Wellington International Plans Massive 98-Acre Expansion

• Wellington International is expanding by 98 acres, increasing its total campus size to approximately 215 acres.
• Wellington International South is expected to have a soft opening in fall 2026 before hosting a full competition season in 2027.
• The new complex will become the future home of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and will host show jumping, hunter derbies, Under 25 competitions and other equestrian events.
• Plans include a 3,000-seat international arena, an 84,000-square-foot covered arena, additional competition rings, permanent barns and expanded retail, dining and parking areas.
• Wellington Lifestyle Partners is investing in the expansion to strengthen Wellington’s position as a leading destination for equestrian sports.

What Wellington International South Will Add

Wellington International has announced a 98-acre expansion that will increase its equestrian campus to approximately 215 acres. Known as Wellington International South, the new complex is designed to support international equestrian competitions while improving the experience for horses, riders, owners, grooms and spectators. The expansion will become the future home of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. It is also expected to host FEI show jumping, hunter derbies, Under 25 competitions and other major equestrian events.

“This project represents the next chapter for equestrian sports in Wellington,” Wellington International President Michael Stone said. “We are building a venue that prioritizes the experience for horses, riders, owners, grooms and spectators alike.”

What the New Competition Facilities Include

Plans call for a 3,000-seat CDI International Arena that will serve as one of the development’s primary competition venues. The project will also include an 84,000-square-foot covered arena, four additional hunter and jumper rings, two dressage arenas and a grass derby field with dedicated tailgating space. Permanent covered grandstands will provide additional spectator seating, while expanded food and retail areas will add more amenities throughout the venue. Thousands of parking spaces are also planned to support competitors, staff and visitors during major events.

What the Project Includes for Horses and Riders

Five permanent barns will be constructed as part of the expansion. Each barn will contain 60 stalls, bringing the initial permanent capacity to 300 stalls. The barns will feature oversized stalls, premium rubber flooring, wash racks and integrated restrooms. The facilities are intended to improve comfort and convenience for horses, riders and support teams during competitions. A horse-friendly bridge will connect the barn areas with the competition grounds, providing safer and more efficient movement across the expanded campus.

What the New Derby Field Will Offer

International turf specialist Richard Hayden is overseeing construction of the grass derby field. Hayden’s experience includes work on FIFA World Cup venues and England’s Hickstead Arena. His involvement is intended to help create a competition-quality grass surface suitable for major equestrian events. JTWG Inc. is installing advanced footing and watering systems throughout the new grounds. These systems are designed to support consistent competition surfaces while improving conditions for horses and riders.

What the Expanded Campus Will Look Like

Wellington International South is being designed with large green spaces, mature landscaping and shaded areas to create a park-like setting. The development will combine high-level competition facilities with open areas intended to improve the experience for spectators and participants. Permanent grandstands, expanded hospitality areas and additional food and retail options will support longer event days and larger crowds. More hospitality space, permanent barns and other amenities are expected to be added as the campus continues to grow.

What the Expansion Means for Wellington

Wellington Lifestyle Partners is making a major investment in the expanded campus as part of an effort to strengthen Wellington’s reputation as the horse sport capital of North America. The additional competition venues will allow Wellington International to accommodate a wider range of equestrian disciplines and events while providing more permanent infrastructure for participants and visitors. Wellington International South is scheduled for a soft opening in fall 2026. The venue is expected to welcome its first full competition season in 2027. A specific street address for Wellington International South was not included in the announcement.