Spectator FAQ

What are the dates of your next horse shows?

The Adequan® Global Dressage Festival facility hosts elite dressage and para-dressage competition at the international and national levels beginning in the month of December and continuing through April. The venue also offers select show jumping competitions throughout the calendar year. Join us on Facebook for current information on our shows, themed events and live updates as they happen. If you’ve never been to a horse show before, our Dressage 101 page is also helpful for learning about the competition you’ll be watching!

What types of competition will I see at AGDF? 

AGDF is home to the world’s largest international dressage circuit, running eight consecutive weeks and showcasing some of the best rider and horse combinations in the world. The modern day sport of dressage originates from ancient methods implemented to train military and cavalry horses centuries ago. Now recognized as one of three equestrian Olympic disciplines, dressage is considered by many to be a form of art as rider and horse must work in unison to perform difficult movements with athleticism, precision, and harmony.

What is the price of admission and do I need tickets?

Admission to all of our horse shows and events is free and no tickets are required. We hope you’ll bring the whole family or a car full of friends! Our special Friday Night Stars events are also free – with access to shopping, hospitality, and an array of food choices!

How much does parking cost and where do I go?

Parking during the day at AGDF is free.  All spectator parking during the week is in the two main parking lots onsite or on the field adjacent to the main Derby Field. On Friday nights, parking attendants will direct spectators to available parking areas.

How do I get to the show grounds?

AGDF is located conveniently at 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL, 33414. For a map and detailed directions, please click here.

When is the best time to watch the competition?

Our dressage competitions generally run Thursday through Sunday and start at 8 a.m. and finishing in the late afternoon/evening through 5 p.m. We recommend arriving mid-to-late morning and staying through the afternoon to catch the height of our dressage events and other classes around the venue. This also allows time for browsing our many shops and enjoying lunch in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

I’ve never been to a horse show. What should I wear?

Horse shows at Adequan® Global Dressage Festival are casual outdoor events. We recommend sensible walking shoes so that you are comfortable while exploring the entirety of the show grounds. Also, if you haven’t been to a horse show before, we recommend visiting our Horse Show 101 guide to learn about some of the sights, sounds and fun you’ll experience at AGDF!

I made plans to come, but it’s raining. Should I still come?

All of our events are rain or shine. We only cancel or postpone a competition if the weather is severe to the point of risking the safety of horses or humans. For the current weather forecast, click here. For major events such as Friday Night Stars Grand Prix Freestyle, we will post on Facebook if there are last-minute cancellations, postponements, or other changes.

What activities are there for my kids? Is AGDF kid-friendly?

Bring the whole family! Kids will enjoy walking the grounds and getting to see hundreds of beautiful horses up close. AGDF is the perfect place to begin your love affair with the equestrian sport! Expose your family to the exquisite sport of dressage, one of the oldest equestrian sports to date!

Should I plan to eat while at AGDF?

Several on-site food vendors are available to competitors and spectators throughout the week.

Tony’s Fast Foods is located on the vendor deck. They are open Wednesday – Sunday and offer breakfast items, avocado toast, burgers, chicken, salads, tacos, quesadillas, french fries, coffee and drinks.

KP Concessions is located at the Main Entrance and is open during our Friday Night Stars events and Derby Days. They offer burgers, chicken, hot dogs, french fries and drinks.

Silva’s Tacos is located at the Main Entrance and is open during our Friday Night Stars events. They offer tacos, quesadillas, burritos and drinks.

What is the Friday Night Stars Grand Prix Freestyle?

One of our favorite nights of the week, Friday Night Stars is a Grand Prix Dressage Freestyle event featuring food, fun, and the highest level of dressage competition at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival on select Friday evenings throughout the winter and spring seasons. Some of the best dressage combinations in the world will complete their own test to music choreographed especially for them and their horse. Spectators will hear everything from classic orchestral pieces to the latest Top 40 pop hits. The musical freestyle in which horse and rider “dance” to their own choreography in a routine about six minutes in length has become the most popular entertainment of the sport with top combinations drawing large crowds.

If you still have questions, please don’t hesitate to check our Competitor FAQ page or contact us by clicking here. We’ll direct your question to the appropriate person and have someone get back to you as soon as possible!