Wellington is going even bigger.
Wellington International — home to the prestigious Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival — announced plans to expand its sprawling equestrian campus by nearly 100 acres, creating a new world-class venue designed to keep the village at the center of international horse sport for decades to come.
Dubbed Wellington International South, the 98-acre complex is scheduled to open with a soft launch this fall before welcoming a full slate of competitions in 2027.
The expansion increases Wellington International’s footprint to 215 acres and will become the new home of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival while also hosting FEI show jumping, hunter derbies, Under 25 competitions and other major seasonal events.
“This project represents the next chapter for equestrian sports in Wellington,” Wellington International President Michael Stone said. “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.”
The development is being designed with as much attention to comfort as competition. Organizers say the park-like grounds will feature lush landscaping, expansive green space and abundant shade, along with cutting-edge equestrian facilities.
Among the highlights:
- A 250-by-350-foot CDI International Arena capable of hosting up to 3,000 spectators.
- An 84,000-square-foot covered arena.
- Four additional hunter and jumper rings.
- Two national dressage arenas.
- A professionally designed grass derby field with a dedicated tailgating area.
- Permanent covered grandstands seating 1,500 spectators.
- Food, shopping and hospitality areas.
- Thousands of parking spaces for vehicles and golf carts.
- A dedicated bridge connecting barns and competition areas for both horses and riders.
Competitors will also benefit from five permanent 60-stall barns featuring oversized stalls, wash racks, premium rubber flooring and integrated restroom facilities.
Internationally respected specialists have been tapped for the project, including turf expert Richard Hayden — whose résumé includes FIFA World Cup venues and England’s famed Hickstead Arena — and JTWG, Inc., which is installing advanced footing and watering systems throughout the competition grounds.
The multimillion-dollar investment by Wellington Lifestyle Partners is intended to strengthen Wellington’s position as North America’s premier destination for elite equestrian competition.
When complete, Wellington International South will not only give riders more room to compete but also create one of the most technologically advanced horse sport venues in the world, with additional barns, hospitality spaces and vendor areas already planned for future expansion.
