Equestrian Guide

CONTENTS

86 2023 USPA National Polo Center Wellington Polo Schedule 87 Equestrian Committee 90 Wellington International Plans For The Future 92 Grand Champions Polo Club

EQUESTRIAN COMMITTEE

The primary purpose of the Wellington Chamber Equestrian Committee is to promote, enhance and support the equestrian industry in Wellington. According to the Palm Beach County Business Development Board, the equestrian industry annually brings in more than $180 million to Palm Beach County.

Wellington has long been the flagship for the equestrian industry in Palm Beach County. With the founding of Palm Beach Polo in 1978, the equestrian impact on Wellington has created a unique character to life and business here. Wellington serves as an international competition destination for polo, hunters, show jumping and dressage.

The Winter Equestrian Festival offers the most significant prize money in the world’s largest and longest-running international hunter/jumper series. In addition, the Global Dressage Festival hosts a series of FEI competitions to its roster of events, offering unprecedented prize money and drawing top European riders to Wellington.

In July 2021, Denmark-based Global Equestrian Group, led by Andreas Helgstrand, acquired the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in what was described as an unprecedented partnership with the current ownership group to develop international equestrian sport.

Wellington International is considered the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in North America. Wellington International is the host of the longest-running equestrian event in the world. Wellington International presents the best horse-and-rider combinations from January through April. After purchasing this crown jewel, Global Equestrian Group committed to elevating the experience of exhibitors and guests by showcasing top sport in a modern, compelling and expertly crafted venue built for horses and the people who are passionate about them.

The United States Polo Association purchased the core assets of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida (“IPC”). The USPA has acquired 161 acres from WEP Polo LLC and WEP Polo Operations LLC, including Fields 1 through 5, the IPC grandstand, the Pavilion, the Mallet Grille, the Seventh Chukker, the USPA Clubhouse shop, the Outback Field, the Outback facility, and the IPC social club and its facilities, including a swimming pool, gym and tennis courts.

The property is now The USPA National Polo Center – Wellington (“NPC”). The purchase brings to life the USPA Board of Governors’ vision of a USPA-owned “Sunday Field” that will serve as the permanent center of polo in America and set the standard for excellence in polo. That vision was first articulated by USPA Chairman Stewart Armstrong in an essay called “The Sunday Field” that appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Hurlingham Polo magazine. The National Polo Center (NPC) enables the United States Polo Association to showcase its tournaments, develop American players, and sustain an environment that will retain and attract new players through the promotion of excellence. First-rate facilities including five fields, the Grandstand, restaurants, clubhouse, social club, swimming pool, gym and tennis courts create the hub in Wellington, Florida for world-class equestrian competition.

Grand Champions Polo Club caters to men, women and youth polo players at all levels. Its expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its Polo On Demand program, the only polo club in the U.S. to offer the unique program.

With a mission to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level, Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm’s expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, professionals and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its Polo On Demand program.

Fans can watch polo live-streamed by CHUKKER TV’s state-ofthe-art technology featuring live polo and instant replays. Whether in Wellington or somewhere else wishing you were here, you can watch live polo on the CHUKKER TV Network. The Wellington Chamber and the Wellington Chamber Equestrian Committee continue to promote and protect the economic interests of the equestrian community in Wellington. We look forward to continued growth, and we will continue to enhance and support Wellington’s equestrian community and bring its economic impact to benefit the entire Wellington community.

Jane Springer and Carrie Wirth

Co-Chairwomen

WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE WITH EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS BY ELAINE SHUSTER

Most residents of Wellington are familiar with Wellington International, the world-renowned equestrian venue located in the Village that recently rebranded and changed its name from the former moniker of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Known as one of the world’s premier destinations for equestrian enthusiasts, the venue is hot off a noteworthy 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season, but the team behind that success is already putting into motion new and exciting plans for the 2023 winter equestrian season in Wellington in order to enhance its scope of offerings. Now owned by the Global Equestrian Group (GEG), the 2023 WEF will exhibit the first round of major changes instigated by GEG, which will be enjoyed by riders and spectators alike.

“The Winter Equestrian Festival started here in Wellington in 1974, made its 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,” commented Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions, which operates Wellington International. “We take great pride in our designation as the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World and have enjoyed welcoming thousands of exhibitors and visitors each year to experience the joys and thrills of the sport. Now with the support of the Global Equestrian Group, we will be able to further expand upon that foundation to create an equestrian facility that rivals the best in the world.”

The first step in the long-term plan for the venue was to change the name and branding of the venue to represent its commitment to entering the next era. For years, the proximity and association with Palm Beach benefited the equestrian property as it aimed to attract customers and spectators that frequented the island, but the decision to remove Palm Beach from the name was a conscious one by the management team.

