Wellington International CEO Murray Kessler on Tuesday announced a slate of upgrades for the 2026 season that will include a $1 million increase in prize money for the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, and facility upgrades throughout the venue.

“The Wellington International team, with incredible support from Wellington Lifestyle Partners, has been working hard to take the Winter Equestrian and Global Dressage Festivals to the next level,” wrote Kessler in the update.

“I promised you that each year we would get better. I think we all agree that 2025 was better than 2024, and we are making sure 2026 is even more impressive with major improvements in sport, infrastructure, and hospitality.”

Prize money upgrades include making the Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix a $1 million class in 2026, as well increasing prize money for all CSI4* grand prix qualifiers from $62,500 to $116,100 and all 1.25-meter or higher junior and amateur jumper classics from $10,000 to $15,000. 

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival show schedule will include three FEI World Cup Qualifiers during the series, which takes place Jan. 7-March 29. The Winter Equestrian Festival, which takes place Dec. 31-March 29, will host 68 FEI jumping world-ranking classes, with FEI winning round qualifiers updated to a two-round format with faults carried forward.

Facility improvements announced at Wellington International include:

• Renovated FEI stabling with new Barnwalkers Pro-Series Stalls and Equitan rubber for equine safety and comfort.
• Arena improvements including GGT textile footing installed in the International Arena and international schooling area, renovations to the Grand Hunter Ring and new footing and drainage in the Pony Island rings and main longeing area by Barn 2.
• Expanded golf cart paths, improved parking and roads between barns to reduce dust and improve travel within the show grounds.
• New bathrooms, plus refurbished wash stalls and manure bins.

Facility improvements at Equestrian Village include:

• Covered spectator stands.
• Redesigned judges’ booths to minimize obstructed views.

Construction updates for Wellington International’s expansion:

• The three rings completed last year will be supplemented by one additional new ring. All four will be available for exercise during the 2026 WEF season.
• The grass derby field has been completed and will be growing a solid root base for use in the 2027 season. 
• A new 205-by-420′ covered arena is being constructed.
• Roadwork is underway to improve traffic flow to the venue.

For more information on upgrades planned for 2026, visit Wellington International.

[WI FL Acquisition LLC, which owns Wellington International, also owns The Chronicle of the Horse.]