By KENNETH J. BRADDICK
WELLINGTON, Florida, May 26, 2026–A fifth horse barn is under construction in expansion of Wellington International and work has begun on a permanent spectator stand to move the Global Dressage Festival from its home for 15 years.
Construction of vastly improved facilities for dressage joining jumpers and hunters on the same show grounds is on schedule for completion about three months ahead of the 2027 winter circuit beginning in January. The circuit includes seven weeks of international dressage events; among them top rated CDI5*, Nations Cup, three World Cup qualifiers as well as para dressage and national competitions. They will be staged alongside the long established Winter Equestrian Festival of jumpers and hunters.
Each of the five barns are about 16,000 square feet to stable a total of 317 12-foot x 12-foot (3.6m x 3.6m) horse stalls. Current permanent stabling at Global has 200 stalls.
Work has begun on permanent spectator seating that Paige Bellissimo Nuñez, president of Wellington Lifestyle Partners that owns the show grounds, says will accommodate about 1,550 people. An equal number will be in the VIP area and by roll-on stands.
The aim is to complete by the end of September what was promised in exchange for approval to convert the existing Global show grounds on what is called Equestrian Village into a high end housing and shopping center.
In addition to the major construction projects, drainage, utilities, circulation, safety, and broader underground infrastructure are being created to provide what Paige says will be “a robust foundation that can support the continued investment and long-term success of the showgrounds.”
A new equestrian trail has been added to provide access to the site linking trails from the equestrian preserve.
