Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage 2018

While horses and humans may feel more comfortable in cooler weather, few would argue that Wellington was the place to be rather than the winter storm-plagued Northeast!

There is no place in the world like Wellington, Florida when it comes to 12 weeks of jumping, showing and dressage in the sunshine at the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage.  

This season, shipping horses was an issue as many could not leave the Northeast because of the weather. Meanwhile, those who were fortunate enough to have arrived early and many local equestrians roamed the trails calling out greetings to new arrivals. A relaxed “vibe” permeated the air as horses and people were delighted to escape the cold and bask in the sunshine.

As the horse show started, many more “pats” were seen coming out of the show ring than in previous years. This positive feedback was most likely due to the efforts of the USEF and others to encourage positive rewards over punishment in horses; or perhaps because participants brought new young horses to the show early when the stakes were not as high and were trying to keep their “fresh horses” calm and happy.

Attendance boomed the first week as many residents had been looking forward to the equestrian activities. Vendors chatted with and greeted old friends and newcomers while catching up on all things equestrian.

For three months, Friday night dressage freestyles, sponsored by Adequan Global Dressage, treated dressage enthusiasts and interested spectators to wonderful entertainment. At Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, “Saturday Night Lights” delighted folks to a Grand Prix every week with record crowds attending the “Battle of the Sexes” (the boys finally won this year!) and the “Great Charity Challenge.” Spectators had the opportunity to hobnob with equestrian celebrities as both riders and spectators walked the courses.

More people stabled their horses off site this year because more farms have been built. Hopefully, this gave horses a chance to let down in between the stress of showing. Living on the show grounds can be akin to a “slumber party” for horses, but lack of sleep can take its toll, so many take a nap wherever they feel safe.

The weekly Thursday “Lunch and Learn” series saw increased attendance with topics ranging from global horse welfare (Brooke USA) to innovations in equine sports medicine (Palm Beach Equine Clinic) and many more interesting topics.  Six popular “Ride and Learn” sessions offered a limited number of riders the opportunity for semi-private training from pony hunters to jumpers.

Like the “old days,” breaking up the show with classes on the grass field, not only gave horses and riders a new experience but also provided a friendly and elegant opportunity for spectators to have Sunday brunch and watch jumping. “Horse Tourism” seems officially here for Palm Beach County with numerous opportunities for visitors to watch horse events, shop, eat and learn.

This was a season where local equestrians, such as Laura Graves and Verdades, showed their years of partnership together with win after win in dressage. It was also a season that gave leading jumper rider, Kent Farrington, an unplanned vacation as his gymnastic dismount from his bucking mount earned him a seriously broken leg.

The Grand Finale was a heartwarming evening with a lovely sunset as the backdrop for a casual back gate social where riders chatted with friends about where they are headed to next.  

Amanda Starbuck’s dedicated young riders brought spectators and riders together for a moment of connection in a poignant and touching tribute to the teenagers who died at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School while the school’s choir sang.

Another special moment for riders, spectators and competitors came when Wellington local and seasoned rider, Margie Engle, and Royce, won the Rolex $500,000 Grand Prix on her 60th birthday. As the last person to walk the course and just returning from being sick, it certainly was a tribute to the talent and experience of a veteran horsewoman.  The cheers and “good wishes” from spectators and back gate competitors at Margie’s win summed up a lovely end chapter to the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage!