The Global dressage Festival international arena in Wellington, Florida, has added a new covering for spectator seating for the 2026 winter-long circuit, marking the first time since the venue opened in 2012 that spectators will be shielded from sun and rain. This improvement is part of a broader rehabilitation effort at both the Global dressage Festival and the Winter Equestrian Festival facilities, including the installation of tiered seating and modifications to judges’ boxes to enhance spectator views. These upgrades precede Global’s anticipated move to a newly expanded area of the main show grounds featuring a covered arena.

The Global dressage Festival, managed by Wellington Equestrian Partners under Mark Bellissimo, hosts seven weeks of international competitions, including a CDI5* event, the only dressage Nations Cup in the Americas, and three World Cup qualifiers, attracting top riders worldwide. The current facility, originally developed on a former polo field, will be redeveloped for residential and commercial use once the new dressage location is operational. The 2026 circuit runs from January 7 with a World Cup event through mid-March, concluding with Nations Cups for senior and Under-25 riders.