WELLINGTON, Fla.--Wellington International, home to the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Global Dressage Festival and Annual Series horse shows, announced 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 designed as a world-class venue for equestrian sport in North America, featuring green space, 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 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.”
Wellington International South has been 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 and human-friendly bridge connecting the stabling and competition areas
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)
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 and lunging areas
84,000-square-foot Covered Arena, constructed by Coastal Steel Structures
The new grass derby field is being constructed by 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.
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
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.
