For those of you who do not know, Wellington is located in Florida and host WEF, the Winter Equestrian Festival. WEF is the most well known Equestrian sporting venue in the United States. It is the largest and longest running equestrian competition with a 12-week show jumping competition for hunters, jumpers, and equitation. WEF hosts the nation’s premier events for children, juniors, adults and amateurs; for riders ranging in age from 2 to 70 years old. You can watch everything from adorable pony hunters to Olympic show jumpers. WEF is held at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center also known as PBIEC and it is an equestrian paradise even if you are not into horses!!!! Check it out …

There are various events held throughout WEF. The $75,000 Wellington Regional Medical Center Battle of the Sexes is my favorite and has teams of 10 men vs. 10 women competing against each other. There are three phases ~ a faults converted speed round, a relay race and a match race. This year, for the eighth year in a row the Ladies take the victory. (PC: Ashley Neuhof Photography).

Ok, that’s just a small sampling of all that’s dreamy about WEF. PBIEC has a total of 500 acres, containing 18 competition arenas with adjoining schooling rings, one derby field and the largest covered arena in the world (357’ x 256”) that is surrounded by VIP box seating, general admission seating, and hospitality pavilions. Lets not forget the famous bridge arching over the in-gate, where horses enter into the arena. The Main Show Grounds house 256 permanent stalls, wash racks, horse trails, pedestrian paths, golf cart tracks and shopping areas like Vendor Village, Hunter Hill and The Bridge Deck. I could stay here forever!!! If you happen to be in the area with children for vacation, you must stop by and spend time at the children’s fair ~ jumping in bounce houses, visiting the petting zoo, riding the Venetian Carousel and enjoying the pony rides. This year WEF runs from January 11th – April 2nd.

PBIAC has great food and shopping … but, while in Wellington make sure to stop by my favorite burger spot ~ Lindburgers. Home of the 50 Burgers. My pick being the Polo Burger topped with avocado, tomato and swiss cheese served on a whole wheat bun with a side of mustard. The fries and chocolate shake are a thumbs up as well. Lindburgers Wellington is located at 13860 Wellington Trace. Dining attire ~ well lets just say riding pants aka breeches are the norm when lunching in Wellington.

~ xoxo