It’s show season! What better time to explore one of the biggest equestrian competitions in the world? Hop on, we’re going to Florida!

The state of Florida in the United States is globally known for its importance to equestrians. In the Floridian town of Wellington, you find Wellington International – a venue that, since the 1970s, has been an established scene for equestrian sports and that each year welcomes participants and visitors from all over the world. The huge facility of Wellington International hosts world-class show jumping rings and permanent horse stalls, as well as horse trails. Let’s just say, to the equestrian community, Wellington is top-tier.

Each year, Wellington International hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). WEF is a prominent festival lasting from January till the end of March, and it’s considered one of the largest equestrian events in the world. Each week of WEF constitutes its own show, and each week the festival hosts FEI classes.

Getting acquainted with Wellington International and WEF, one can’t help but wonder – what is it like to participate in the shows there? We asked American show jumper Alise Oken, who knows her way around the Wellington courses.

– Competing in Wellington is a unique opportunity to be in one location for the winter season (12 weeks) and to be able to compete against some of the best in the world on some of the toughest tracks in the world, Alise says.

How would you describe the courses there?

– I would say that throughout all levels it can be difficult, especially at the FEI level. Most competitions are CSI4* and above. There really isn’t ever a week that is easy – everyone is hungry to compete!

Is there anything specific you particularly enjoy about the Wellington shows?

– I really enjoy being in one place for several months. I call Wellington my home, and it is really nice not to have to travel to different shows every week.

Could you share a special memory from Wellington International that stands out to you?

– Jumping clear with two time faults in the CSI5* Grand Prix with Gelvera in 2024. It was such an exhilarating moment, and I was so proud of Vera for jumping her heart out over a very difficult track.

“Competing in Wellington is a unique opportunity to be in one location for the winter season /…/ and to be able to compete against some of the best in the world on some of the toughest tracks in the world.”

– Alise Oken

How many horses do you usually bring with you?

– Normally I have 5-6 horses competing at WEF. It’s a long season and I make a specific show plan for each horse throughout the whole circuit.

Could you describe the team you bring there?

– I have my barn manager Gail, who has been with me for almost 10 years, I don’t do much without her! She oversees the majority of barn operations. I also have two hardworking girls, Stephanie and Shanna, who look after the horses on a day-to-day basis and are with them at the shows.

Besides competing, do you usually take part in any other activities while you’re in Wellington?

– Sometimes I play golf or tennis but show jumping in Wellington can be all-consuming! It’s a busy time of the year with so many opportunities to compete.

With nice prospects to do well at WEF, we thank Alise for taking the time to share some of her thoughts on Wellington International while preparing for the season. We wish her the best of luck! 🍀