Welcome to Wellington’s Equestrian Area
Known as the Equestrian Overlay Zone District
The Village of Wellington is defined by the enormous equestrian preserve area. At around 9,000 acres in size, this unique enclave has a high-end rural feel to it. It features spacious and also boutique equestrian estates, lush green paddocks, sprawling verdant polo fields, arenas, and the famous showgrounds. Grand traditional equestrian estates sit alongside state-of-the-art horse farms in a community with all the international and first-class amenities you would find in a larger town.
The yearly inflow of millions of dollars from the equestrian industry sets the Village of Wellington apart from other inland South Florida towns. It’s similar to having the economic impact of the Super Bowl in the same town every year! Wellington has a first-rate infrastructure, plenty of green open spaces, and great restaurants. There are over 60 private polo fields in this community, 35 miles of scenic horse trails, many equestrian showgrounds, top public sporting facilities, several luxurious golf and country clubs, and thousands of beautiful horse farms and palatial homes all clustered into one small village.
Over 20,000 horses and 7,000 riders call Wellington home during winter, making the community a hub of international sport and entertainment. Many celebrities, Olympians, millionaires, and billionaires keep homes here. The community is connected by the many bridle paths (or riding trails) that beckon riders to explore, leading to the world-renowned horse show venues at the center of the area’s social and sporting life. Wellington’s is host to the nation’s longest-running horse show; the Wellington Equestrian Festival, and on any given winter Sunday, over 5,000 spectators fill the grounds to watch world-class polo culminating in the highest ranked national polo tournament; the US Open.
What to Love
- Equestrian-centric: Bridle paths connect residents to major showgrounds, and the area is a mecca for top Olympian riders and their clients.
- Luxurious living: Sprawling estates and newer palatial barns reflect the area's commitment to luxury and the equestrian lifestyle.
- Exclusive community: With land at a premium, the Wellington Equestrian Area remains an exclusive and sought-after destination.
Local Lifestyle
The local lifestyle in the Wellington Equestrian Area is characterized by its peaceful, green, and spacious settings. Dirt roads perfect for hacking and riding trails allow for a life that's both leisurely and active. It's a community where in the winter months the world's best equestrian athletes - both equine and human - come to train and compete, creating an environment where passion for the sport underpins every aspect of life. Residents enjoy a sense of camaraderie, sharing in the seasonal excitement that the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Global Dressage Festival, and the many polo tournaments bring to the neighborhood. Wellington is an especially popular winter destination, and property prices appreciate because there is limited space within the equestrian overlay district (properties tend to be more valuable closer to the Wellington International showgrounds).
Dining and Entertainment
For a low-density community with so many green polo fields and lush paddocks, there is a surprising array of top-class eateries and entertainment options. Along with the many local dining and entertainment hotspots, Wellington’s neighbors; West Palm Beach, Palm Beach and Delray offer an unlimited array of international choices.This community in particular thrives around social scenes at events like the Winter Equestrian Festival, and the many polo tournaments played here. Here, the Wellington International showgrounds become a bustling nexus, drawing in thousands of visitors and featuring the famous “Saturday Night Lights” during the winter months with its grand prix show jumping competitions.
The National Polo Center is another jewel in the area's crown, offering spectators the thrill of world-class polo matched with luxury amenities. The Equestrian Village and Global Dressage showgrounds offer top international dressage competitions, which culminates in the popular “Friday Night Lights” dressage competitions during the Winter featuring the best dressage riders in the world competing for international prizes. For more casual entertainment, the Village of Wellington's amphitheater hosts food truck invasions and live bands, offering a harmonious blend of community spirit and casual revelry.
There are many restaurants in the Village of Wellington offering an array of options. The nearby towns of Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, and Delray offer an almost unlimited range of dining and entertainment options.
Things to Do
Activity in the Wellington Equestrian Area centers on its equestrian roots. The Winter Equestrian Festival at the Wellington International showgrounds is not just a series of events; it's a lifestyle, drawing in a global audience to witness equine athletes at their finest. Similarly, the National Polo Center is a hub of high stakes and high society, where Sundays are reserved for the spectacle of polo, framed by the Florida sun. Beyond the showgrounds, the community's amphitheater serves as a local gathering spot, where residents come together to enjoy live music and the simplicity of good company amidst the verdant landscape.
Schools
In the Wellington Equestrian Area, education takes on a unique flavor, with schools catering to the academically inclined and the athletically gifted. Public schools of note provide quality education, while private institutions offer tailored programs for young equestrian athletes and children of the international professional circuit. These schools understand the unique lifestyles of their students, ensuring that education remains uninterrupted and excellence is maintained, whether in the classroom or the competition field.
