WEF Week 7 Newsletter

WEF Photography Collective. Photo © Alden Corrigan Media

Week 6 of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), sponsored by IDA Development, brought thrilling hunter and jumper action to Wellington International and Equestrian Village.

Hunter competition took center stage at Wellington International, with Patricia Griffith opening World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week with a championship tricolor in Section A of the Equine Tack & Nutritionals 3’6” Green Hunter division. Nick Haness continued his dominance, claiming the 3’6” Performance Hunter division championship with Queen Celeste.

On Saturday evening, WCHR Week reached its pinnacle with Liza Towell Boyd and Ondine D’Orleans securing victory in the prestigious $150,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular. Meanwhile, the jumper field delivered electrifying performances, with Philip McGuane (IRL) and Orphea HQ winning the $62,500 Adequan ^Ⓡ WEF Challenge Cup Round 6 on the grass field at Equestrian Village. Luis Fernando Larrazabal (VEN) topped the $32,000 Hermès CSI3* 1.50m Classic aboard Scarlett du Sart Z for his first international win with the mare.

Sunday’s grand prix winners included:

$31,020 BrainJuice U25 Grand Prix: Hallie Grimes (USA) & Karoline of Ballmore
$140,000 IDA Development CSI3* Grand Prix presented by Barnwalkers: Ben Maher (GBR) & Ginger-Blue
$25,000 CPKC National Grand Prix: Chris Pratt (CAN) & Ideaal ES

As we look ahead to Week 7, anticipation is high for the CSI5* competition, sponsored by Lugano. A major highlight will be the increased prize money in their grand prix, rising from $385,000 to an impressive $500,000, sure to attract elite athletes from around the globe. Before the action kicks off, join us for the Sip & Shop event in the International Club lobby from 6-7 PM. Enjoy passed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while browsing top-tier vendors, including Lugano, Kiton, NetJets Business Centre, Weatherly Stroh Studio, and LAURACEA.

Important Events

Tuesday, February 18

FEI Jog

Wednesday, February 19

$6,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* 1.40m
$1,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* 1.40m
$32,000 Dodd Technologies CSI5* 1.45m

Thursday, February 20

$6,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* 1.45m
$116,000 Adequan ^Ⓡ CSI5* WEF Challenge Cup, round 7

Friday, February 21

$10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by NetJets at Equestrian Village
$62,500 Bainbridge Companies CSI5* 1.50m
$32,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix Qualifier
Pony Hunter Derby

Saturday, February 22

$15,000 SJHOF 1.45m Amateur Jumper Classic (44 & under) sponsored by Lugano
$15,000 SJHOF 1.45m Amateur Jumper Classic (45 & over) sponsored by Griffis Residential
$10,000 SJHOF 1.45m Junior Jumper Classic sponsored by Karlswood
$10,000 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* 1.40m
Saturday Night Lights: $500,000 Lugano CSI5* Grand Prix. Upgraded hospitality tickets can be found here.

Sunday, February 23

$62,500 Buckeye Nutrition CSI2* 1.45m Grand Prix
Leadline & Parade of Champions
$62,500 Hermès CSI5* 1.50m Classic

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Watch Episode 6 of the WEF Weekly Show

Watch Episode 6 of the WEF Weekly Show. This special hunter edition features host Oliver Kennedy, joined by guests Scott Stewart, Nick Haness and Paige Walkenbach.

Save the date! Episode 7 of the WEF Weekly Show airs on February 19th at 5 PM. Join host Steven Wilde as he welcomes Christian Kukuk, Mimi Gochman and Rodrigo Pessoa. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 PM during the Winter Equestrian Festival on our website, YouTube, or Facebook to catch all the action!