A lot has happened since the conclusion of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival, and we know you have questions. Below, you will find a number of notes to address questions and curiosities we have heard over the past few months. We hope this helps, and thank you for following along with us this season – either physically or virtually. We are looking forward to an excellent 2022 winter season of equestrian fun and competition!
Is dressage moving to PBIEC? No, dressage is not moving to the main grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Dressage competition as part of the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival will stay at Equestrian Village as it has in past years.
Will jumpers still compete on the Derby Field or in the International Ring at Equestrian Village? Yes, both of those things will still happen during designated weeks.
Will the horse show model of WEF change to be more European since the new owners from Global Equestrian Group (GEG) are European? No, the daily workings of the horse show will not change and exhibitors can still expect the WEF they know and love. The new owners from GEG are implementing changes that will enhance current offerings, improve the facility, and simplify things across the board for everyone, but there will not be major changes to the structure of the horse show.
Should we expect a lot of staffing changes? No, there have been some changes but the majority of the seasonal and full-time staff that exhibitors interact with will remain the same.
Will hunters and jumpers both see facility improvements this year, specifically for the riding rings? So far, ring improvements will mostly be noticed by the jumpers, but the hunter rings are on the priority list as some of the next major projects to undertake. Since GEG joined the team in July, arenas that have been redone include the Mogavero Ring, Rings 9 and 10, and Ring 6, which is split between hunter and jumper use. Rings 7, 8, 11, 12, and the South Ring are high on the to-do list ahead of future WEF seasons.
Since the ownership change in July, the facilities at PBIEC have undergone significant improvements in order to benefit our participants. With limited time to make those changes, the more important issues were placed at the top of the priority list. We promise that this is just the beginning! Plans are being made for an exciting future at PBIEC, and we will be sure to keep you updated as more enhancements get underway over the next few years. Exciting things are coming, so stay tuned!
Spectators Encouraged to Follow COVID Precautions
The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) is thrilled to welcome spectators back once again for the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
At this time, all spectators should come to the venue with a mask in their possession to use in any public indoor spaces, such as restrooms. Properly-fitted masks are highly encouraged at all times while on the property where you cannot socially distance yourself from people outside of your party.
The 2022 WEF will feature 13 weeks of competition, starting on January 5, 2022, and concluding on April 3, 2022. Each show week starts on Wednesday and concludes on Sunday, with major competitions showcased daily in the International Arena. Please join us for equestrian action, shopping, and dining! Saturday Night Lights will also return, showcasing elite competition, combined with entertainment, expanded hospitality options, and kid-friendly activities, every Saturday evening in the International Arena.
To view the full COVID protocol for horse show participants and officials, please click here.
PBIEC Educational Series
The 2022 Educational Series, presented by Adequan®, will be held Thursdays during the Winter Equestrian Festival at 6 p.m. ET, you can tune in virtually via Zoom to learn about topics that pertain to equestrians thanks to our variety of presenters. Pre-registration is required, but every session is free.
As a bonus, all participants will be entered in the Grand Prize giveaway for the end of the series thanks to Karina Brez Jewelry.
Check out the schedule here, then register for the sessions that interest you.
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