January 22, 2024 
Big changes may be coming to Wellington International… but there are potential snags in the works as well.
As the slow trickle of WEF defectors continues to flow north to Ocala, all eyes are on Wellington International and their proposed 600-acre Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP) project to expand the showgrounds and create a luxury, mixed-use development in Wellington. The kicker: Of the 600 acres in question, some 400 acres are currently under proposals.
WLP CEO Doug McMahon and Paige Bellissimo are in charge of the project, which has significantly scaled back plans originally unveiled in September of 2022. Changes include a reduction in the number of residences, an expanded horse center, and a donated 48-acre public park.
But the stakes are still high, and the information released (so far) has difficult to track, to say the least. Here’s what we know.
Why is the project back in the news now?
It is—and likely will be again. At stake this month is a January 23 Village Council Meeting to determine land-use amendments for ‘the Wellington’s’ proposed development, which would require moving useage and density within WLP’s current holdings.
New lands would need to be reclassified from residential to equestrian commercial recreation, and some lands would need to be transferred out of the ‘Equestrian Preserve’ to use for residential housing. That’s something the village has never agreed to before. But it’s worth noting that the ‘Equestrian Preserve’ was never a ‘preserve’—or a nature preserve—in the traditional sense. It’s comprised of privately owned acres intended for development.
In June of 2023, a village advisory board recommended denying WLP’s requested zoning changes. In September of 2023, the Village Council voted 4-1 in favor of the final vote in January. So this next step could be a BFD.
WEF is too small as it is—is this the solution?
Developers contend that, in total, these proposals are the answer, prioritizing and expanding horse sport at the venue:
- 114 acres of Residential goes to Equestrian Commercial Recreation
- 96 acres of Equestrian Commercial Recreation goes to Residential
- an additional 50+ acres is donated for the public park
The WLP development, which connects to the show and proposes the creation of a 96-acre ‘Wellington North’ and a 290-acre ‘Wellington South,’ would replace the Global Dressage Festival’s current 60-acre showgrounds with residential development, but build a new dressage facility on a separate, 90-acre site. This part is especially prescient, given that 2024 is the last year of Global Dressage’s lease on the current northeast parcel of South Shore and Pierson Roads (arrangements have been made for a temporary home for dressage during the horse show’s planned expansion).
Without the approvals in question, the future of dressage in Wellington is at risk, and that deal and others are contingent on zoning changes that would need to be approved on January 23. Hence, the urgency.
Who’s in favor and who’s opposed?
In favor: WLP investors such as Mark Bellissimo’s Wellington Equestrian Partners, and the Nexus Luxury Collection—comprised of British billionaire Joe Lewis’s Tavistock Group and celebrity investors such as Justin Timberlake, Tiger Woods, and eBay President Jeff Skol. They are supported by Equestrians for Wellington, an industry advocacy group in favor of a better, expanded horse show venue for all.
On the other side: some Wellington residents who worry about the potential negative impacts to the town’s current infrastructure, increased traffic, and other issues that could result from the increased residential space and other changes. It’s worth noting that some land use amendments would need an “aye” vote from at least four out of the five Village Council members.
Why expand at all?
According to Equestrians for Wellington and many current and former attendees, WEF needs a makeover. The current digs are not only at capacity, but outdated and unsafe, requiring—among other things—frequent street crossings for horses, riders, and staff.
Equestrians for Wellington supports a single, connected showgrounds and improved facilities designed by equestrians on par with such celebrated international venues as Canada’s Spruce Meadows and Germany’s CHIO Aachen. A few of the proposed highlights from WLP? A world-class derby field, additional rings, expanded permanent stabling, and more.
Equestrians for Wellington is throwing in with WLP, on the understanding that the group will not only fund and make the improved horse show facilities their priority, but will build the proposed residences on the old Global Dressage property only after the new equestrian venue is completed. Danish-based showrunners Global Equestrian Group were originally tapped to build the Wellington expansion, but WLP has stepped up to build and fund the new horse show. If the developers fail to deliver the goods before December 31, 2028, the land reverts to what it is today.
No harm, no foul, as they say. Want to learn more? You can view the plans and submit a public comment at the Village of Wellington website, write an email via Equestrians for Wellington’s form here, or watch Wellington Lifestyle Partners’ Application Update video here.
