THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL, WELLINGTON

THE WORLD’S BEST HORSE AND RIDER COMBINATIONS GATHER AT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL FOR THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMPETITION, THE ROLEX GRAND PRIX

Wellington, USA – On Saturday 25 March, the sell-out crowds of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) will congregate under the bright lights of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre to watch the world’s leading riders battle it out for the highlight of the 12-week competition and the most intensely contested event of the festival: the 5* Rolex Grand Prix.

The three-month spectacle in horse sport attracts many of show jumping’s elite riders, who are seeking winter sun and unprecedented outdoor equine facilities, as the first quarter of the European show jumping circuit continues indoors. A total of 6,000 horses and 2,000 riders from across 30 countries base themselves in Palm Beach from January until April, to educate their younger rides and to prepare their top horses for the first Rolex Grand Prix of the year at WEF.

Rolex Testimonee Kent Farrington commented on the unique 12-week competition,“For me, this is a combination of spring training for my younger horses and an opportunity to compete against some of the world’s best at 5* Grand Prix level. That is why WEF is unique.”

In 2014 Rolex enhanced its position in the world of show jumping and with the Winter Equestrian Festival, by signing a long-term agreement to become the Official Timepiece of both the Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre and the WEF.

The managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners, Mark Bellissimo wanted to produce an event which “provides the best equestrian show experience in the industry from the perspective of the quality of competition, the facility and the general lifestyle experience. These elements would not be possible without the support of global partners such as Rolex.”