Equestrian Sports Productions (ESP), owner and manager of the FTI 2010 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), is busy with the final preparations to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) for the January 12 opening day. ESP has spent millions of dollars since the last circuit to ensure that the experience for both customers and horses will be excellent in the New Year.

Mark Bellissimo, Chief Executive Officer of ESP, and Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP), commented, "We are looking forward to a great year in 2010. While we have made significant improvements across the facility, we are most proud of the continued investments in ring footing and grooming equipment for our riders and horses. It has been the goal of the WEP Partnership to make these the finest shows and the premiere facility in the world; we are well on our way to that goal. Over the next few weeks we will be issuing a series of exciting announcements about WEF. Stay tuned."

Highlights for the upcoming WEF;

• Exciting Events. The WEG trials (five classes), a junior/amateur team competition, and a professional/amateur class have been added to an already exciting lineup, which includes 15 night events, including the FTI $500,000 Grand Prix, the Nations Cup, the World Dressage Masters, and the Battle of the Sexes, with close to $6 million in prize money and awards.
• Rings and Footing. The PBIEC trademark pink "Olympic" footing installed by Equestrian Services International is in the final stages of installation in the Rost and Mische Rings (formerly Grand Hunter). Five rings now have this footing. Renovations have also been completed on Rings 6-8 as well as the rings on the South Grounds.
• Jumps. Frank Rothenberger's Caro Designs and Olaf Petersen's design company will be providing new jumps for the jumper rings. Classy Jumps and Littlewood Fences will be providing new jumps for the hunter rings.
• Jumbotron. A 22' x 28' foot JumboTron has been erected on the southeast corner of the International Arena. The Jumbotron will take on a personality of its own by not only televising the competitions and the WEF sponsors but also interacting with the spectators through its roving webcam during the big events.
• Spectator Pavilions. The Suncast Pavilion is a new area overlooking both the International Arena and the Mische ring. The Pavilion includes a large 36' foot gazebo which has been installed on the east side of the International Arena and will feature a bar and food options. Suncast has also installed an additional 20' x 40' gazebo overlooking the Rost and Mische rings that will provide another dining option for riders and spectators.
• New Food/Beverage Options. The "Trough" Sports Bar presented by Pine Hollow will be completed overlooking the Rost Arena that will have casual dining and several widescreens installed televising various sporting events throughout the day and evening. The Oasis Cafe serving Nepresso will be installed at the east end of the vendor courtyard that will serve as an Internet café and lounge. A Fresh Salad restaurant and a new Sushi Option will round out the new fare. And of course the famous Tiki Hut will return with more food and drink options available. A new permanent kitchen will be completed that will enhance the quality of the food service in the international club and across the property.
• New Online Entry System. On Monday, December 28, 2009, ESP rolled out its new online Horse Show Entry System for the Winter Equestrian Festival. More news to follow.
• New Covered Boxes Seating. Installation of an awning will begin next week that will cover the boxes in front of the International Club. Call Annette Goyette at (561) 779-1660 if you would like to secure one of a limited number of remaining boxes.
• Paved Access Roads. The perimeter road/golfcart loop around the North Grounds has been paved so that, if necessary, both horse and rider ambulances can move safely around the grounds to access each ring. This will also dramatically eliminate dust from the facility.
• Site Drainage. The entire North Ground facility has undergone construction of a drainage and sewer system that will ensure that both the rings and public areas are water free even after the heaviest downpours. Thirteen covered horse wash bays have been constructed around the facility that are now connected to sewer system in order to protect the water quality in the local waterways as well as keeping the areas around the stalls dry.

In addition to the facility improvements, the ESP team has worked hard all year to enhance the customer experience of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Both the staff and the facility are set to ensure that the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival will be the safest, most competitive and enjoyable season to date.