Winter Equestrian Festival Offers West Palm Beach a Taste of Equestrian Lifestyle
Equestrian News Release
Wellington, FL- December 12- As temperatures drop up north and scarves become the must-have accessory of the season, West Palm Beach residents are applying sun screen and observing equestrian competition under the shade of palm trees. The Winter Equestrian Festival, the largest and longest running equestrian sporting event in the world, fills the town of Wellington, Florida with horse lovers, talented riders, celebrities, and multi-million dollar equines.
Produced by Stadium Jumping, Inc., the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is held from January 25th through March 19, 2006, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida. Offering the most challenging and prestigious Dressage, Hunter, Equitation, and Show Jumping competition in the country, this top caliber circuit attracts competitors from all corners of America and over thirty foreign countries.
“The Winter Equestrian Festival is the only real showcase for riders at a level that is comparable to shows in Europe,” commented George Morris, the United States Equestrian Federation Chef d’Equipe who led Americans to victory during the 2005 Samsung Super League Tour.
The discipline of Dressage at WEF demonstrates perfect understanding between horse and rider during elegant performances. Often choreographed to music and referred to as “dancing on horseback,” Dressage combines harmonious grace and accuracy with competitive performance.
The Hunter discipline evaluates horses on their form over fences, pace, consistency, conformation, and jumping ability. Pony Hunter classes feature the best ponies in the country piloted by adorable and talented children, some of whom have private academic tutors during the vigorous show schedule.
In the discipline of Equitation, the focus is on the rider alone. Exhibitors are scored on how well they control their horse, their position in the saddle, and their accurate execution of different tests, both over fences and on the flat. Equitation was designed to challenge riders to develop and master skills necessary for future competition over grand prix courses in Show Jumping.
Show Jumping involves intense speed in conjunction with mastering a course composed of enormous fences. In the jumper arena, horses race against the clock and receive penalties for knocking fences down. The highlight on Sundays is the grand prix class; professional riders compete in the Internationale Arena over fences up to 5’3’’ in height and 5’6’’ in width. The fastest fault-free horse and rider combination takes home fabulous prize money, gifts from sponsors, and a coveted WEF trophy.
For grand prix competitors, this WEF season hosts World Cup qualifying classes, as well as qualifying trials for the World Equestrian Games. The World Equestrian Games will be held in August of 2006 in Aachen, Germany. Teams for this world championship will be determined by the success of riders during WEF and later achievement during the European Samsung Super League Tour. This tour includes a series of eight shows located at different European venues. In 2005, the United States of America won the Samsung Super League for the first time in history. Americans are entering the 2006 season at the top of their game, bringing an unprecedented enthusiasm and the momentum of victory into the arena.
Along with preeminent international competition, the 2006 WEF circuit offers grand prix exhibitors a new and exciting award. The $200,000 FTI Rider Challenge, sponsored by FTI Consulting of Annapolis, MD, will be a rider bonus pool of $200,000. Riders will accumulate points from their performances in the Thursday and Sunday Grand Prix events, and the rider with the most points on March 12 will be awarded $100,000. Second place will collect $50,000, third place will receive $30,000, and $20,000 will be given to fourth place.
Some of the top Show Jumping competitors this season include Samsung Super League participants: Beezie Madden, McLain Ward, Laura Kraut, Jeffery Welles, Schuyler Riley, Georgina Bloomberg, and Kimberly Prince. Other top professionals to watch include Margie Engle, Molly Ashe, Alison Firestone, Laura Chapot, Rodrigo Pessoa, and Kent Farrington.
Spectators and exhibitors can take a break from the intensity of competition and peruse a multitude of specialty shops located in Vendor Village. Fine jewelry, stylish accessories, and unique designer clothing encircle the Internationale Arena and pepper the show grounds, with vendors also providing information on luxury vehicles, real estate opportunities, and exquisite artwork. The international food court complements any palate with a variety of provisions that range in both culture and price. Spectators can enjoy Chinese cuisine, Mexican quesadillas, French crepes, or dine outside at La Peché, a ringside café offering an assortment of delicacies.
The Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club gives spectators a glimpse into the microcosm of the horse show industry and the intricate inner workings of the WEF circuit. Landscapers and maintenance crews keep the grounds running smoothly while footing experts assure weather-proof terrain. Night security reassures owners and riders of their horses’ safety, and equine dentists, farriers, acupuncturists, and veterinarians keep show horses healthy and comfortable.
For convenience, an on-site dry cleaner provides laundry services for exhibitors and their horses. Golf-carts are available for rent or purchase, a veterinary store provides equine pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, and a selection of tack stores offer the very best grooming and bathing supplies. On the grounds, riders can organize the international shipping of their horses or purchase custom equipment, such as saddles or riding boots. Tack repair stands, car detailers, truck mechanics, massage therapists, chiropractors, hypnotists, tailors, post office and internet services, dog groomers, insurance salesmen, and automobile rental facilities meet the immediate needs of exhibitors with well-located accessibility.
Charity luncheons and dinners reconnect community members and benefit such affiliations as the ASPCA Equine Fund, EQUUS Foundation, Equestrian AIDS Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the American Cancer Society. Family activities such as polo matches, art festivals, triathlons, and tennis tournaments reunite equestrians and those interested in giving back to the Palm Beach community.
For competitors and spectators alike, the Winter Equestrian Festival offers a vast array of enjoyable activities. Luxurious outdoor shopping, ring-side dining, and the pristine presentation of horses create a relaxing atmosphere for any resident or visitor under the Florida sun.
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