo at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The season runs through April 20, with the premier matches held each Sunday. This Sunday opens at 3 p.m. with the finals of the Herbie Pennell Cup and SuperCar Week, featuring high-powered cars on the field. Admission is free before 11 a.m., and tickets are available at www.internationalpoloclub.com. You can also enjoy polo matches at IPC other days of the week at no charge. Call the polo hotline at (561) 282-5290 for more information.
Also offering plenty for families and equestrian enthusiasts alike is the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival and the popular Saturday Night Lights events. WEF will be ushered in this weekend with the Trump Invitational at the Mar-a-Lago resort on Sunday, Jan. 5, while shows at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center get underway Wednesday, Jan. 8.
Saturday Night Lights is a fun, free event with a featured show jumping competition each week, as well as a kids fair, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, a Venetian carousel and more. The events kick off Saturday, Jan. 11 with the exciting Battle of the Sexes, pitting men and women against each other for bragging rights. For more information, visit www.equestriansport.com.
The 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival returns beginning Thursday, Jan. 9 with beautiful, elegant dressage competition in a competitive environment. The series offers guests a chance to watch beauty in motion. A schedule of events is available online by visiting www.globaldressagefestival.net.
There is truly something for everyone in Wellington this equestrian season. Be sure to get out and take advantage of the sports that bring the world to Wellington.