Since 2010, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) has hosted 59 five-star Grands Prix, drawing the best showjumpers in the world to Wellington, Florida. These elite competitions serve as key battlegrounds for top riders, offering a preview of Olympic, World Championship, and Nations Cup success. EquiRatings' Elo Field Strength metric, which averages the top 25 Elo ratings in a competition, provides a unique insight into just how tough each of these Grands Prix have been. The data reveals that some of the fiercest battles in WEF history have taken place in the past few seasons—including multiple events from 2025 making it into the top 10.

So, which competitions had the most stacked fields? And who emerged victorious against the toughest opposition?

2025: A Year for the Record Books

Out of the 59 five-star Grands Prix at WEF since 2010, three from the 2025 season have already made the top 10 based on Elo Field Strength, solidifying this year as one of the most competitive in Wellington history.

Emilie Conter & Portobella Van de Fruitkorf Stun a Star-Studded Field

Last weekend’s CSI5 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix (WEF 9)* reached an Elo Field Strength of 716, ranking it among the top three toughest Wellington competitions on record. The entry list read like a who’s who of showjumping, featuring:

• Reigning World Champions Henrik von Eckermann & King Edward (810)
• Reigning Olympic Champions Christian Kukuk & Checker 47 (760)
• US Olympic Team Silver Medalists McLain Ward & Ilex (731)

Yet, it was U25 rider Emilie Conter and her 10-year-old mare Portobella Van de Fruitkorf who stole the show, claiming their first-ever five-star Grand Prix victory in one of the toughest fields ever recorded at WEF.

"It hasn't sunk in yet; I'm super happy with my horse and my team for making this happen," a beaming Conter said post-victory. "I saw a really long [distance] to the last oxer, and I heard Helena [Stormanns] scream 'go get it!', so I took it. I didn’t think it was going to be enough to beat these other riders, but I looked up and saw that I was in first.”

The moment was made even more special with Conter’s grandparents in the crowd, and her groom, Lisa Sorg, earning the Double H Farm Grooms Award for her exceptional care of Portobella Van de Fruitkorf.

Kent Farrington & Greya: The Dynamic Duo

US star Kent Farrington and Greya have been rewriting WEF history in 2025. Both of their five-star Grand Prix victories this season made the list of highest Field Strengths ever recorded at Wellington, proving just how dominant they have been.

With these wins, Farrington became only the second rider to secure multiple five-star Grand Prix victories in a single WEF season. Meanwhile, Greya became the first horse to achieve this feat—cementing her status as one of the circuit’s most formidable competitors.

The Rolex Grand Prix: Where the Best Meet the Best

The CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix consistently draws the strongest fields of the WEF season.

2024’s edition was the highest-rated five-star Grand Prix at WEF since 2010 with an Elo Field Strength of 718. It was Christian Kukuk & Checker 47 who took the win in this class and later went on to win individual gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The previous year, it was also a German combination that took top honours in the Rolex Grand Prix at the Wellington International. Richard Vogel rode the then only 9-year-old Cepano Baloubet to victory in challenging weather conditions to beat out the competition with an Elo Field Strength of 714.

An Underdog Victory in a Field of Champions

2021’s WEF 5 Grand Prix was another showdown of champions with an Elo Field Strength of 717, the second-highest ever-recorded at the Wellington International. 

The start list included Ben Maher’s Explosion W, who would later claim Olympic gold in Tokyo, and Martin Fuchs & Clooney 51, the reigning European Champions at the time. Despite the depth of talent, it was Shane Sweetnam & Alejandro who took the win, entering this class as the 16th rated combination of the field.

What’s Next at Wellington International?

With the CSI5* Rolex Grand Prix, US Equestrian Open Final just around the corner, all eyes are on Wellington International to see if 2025 will continue its trend of setting new records for competitiveness.

Can Kent Farrington & Greya make it a third victory? Will another young star emerge, as Emilie Conter did? Or will a proven champion like Christian Kukuk defend their dominance?

About the Series
Born from a commitment by the US Equestrian Board in July 2023, the US Equestrian Open aims to grow the sport's awareness, exposure, and fan engagement. With $1 million in prize money and extensive media coverage on ESPN and the USEF Network, this series is designed to:

• Provide a structured, prestigious championship format.
• Attract a broader audience.
• Enhance competition opportunities for athletes.

Stay connected with the US Equestrian Open on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and the USEF Network for live event updates, stories, and results. Use #USEquestrianOpen to share your own experiences and connect with fellow fans.

For sponsorship and media inquiries, please contact:

Carly Weilminster: cweilminster@usef.org
Layson Griffin: lgriffin@usef.org