Wellington International Unveiled as New Name for Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
3 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Wellington International Unveiled as New Name for Palm Beach International Equestrian Center
WELLINGTON, Florida, Mar. 26, 2022–Wellington International is the new name of what was the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in the first step new owners declare to make the iconic Florida show grounds the “the preeminent equestrian venue in the world.”
The new name was announced with fanfare during the “Saturday Night Lights” that has become the weekly highlight of the Winter Equestrian Festival as the the longest-running hunter/jumper horse show in the world.
The name change was to usher in what the organization said is “the start of many exciting changes to come in the near future, including facility improvements to accommodate thousands of riders from all 50 American states and 38 countries for the winter-long WEF and another 18 weeks of shows spread throughout the rest of the year.
The Global Dressage Festival at Equestrian Village a few hundred meters from the hunter/jumper grounds is currently separate as it was not included in the sale of PBIEC last year to a European fund that invested in the ownership group headed up by Andreas Helgstrand of Denmark.
Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, announced the new name signaling an important shift in development of the storied facility.
“Along with our new owners at the Global Equestrian Group, we look to the future in order to better serve our exhibitors, stakeholders, and community,” said Michael who had been president of Equestrian Sport Productions that took over the show grounds from the original founders 15 years ago.
“We are committed to ‘Setting New Standards’ for our venue, as well as for equestrian sport, guest experiences, entertainment, and innovation. To commence this exciting new initiative, our first step is transitioning the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to its new name, Wellington International.”
Committing to a new motto of “Setting New Standards,” Wellington International will enhance the experience and offerings on-site for the community, both equestrian and non-equestrian.
Riders, trainers, sponsors, spectators, and more can expect to see significant improvements across Wellington International in the coming years. Already a popular destination for participants and visitors from across the globe, the property is slated to see even more growth as significant investments are made, all with the goal of elevating equestrian sport.
“The Winter Equestrian Festival came to Wellington in 1974, made its permanent home here at our facility in 1989, and has continued its unprecedented growth ever since, along with the entire Village of Wellington and Palm Beach County, to become the pinnacle of equestrian competition throughout North America and beyond,” Michael said.
“We take great pride in our designation as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the world and enjoy welcoming thousands of exhibitors and visitors each year to experience the joys and thrills of the sport.”
While the history and status of Palm Beach is recognized, appreciated, and contributed greatly to the previous venue name, Wellington International looks to move forward and continue to bring the Wellington name greater prominence in Florida, the U.S., and around the world.
Wellington is now a destination for thousands of equestrians every year and is a reputable name in its own right. While equestrian sport is and will continue to be the main focus at Wellington International, future plans include the versatility to host an assortment of events to broaden horizons outside of the main horse show weeks.
The first phase of upgrades will begin after this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival season ends in early April.
