Wellington, FL - As the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) gets underway, it is important for all exhibitors and participants to adhere to specific rules and guidelines, as outlined in the WEF Prize List, to ensure that the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) is a safe environment for all.
Most importantly, please keep all dogs on leashes at all times. This is not only for the safety of exhibitors who are riding, but also for the dogs themselves. If left loose dogs are susceptible to the various motorized vehicles in use throughout the show grounds, in addition to horses and other dogs. Per USEF regulations, and as stated in the WEF Prize List, a $100 fine is applicable for any dog owner that does not have their dog leashed. The FTI WEF, Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, Wellington Equestrian Partners, and PBIEC will not be held liable for any incident acquired by a dog that is leashed or unleashed on the PBIEC property.
Due to the large number of exhibitors and horses at PBIEC it is critical that individuals driving golf carts be cautious of their driving speed while traveling throughout the show grounds. Furthermore, all motorized vehicles must have their lights on while in operation at night.
Now in place, directional flags are in all jumper warm-up arenas. Please abide by the directional flags while riding and always go in that direction. Again, with the large number of horses and riders, this is to ensure the safety of all exhibitors.
At this time, it is not permitted to ride in any WEF ring while wearing headphones. With the vast amount of horses, tractors, trucks, and golf carts it is important that everyone be able to hear what is going on around them in order to ensure everyone's well being.
As always, helmets must be worn at all times, in any ring, when jumping at WEF. However, it is strongly suggested that helmets be worn when flatting horses as well. Again, this is for the safety of WEF exhibitors at PBIEC.
As WEF is a formal and AA rated show series it will not be permitted for any rider to wear colored schooling breeches in competition, except in schooling and training jumper classes. As stated in the WEF Prize List:
a) Appropriate dress is required in all classes
b) Formal attire: Jumpers - As required by USEF and FEI rules.
c) Formal attire: Riders are required to wear scarlet or dark coats; white shirts with white stock; white, buff or canary breeches and ASTM approved headgear See GR801.
d) Jumper riders may wear breeches and solid colored polo shirts unless otherwise noted in the prize list.
Important: AWEF Membership is required for any exhibitor that wants to be counted for WEF circuit points and standings. As stated in the WEF Prize List:
a) WEF Membership is not required to participate at any classes at any of the shows listed in this prize list. However, to be eligible for Circuit Championships provided at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival horse competitions, each owner must be a current WEF member. The subscription fee is $50 per individual, $70 Farm.
WEF Memberships may be picked up in the Exhibitor Services Office. New to 2012 WEF, there are now added benefits to having a WEF Membership card in addition to being considered for circuit championships. More details can be learned upon joining.
For more information about the rules, guidelines, and restrictions of WEF please reference the 2012 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Prize List.
