Equestrian sports are the leading contributor of sports tourism in The Palm Beaches and one of the most significant economic engines in the state of Florida. The 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), held at Wellington International from January 1 through March 29, continues to generate extraordinary economic and tourism impacts for Palm Beach County. Wellington International features 18 state-of-the-art arenas, over 500 permanent stalls, and serves as a global hub for equestrian showjumping.
As the longest-running equestrian event in the world, WEF attracts top national and international equine athletes and visitors. Its global reach, extended season, and world class competition make it one of Palm Beach County’s most influential annual events, supporting local businesses, generating substantial visitor spending, and strengthening The Palm Beaches’ identity as a premier destination for equestrian sport.
The Winter Equestrian Festival features the nation’s premier show jumping competition for amateurs and professionals across more than 55 unique divisions of competitions. Participants from all 50 states and more than 50 nations are traveling to Wellington to compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival.
WEF generates more economic benefits than any other event that takes place annually in Palm Beach County. Over its 13 week season, the festival hosts FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) and USEF (United States Equestrian Federation) sanctioned competitions, along with a variety of other international events, attracting more than 31,000 participants. The level of tourism generated by equestrian sports during this period is unmatched, reinforcing WEF’s role as a cornerstone of the tourism economy for both Palm Beach County and the state of Florida
Economic Benefits:
The 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival generated $205.4 million in direct horse-related spending and $63.4 million in direct visitor expenditures. Additionally, the study found that participants accounted for 162,648 paid room nights at hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. The average length of stay for an equestrian sports participant was 2.4 months, or approximately 67 nights.
Palm Beach County Sports Commission CSI3* Grand Prix
Through its partnership with Equestrian Sports Productions, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission secured naming rights for the opening week of the Winter Equestrian Festival (January 7–11, 2026). The main event on Saturday night (January 10) was named the “Palm Beach County Sports Commission CS13 Grand Prix”. The International Arena inside of Wellington International was entirely sold out. The Palm Beach County Sports Commission was prominently celebrated, with its branding displayed throughout the showgrounds. The Commission’s strong presence at the event reflects the exceptional partnership it maintains with Equestrian Sports Productions, the organizing body of WEF, positioning the Sports Commission at the center of the world’s premier equestrian show jumping stages.
