Wellington Equestrian Partners, LLC, in collaboration with Stadium Jumping, Inc., announced that they have purchased 277 acres of prime real estate in the heart of Wellington's horse country. An option for an additional 87 acres would bring the purchase total to over 364 acres. The majority of the land was purchased from Palm Beach Polo’s owner, Glenn Straub, by various entities controlled by Wellington real estate investor Mark Bellissimo.

“The purchase will allow Stadium Jumping to enhance and expand the current Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds, which have been at or near capacity for a number of years, said Stadium Jumping’s President Gene Mische. “The sale will also allow us to maintain the integrity of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve and allow us to continue to develop this unique equestrian lifestyle. I thank Glenn for following through on his commitment to preserve this unique venue.”

The expanded acreage will offer the room to build a permanent grand prix stadium, create new and enhanced stabling options, create more open riding areas, build a world-class Derby field and, with the approval of the Village of Wellington, build an indoor show facility. In addition, the project will involve various equestrian related residential and commercial interests as well as a number of private equestrian facilities.

“Gene and I, in collaboration with the equestrian community, plan to transform these properties into a truly unique worldwide equestrian destination, which will allow us to steward these assets for the Village of Wellington and the equestrian community at large,” said Bellissimo. “Glenn could have pursued other sale options with a more residential focus that would have created higher unit density and potentially could have delivered greater financial returns; instead he chose to deliver a great holiday gift to the equestrian community and to the Village of Wellington.”

“I’m thrilled to have been able to make this deal happen,” said Straub. “This wasn’t about money. This was all about the respect I have for Stadium Jumping as well as Gene and Mark’s collective vision for the equestrian community here in Wellington. This deal was about creating an environment that all of our families will be able to enjoy forever.”

As an added touch, Straub provided a token of his respect for Mische and Stadium Jumping with the gift of a life-size bronze statue of a horse and rider jumping. Glenn added, “The statue embodies the spirit of the horse and rider. I am hopeful that the statue will grace the gates of the show grounds for many years to come. It is a small gift, but one that has great meaning to me and my family in appreciation of Gene’s outstanding efforts in creating the unique character of the Village of Wellington from which I have greatly benefitted.” The plaque reads “To Gene Mische, In appreciation of your tireless efforts in support of the equestrian community and your great contributions to the character and uniqueness of the Village of Wellington. Best of Luck, Glenn Straub”

The creation of the master plan for the property is currently well underway and will be revealed in the very near future. Mische added, “We look forward to working with the Village of Wellington and the equestrian community to make this a very special place for all our friends and families."

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