In a vote of 4-1 on September 18, the Village of Wellington Council gave their approval for Stadium Jumping, Inc., (SJI) to build a world-class equestrian facility in Wellington. The vote was the third and final approval required by the Village of Wellington in order for Stadium Jumping, Inc., to move their competitions, the Winter Equestrian Festival and National Horse Show, to the new grounds in Section 34 on the south end of Wellington.

The Village of Wellington town council voted 4-1 to approve the move, with council member Laurie Cohen dissenting. The meeting lasted over seven hours and included presentations by Stadium Jumping, Inc., opposition comments by Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP), and additional expert testimonies of the effects and implications of the move. More than 200 people filled the meeting room, and many were there to support Stadium Jumping, Inc.

The approved site is located at the south end in the Wellington Preserve Development. It includes 179 dedicated acres, and SJI believes it will become one of the premier international showgrounds in the world. Plans for the grounds include 13 rings, of which three will be grass rings, including a derby field and grand prix ring. There will be permanent stabling, many support buildings, ample parking, a dedicated vendor area, and abundant warm-up space for competitors. Stadium Jumping, Inc., plans to be ready for the 2009 show season.

With this approval in hand, SJI will now move forward and begin construction of the showgrounds designed by Robert Jolicoeur. "I believe that these showgrounds will become the mecca for show jumping in the United States, if not the world," said SJI CEO, Eugene R. Mische.

For more information and a detailed site plan of the new show grounds, please visit www.wellingtonshowgrounds.com.