Dressage-News

Nov. 25, 2024

Wellington International horse show grounds have been bought back by the original ownership group from the European entity that had acquired the venue that hosts the world’s largest and longest running competition venue.

Completion of the deal for the group of Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie and Roger Smith to resume ownership of the show grounds was announced Monday, a month ahead of the three months of Winter Equestrian of hunters and jumpers and the Global Dressage festivals.

Details of a new facility for dressage to replace the current Global grounds were not announced but the restored ownership group controls the land adjoining the main venue and that has been identified as the future home of dressage and a hunter/jumper derby field.

Global’s winter-long circuit that includes the world’s most concentrated circuit of seven international dressage competitions as well as para-dressage and national events begins the second week of January at the existing grounds close by Wellington International until a new facility is completed. The Global lineup includes four World Cup qualifiers, a Nations Cup and a top rated CDI5* as well as development series from young horse to Grand Prix.

The new entity acquiring Wellington International, named WI FL Acquisition, LLC, said it completed the purchase from Global Equestrian Group, the hedge fund that initially was led by Andreas Helgstrand, the Danish Olympic rider and worldwide horse sales operator that bought the show grounds 3 1/2 years ago.

Murray S. Kessler, a former president of the United States Equestrian Federation and who is a prominent businessman, will lead the new Wellington International as chief executive officer.

“We are grateful to have Wellington International back into a local and long-term ownership group, committed to ensuring the showgrounds thrive for years to come,” said Mark Bellissimo who headed up the group that bought the show grounds in 2007 and with operations headed up by Michael Stone re-developed the facility.

“All disciplines will continue to have a home here in Wellington including show jumping, hunters and dressage,” said Mark. “These sports, along with polo, define this community and firmly establish Wellington as the premier equestrian destination in the world.

“We look forward to investing in the showgrounds and working with Michael Stone and the leadership team going forward.”

Murray Kessler said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Wellington International President Michael Stone and his team to capitalize on this remarkable growth opportunity for Wellington. While our investment plan is a multi-year journey, I’m pleased to share that we are already making some meaningful enhancements to improve the experience and infrastructure for the horses, athletes, partners and spectators for this coming season.”

Wellington International hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival and is the largest and longest-running equestrian competition series in the world, hosting 42 weeks of competition annually across the equestrian disciplines of show jumping, hunters, dressage and para-dressage that attracts more than 350,000 spectators, 15,000 horses and 7,500 competitors. In 2024, WEF contributed more than $400 million in economic impact to Palm Beach County.

“With the sale process complete, we can now turn to what we do best–focusing on the shows, the horses, the riders and the equestrian season here in Wellington with a renewed purpose and committed ownership group,” said Michael Stone.

Murray Kessler added: “Wellington International Horse Show is the anchor of the Wellington community. When it is strong, our community is strong. We are ready to turn our attention and resources to ensure that Wellington International remains the premier horse sports destination in the world.”