An estimated 10,000 exhibitors come to Wellington, representing more than 30 countries and 49 states, and their horses share a net value of well over $500 million. WEF is also known for its Olympiccaliber competition, often serving as a place for future members of the United States Equestrian Team to prove themselves. Last year, all eyes turned to Wellington as WEF hosted one leg of the selection trials for the U.S. Olympic show jumping team.
This season, the high level competition kicked off with a bang at the inaugural $100,000 Trump Invitational Grand Prix at the iconic Mar-a-Lago Club on Palm Beach. Kent Farrington took home the win at Donald Trump’s scenic estate aboard Amalaya Investments’ Dynamo.
Stone said. “But as the weeks go by, the competition will really become fierce.”
Stone said you can expect to see riders crank up the pace as the competition gets tougher but ever more lucrative throughout the season. “I think you’ll see that the riders will start slowly,”
“There’s a new FEI series for the Nations Cup with a big final in Europe in September,” Stone said. “Our Nations Cup was chosen to be one of the qualifiers, so that will really put
Last year, top riders were focused on getting to the Olympics. This year, Stone said that there will be plenty of excitement as they compete for a spot in the Nations Cup Finals.
|wellington the magazine| February 2013
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