“When the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center was first founded, it relied on the reputation of the popular tourist destination of Palm Beach to bring participants and fans out to the horse shows,” remarked Vaneli Bojkova, Executive Vice President of Equestrian Sport Productions. “Now that the venue and community of Wellington have become their own lifestyle, sport and tourist destination not just nationally but internationally, we felt strongly that the town name should stand on its own, thus the new name of Wellington International.”

The 2022 winter season featured a particularly impactful WEF for the local community, with the total economic impact measured at $304 million, an increase of six percent and nearly $20 million from 2020. In 2022, the participants who came from outside Palm Beach County generated 195,671 room nights during the event, which attracted competitors from at least 40 states and more than 35 countries. This multitude of visitors to the

Wellington area bolstered the local economy as tourists shopped, dined and patronized local businesses.

Looking ahead to the 2023 winter festivities, the WEF team is pleased to incorporate a number of fresh elements to the hospitality offerings and equine accommodations, among other updates. While Wellington residents have come to know and love the excitement of Saturday Night Lights, the team at Wellington International is excited to unveil a new offering that is sure to be a fan favorite: Sunday Brunch. During select Sundays of WEF— weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11—the newly named Blue Ribbon Club, previously known as The Suites, will host an elegant gathering overlooking the show jumping competition in the International Arena. Guests will be able to enjoy an extensive brunch buffet, open bar and a complimentary glass of champagne.

On the equine front, there are three new permanent barns, and four existing barns were renovated. With the construction being led by IDA Development, the original permanent barns 1-4 will include new BarnWalkers Stalls, Equitan Flooring, remodeled bathrooms and increased airflow, among other upgrades. Tents 1, 2 and C have been replaced with beautiful permanent stables to keep riders and their horses more comfortable. In total, this adds more than 100 new stalls to the total inventory, meaning more competitors can experience WEF, and additional visitors to the county will contribute to the local economy.

“We have spent the first year of our ownership of Wellington International understanding how things have been done in the past and recognizing the areas in which we can improve. These insights have helped us to formulate a grand vision for the venue, and we are thrilled to be in the early stages of our long-term plan,” said Andreas Helgstrand, Founder and CEO of GEG. “Visitors to the 2023 Winter Equestrian Festival will notice upgrades to the permanent stabling, the hospitality spaces and the riding arenas, but these items are just the first baby steps in a much larger and more ambitious strategy.”

The full scope of the long-term plan at Wellington International won’t be fully realized for a few more years, but early reports of the construction plans are a horse lover’s dream. Proposed facility blueprints include doubling the acreage of the facility’s land, which would allow for a second equestrian center, complete with a stadium, grass derby field, and extensive amenities for guests, to be built directly beside the original property. The size and capabilities of the venues, which could be used independently of each other or as one unit, would be able to comfortably host hunter/jumper and dressage shows concurrently. Additionally, the impressive early renderings showcase modern spaces for shopping and dining, plus enhanced opportunities for hospitality offerings and VIP luxury, offering a comfortable experience for everyone, even those with no horse sense.

As the team at Wellington International looks to the future and makes plans to better serve its participants and community, they are committed to setting new standards for the venue, as well as equestrian sport, guest experiences, entertainment and innovation. Exciting changes are coming for this storied venue, and the Wellington community that supports it will be the first to experience all that the new Wellington International will have in store.

For more information, please visit equestriansport.com and globalequestriangroup.com.

GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

Grand Champions Polo Club and Santa Rita Polo Farm is the largest and most unique private 100-acre polo facility in Wellington, with 13 well-manicured fields including 10 for world-class competition, more than 150 stalls in several self-contained barns, an exercise track, five climate-controlled tack rooms, a vet room, staff quarters, a guest house and polo fields with state-of-the-art underground irrigation and stick-and-ball fields.

WORLD POLO LEAGUE

Grand Champions Polo Club is the home of the World Polo League, founded by Marc and Melissa Ganzi. Now in its fifth year, the WPL is the only 26-goal polo held outside of Argentina and features the world’s best players, including Argentine 10-goalers Pablo Mac Donough, Barto and Jeta Castagnola and Juan Martin Nero.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

The nation’s busiest and most innovative polo club is celebrating its 16th anniversary with a wide assortment of polo leagues, 6- to 26-goal tournaments and social events. Some of the highlights are the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial, International Cup (GCPC-USA vs. Switzerland), World Polo League, $100,000 World Cup, $50,000 National 12-Goal, Polo School Women’s League, WCT Finals, Sunset Chukkers and Cocktails, Sunset Polo Series and World Polo League Polo Pride Tournament.

POLO SCHOOL, POLO ON DEMAND

Everyone is welcome to play polo at Grand Champions. The Polo School is dedicated to teaching polo to all ages, particularly grassroots youth. Its mission is to provide individuals opportunities in polo at every economic and ability level. The club’s expert staff can customize a complete playing experience including horses, pros and certified umpires in addition to lessons and practice sessions as part of its Polo On Demand program at the turnkey facility.