Thinking about spending your winter in Wellington and wondering how the equestrian season really works? You’re not alone. The area buzzes with world-class competition, top barns, and a full slate of social activity, and it can feel like a lot to take in the first time. In this guide, you’ll learn when to plan, where to live, what to budget, and how to bring horses and participate with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What the season includes
Wellington is a major winter equestrian hub with high-level hunter/jumper, show jumping, dressage, and polo. The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival for hunter/jumper and show jumping. The Adequan Global Dressage Festival runs a structured dressage circuit, and the International Polo Club Palm Beach stages polo throughout the season. Together, these events create one of the most active equine communities in the world during winter.
You can expect the season to build from late fall through spring, with peak activity typically from November or December through March or April. Exact dates shift year to year, so always confirm current calendars. Because of this concentration of shows and training, the Village sees a jump in seasonal population, services, and demand for housing.
Venues and timing
Primary venues
- Palm Beach International Equestrian Center: Multiple competition rings, permanent stabling, vendors, and hospitality for hunter/jumper and show jumping.
- Adequan Global Dressage Festival grounds: International-level dressage that runs for multiple competitive weeks.
- International Polo Club Palm Beach: Polo fields and tournaments throughout winter and spring.
Planning your calendar
Event schedules and stabling typically release months in advance. If you want a smooth season, start early. Riders often secure stalls, trainers, and housing 3 to 6 months before arriving. Local services like grooms, farriers, and vets book quickly during peak weeks, so lock in your team well ahead of time.
Where to live for the season
Property types to consider
You’ll find a range of options in and around Wellington. Some buyers choose estate properties with barns, paddocks, and arenas. Others opt for smaller parcels near shared facilities, or low-maintenance townhomes and condos if their horses board elsewhere. Decide if you prefer to keep horses on-site or to live close to showgrounds while boarding at a nearby farm.
Proximity trade-offs
Living 5 to 15 minutes from the showgrounds reduces daily travel and can be convenient for early classes or vet and farrier visits. Close-in areas often command higher prices and rents during peak months. If you prize acreage and privacy, look a bit farther out and plan for added drive time.
Tips for sellers of equestrian homes
If you’re listing a horse property, highlight usable acreage, stall count, fencing, pasture condition, and arena footing. Note any dedicated storage, tack rooms, wash racks, and trailer access. Proximity to PBIEC and polo fields is a key detail. Keep maintenance, permits, and any income history ready for buyer review.
Zoning, permits, and local rules
Wellington and Palm Beach County have land-use categories that affect what you can do on a property. Private keeping of horses, commercial boarding, and teaching lessons can fall under different rules. Building barns or installing permanent arenas often requires permits and inspections.
Before you buy or build, verify zoning and permitted uses with the Village of Wellington and Palm Beach County. Confirm any deed restrictions or HOA rules that may limit agricultural or equestrian structures. A clean paper trail reduces surprises later.
Infrastructure and environmental checks
Drainage and footing
Wellington is relatively flat, so good drainage and engineered arena bases are essential. Ask about soil composition, grading, and water management. Proper footing and drainage reduce downtime during rainy periods and help protect soundness.
Flood risk and insurance
South Florida properties can sit in flood-prone zones. Review FEMA flood maps and county floodplain designations. Discuss flood insurance and wind or hurricane coverage with your insurance advisor early in the process.
Water, septic, and power
Some rural parcels rely on wells and septic systems. Confirm water volume, quality, and septic capacity for barns and wash racks. Many owners add standby generators to support sump pumps, refrigeration, and barn lighting during outages.
Manure management
Have a plan for storage, composting, and disposal that aligns with local rules. Some communities or HOAs have specific guidelines that you need to follow.
Budget and ongoing costs
Plan for ongoing costs in addition to the purchase price. Include arena maintenance, fence repair, hay and feed storage, bedding, pest control, and staffing if you operate a barn. If you board and train off-site, expect premium rates during peak season due to high demand and top-tier facilities.
If you’re selling, provide maintenance logs, operating costs, and any boarding income records. Clear documentation helps buyers understand value and future obligations.
Bringing horses and competing
Health documentation
If you’re hauling in from out of state or abroad, expect to provide a current negative Coggins and a valid health certificate. Time windows can vary, and individual shows may require specific vaccinations or testing. Verify all requirements with organizers and the appropriate animal health authorities well before shipping.
Booking local services
Wellington has a deep bench of equine veterinarians, farriers, dentists, and specialists. During season, they book fast. Schedule arrival exams, routine care, and shoeing in advance. If you need ground or air transport, reserve early, especially around the holidays and big weeks.
Travel and show-day logistics
Palm Beach International Airport is the closest major airport for commercial flights. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are alternatives for international routes. Expect heavier local traffic on major competition and polo days. Follow event guidance on parking and shuttles to save time.
Due diligence checklists
Property and facility checklist
- Confirm zoning and permitted uses for horses and any boarding activity.
- Verify property boundaries, easements, and trailer-friendly access.
- Assess arena footing, drainage, fencing, stall count and condition, wash racks, and storage.
- Inspect water supply, septic capacity if present, and electrical load, including generator needs.
- Review floodplain maps, any wetlands, and manure handling arrangements.
Business and operational checklist
- Check if commercial boarding or lessons require local licenses, permits, or business tax receipts.
- Review insurance for property, liability, workers’ comp if you employ staff, and equine policies as needed.
- If buying a property with an existing operation, gather revenue and expense history.
Timing and planning checklist
- Secure stabling, trainer spots, and housing months ahead of peak weeks.
- If you’re moving, arrive a few weeks before your horses to set up utilities, confirm services, and walk the facility.
- Keep a hurricane-season plan with local contacts and a trailer-ready evacuation strategy.
A smooth season with a trusted guide
Your first Wellington season can be seamless with the right plan and local support. Define your goals, choose the right proximity, and build your team early. With thoughtful due diligence on zoning, drainage, flood risk, and services, you can focus on performance and enjoy the community.
If you’re considering a purchase or strategic sale near the showgrounds, you deserve discreet, high-touch guidance and a team that makes the process easier from day one. Request a private consultation with The Jack Elkins Team to discuss timing, property fit, and a concierge plan tailored to your season.
FAQs
When does Wellington’s equestrian season run?
- It typically builds from late fall through spring, with peak activity from about November or December through March or April; always confirm each year’s official calendars.
How close should I live to the showgrounds in Wellington?
- Living 5 to 15 minutes away cuts commute times but often costs more; farther out can offer more acreage and privacy with added drive time.
What permits might I need for horses or boarding?
- Rules depend on your property’s zoning, your intended use, and local regulations; verify specifics with the Village of Wellington and Palm Beach County before moving forward.
What should I budget beyond the home purchase?
- Plan for arena upkeep, fencing, feed and bedding storage, pest control, insurance, and staffing; boarding and training often carry premium costs during peak season.
How do I prepare for storms or hurricanes with horses?
- Maintain a written plan with local contacts, keep a trailer-ready evacuation option, and follow guidance from the Village and County during weather events.