Wellington, FL – May 3, 2007 – Ending months of speculation on the future of its equestrian showgrounds, the Board of Directors of Stadium Jumping Inc. announced today that Stadium Jumping has reached an agreement with Wellington Preserve Corporation to relocate Stadium Jumping’s showgrounds to a 179-acre parcel located within the Wellington Preserve community. Wellington Preserve is located on 50th Street, between 120th and 130th Avenues in the Village of Wellington.
John Long, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Equestrian Federation said, “Stadium Jumping’s Winter Equestrian Festival and National Horse Shows are important competitions, both nationally and internationally. Any interruption of this circuit would not be in the best interest of the equestrian sport and would be inconsistent with the Charter of the United States Equestrian Federation and the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act. The new License Agreements between the United States Equestrian Federation and Stadium Jumping allow for a complete and orderly transfer of the existing event dates to the new facility. Stadium Jumping has also committed to the United States Equestrian Federation that it will maintain the current showgrounds in a world-class manner during the interim period.”
Long added, “Stadium Jumping has shown vision by finding a home that can accommodate thousands of horses that compete in these premier events with much needed room for schooling, training and competition. This facility will serve the equestrian community well in the future, and the United States Equestrian Federation looks forward to working with Stadium Jumping and its President, Gene Mische, to make Wellington Preserve one of the premier equestrian facilities in the world.”
This latest development solidifies Stadium Jumping’s commitment to keep the showgrounds in the Wellington community. Gene Mische said, “This is an important announcement for the community and for the equestrians who love our shows and have been so supportive of Stadium Jumping and our efforts over the years. It was always our hope to stay in Wellington. With this new location, not only are we staying in Wellington, but we are also going to build a truly world-class showgrounds with outstanding facilities, stables, parking and other infrastructure that will be one of the finest equestrian facilities in the world – something Wellington and all of us can look back on and say, ‘We did it right.'”
In addition, Mische announced that a number of accomplished equestrians will participate on the blue ribbon Stadium Jumping Planning and Design Committee to ensure that the project benefits from different perspectives and insights in the design and construction of the showgrounds. “We have some incredibly talented riders, owners, trainers and planners in our equestrian community. The Board of Directors and I are eager to have their involvement in all aspects of our new showgrounds project. We look forward to working with the Village of Wellington and the surrounding community during the approval process for this world-class facility,” Mische stated.
The individuals participating in the Stadium Jumping Planning and Design Committee include Joe Fargis, John Madden, Linda Hough, Jimmy Torano, Geoff Teall, Louise Serio and Leo Conroy. Other members may be added in the coming weeks as the Committee begins its work. In addition, Stadium Jumping stressed the importance of obtaining the immediate support of the Village Council and its staff, along with other government entities.
The Wellington Preserve Corporation and its exclusive broker, Peggy Berkoff of North County Properties, came forward early in the process when they heard about Stadium Jumping’s search to find the necessary acreage to stay in the Village of Wellington. Diane Jenkins, President and CEO of Jenkins Realty, Inc., confirmed that Jenkins Realty will be taking reservations for a limited number of lots surrounding the showgrounds. Jenkins can be reached at 561-640-4059. After that, remaining lots will be available through Peggy Berkoff at North County Properties.
“This is truly a one-of-a-kind site in the Village of Wellington, and a location that allows Stadium Jumping to grow and prosper into the future. More than 10 alternate sites were considered by Stadium Jumping in Palm Beach County, and many offers from developers outside Palm Beach County were also reviewed. The Board of Directors of Stadium Jumping worked very hard to negotiate a deal that will allow the site to continue to be part of the Wellington equestrian community. They succeeded after many months of hard work,” Jenkins said.
The new showgrounds will include 10 competition rings, including a grand prix field and a derby field of at least 4 acres each. There will be ample acreage for training facilities to allow riders to train and prepare their horses. Sufficient stall space for all entries will be provided with customary on-site supporting facilities, including grooming areas, wash stalls and restrooms. In addition, there will be ample parking and space for vendors and exhibitors. Special attention has been given to the circulation of vehicles, horses and pedestrians.
To extend the show season, a large covered arena is planned in a future development stage to allow for night classes and to attract different breeds of horses. This multi-use building will also be able to host small trade shows. To ensure a safe environment, all horses and grooms will be within a quarter mile of the competition rings, which will reduce stress on event participants.
“The Winter Equestrian Festival attracts the best in show jumping, hunter and dressage horses from all over the world to Wellington for over a four-month period,” said Robert Jolicoeur, Chief Executive Officer of International Equestrian Design (IED). “It is the largest horse show in the world and has one of the longest circuits. This showgrounds will truly be one of the finest equestrian facilities in North America, if not the world.”
About the Designer
The new world-class showgrounds is being developed by prominent equestrian designer Robert Jolicoeur. Founded in 1981 by Robert Jolicoeur, International Equestrian Design (IED) is a landscape architecture firm specializing in the design and planning of avant-garde equestrian sites and theme parks. IED’s worldwide list of projects includes horse parks, equestrian showgrounds, training centers, racetracks, and recreation-based communities. IED’s services include design, the production of plans, construction documentation and data as well as project management. IED has established itself as a leader in the field by planning a wide range of projects, from private equestrian facilities to the equestrian venue for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
“Stadium Jumping is truly focusing on creating an event grounds that will be one of the finest in the world,” said Jolicoeur. “There is ample space to accommodate all needs; and the design will be one-of-a-kind and beautiful – a true asset to the community.”
Jolicoeur’s experience as a horseman and as a course designer began at a very young age. He achieved the prestigious rank of Official International Course Designer early in his career, and has served the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) on assignments such as the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, three-time technical delegate for the Volvo World Cup Finals and over 80 World Cup qualifiers in America. He has played a key role in the development of the sport in North America.
About Stadium Jumping
One of the world’s largest and most respected producers of equestrian events, Stadium Jumping, Inc. has produced the highly successful Winter Equestrian Festival since its inception in Wellington, Florida, in 1979. The company also manages the National Horse Show and Family Festival, now in its fifth year at the same show grounds. Before the equestrian tour moved to Wellington, Stadium Jumping created and operated the long-running Sunshine Circuit in other parts of Florida. The company also manages equestrian events in Lake Placid, NY; New Albany, Ohio; Tampa, FL; Cleveland, Ohio; and Charlotte, NC.
About Wellington Preserve Corporation
Wellington Preserve Corporation is a subsidiary of CL Financial Limited, a global conglomerate headquartered in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. CL Financial has diverse investments in the real estate, energy, financial services and manufacturing sectors, and is world-renowned for its methanol and spirits businesses. In addition to Wellington Preserve Corporation, CL Financial is involved in other large-scale real estate investments in the United States, including the “W” Fort Lauderdale Hotel and Residences, Europa, Infinity I and II, and several others.
Wellington Preserve Corporation is extremely pleased to be part of this venture, as it will have a significant positive impact on the Wellington community. Information on Wellington Preserve can be found at www.wellingtonpreserve.com. For additional Wellington Preserve information, please call Peggy Berkoff, North County Properties, at (561) 427-0470.
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