Dressage-News

WELLINGTON, Florida, Jan. 1, 2024–New footing has been installed in the Global Dressage Festival centerpiece international arena ahead of the winter-long circuit that attracts competitors from more than 30 nations.

Many more shaded areas are being erected this week to protect spectators from the summer-like conditions in south Florida often experienced throughout three months of international and national competitions that are the most extensive of any dressage show grounds in the world.

The new footing was provided and installed by Travis Gould of JTWG Inc. that did the surfaces for the World Cup Final in Omaha last year as well as at the nearby stables of dressage rider and trainer Arlene “Tuny” Page, sponsor of Global’s Nations Cup.

The Global grounds have become the focus of a major undertaking to erect a high-end housing project that will likely be decided by the local government next month.

Riders in Wellington for the circuit beginning Jan. 10 credited Paige Bellissimo, the daughter of Global founder Mark Bellissimo. For the past decade, Paige has headed up the Great Charity Challenge staged during the Winter Equestrian Festival at neighboring Wellington International jumper grounds that has raised millions of dollars for local charities.

If Global dressage moves to land adjoining the WEF grounds, as is planned under the current proposal, the footing will be relocated to the new facility.