Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) is working closely with the Village of Wellington, Palm Beach County, and local health services to take extra precautions concerning the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Competition at both the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) will continue as planned through March 29, 2020, with policies in place to protect the health of riders, grooms, owners, and their families. In addition, the ESP Spring Series, running from April 1 through May 10, will run as scheduled with the same health and safety precautions. We will continue monitoring the situation and will follow all State and local recommendations. 

In an abundance of caution, we have decided to close the venues to the general public and there will be no general admission. Only cars with an official car pass will be permitted on the venues. 

For this week we will hold the Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI3* at approximately 4 p.m. in an effort to minimize the number of persons on the grounds. “Friday Night Lights” will continue as scheduled, but without General Admission. The timings for future events will be announced as the situation develops.

During upcoming events at both venues, the following policies will be enacted: 

• Staff will be located around the facilities with hand sanitizer for exhibitor use
• Food and beverage teams are taking all necessary precautions when handling food and cooking surfaces
• Extra housekeeping staff has been allotted for more frequent sanitizing of restaurants and restrooms

In accordance with the Florida State Department of Health’s Guidance for Mass Gatherings Protocol, ESP is recommending that anyone in the following situations not attend WEF or AGDF events:

• Over the age of 65 with underlying health conditions
• Are immune compromised
• Are ill
• Have been exposed to someone with a respiratory illness in the last 14 days
• Have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease
• Have traveled internationally within the last 14 days, especially to a destination under a level 3 travel advisory
• Have traveled to or from a geographic area with widespread community transmission of COVID-19

Consistent with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Florida Department of Health Guidelines, everyone is encouraged to:

• Stay home if sick, except to get medical care
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw in the trash
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily

“We are monitoring this situation very closely and working diligently with local county and state government agencies to ensure the safety of all spectators, exhibitors, and the general public,” said Mark Bellissimo, ESP CEO. “Our number-one priority is to ensure that all people involved with ESP events remain healthy and safe during this time.” 

“We are making these adjustments in an effort to ensure that we can continue to provide the safest environment for our exhibitors and their staff,” said Michael Stone, ESP President. “We will continue to monitor the situation and update our protocols as recommended by the Florida Department of Health and other relevant bodies.”