Major renovations to the main International Ring at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) are underway in preparation for the upcoming winter season and 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival, beginning on Wednesday, January 11, and continuing through Sunday, April 2. Equestrian Sport Productions LLC and Equestrian Services International are overseeing the entirety of the project. The International Ring and adjacent warm-up areas serve as the main location for all international competition hosted at the venue throughout the year. Current construction updates will upgrade the arena with an improved drainage system and arena base, as well as a complete install of the newest technology in footing material in order to enhance the stability and quality of competition at the facility “We want to ensure that this facility and its surrounding amenities continue to match the caliber of riders we host during the Winter Equestrian Festival season,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions LLC, and Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners (WEP). “Improving the quality of footing in the International Ring has been a priority for us following the conclusion of WEF last season and we’re very pleased with the progress.”

The warm-up area for the International Ring at PBIEC. Photo Credit ©ESI
In response to feedback regarding footing quality during the 2016 WEF, ESP and Belisslmo held an open meeting for riders and trainers on March 31, 2016. Bellisimo addressed footing concerns and pledged to renovate the footing, while sharing his plans for future ESP expansion. He is now making good on that promise. Equestrian Services International, the industry’s leading footing and surface experts, have engineered a revision strategy for the International Ring, which will completely re-grade and install the newest technology available in arena maintenance. Freshly mixed all-weather footing will also provide competitors with one of the finest riding surfaces in the world. “We’re currently in the process of mixing and installing the new surface for the International Ring and warm-up areas,” said Brett Raflowitz, President and CEO of Equestrian Services International. “We’ve tried to be as innovative as possible for this property specifically and have created a mixture that will have a much better longevity, as well as offer more cushion for horse and rider at takeoff and landing.” Improvements to the arena and footing in the International Ring, including the surrounding warm-up areas, remain the highest of priorities for venue management before competition resumes at the facility. The Mogavero Ring and Denemethy Ring will also receive footing upgrades by ESI before the start of the winter season. Equestrian Sport Productions and Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) will continue to provide information on revisions and progress as construction continues. For more information on PBIEC please visit www.pbiec.com.