South Florida Horse and Rider

Horse Shows | Trail Riding | Horseback Riding | Tack Shops

Horseback Riding in South Florida

Horseback riding is popular in Miami and South Florida including trail riding, and horse riding lessons.

World Class Horse Shows in South Florida?

Wellington International Equestrian Center

Wellington International Equestrian Center (WIEC), located in Wellington, Florida, is a premier destination for equestrian sports enthusiasts. Known as the "Winter Equestrian Capital of the World," WIEC hosts the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Adequan Global Dressage Series, and the Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) Annual Series.

Established in 1974, the center spans over 111 acres and features 14 state-of-the-art competition arenas, along with more than 500 permanent equine stalls. The WEF, which runs from January through March, is the world's largest and longest-running hunter/jumper horse show.

Each year, Wellington International attracts participants from all 50 states and over 34 countries, making it a vibrant global equestrian community. Beyond competitions, WIEC offers a range of amenities, including VIP hospitality areas, versatile event spaces, dining options, luxury shopping, and sponsorship programs.

Wellington Saturday Night Lights features show jumping championsihp competition plus:

WWellington International is not just about high-level equestrian events; it also provides a magical experience for visitors with its Saturday Night Lights events, featuring live music, face painting, petting zoos, and more. Whether you're an equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for a unique family outing, WIEC offers something for everyone.

Ronald Reagan Equestrian Center. Hosting more than 36 shows a year, the Ronlal Regan Equestrian Center is where registered Arabians, Hunter/Jumpers, Western style, Paso Finos, and other breeds come to strut their stuff and pick up valuable show ribbons and trophies.

Horse shows are also held at the Plantation Equestrian Center in Plantation, FL and the Parkland Equestrian Centre in Parkland, FL hosts frequent horse shows including dressage, hunter/jumper, and obstacle shows.

Florida Barrel Racing

Enjoy the speed and skill of barrel racing as a rider or spectator. One of the most exciting horse events that includes both women's and men's divisions. You decide which division provides the most excitement. Florida Barrel Racing Calendar

South Florida Rodeos

There is nothing like a rodeo to get your heart pounding and your voice horse, watch real cowboys and cowgirls test themselves against horse, bulls, and calves. The annual Homestead Championship Rodeo, held in January each year, is one of the oldest in the nation and the only Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) rodeo held in Dade County. Further north in Broward County, the Davie Pro Rodeo holds court several times a year including the Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo each November.

Miami Beach Polo

Featuring the only polo match in the world played on the beach each year. Although traditionally held in Spring in past years, the event is now played in November.  This is a favorite event for those horse lovers and beach lovers in South Florida. Thousands of enthusiasts flock to this fall event in Miami Beach so get you tickets early.

Horse Racing in South Florida

Gulfstream Horse Track Racing and Casino

Gulfstream Horse Track is one of the nation's most storied horse race tracks, famous for its winter racing schedule leading up to the Kentucky Derby. The winner of the iconic Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park is assured a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby.

The Gulfstream Casino features over 1,000 slots, electronic gaming tables, and a high stakes poker room.

South Florida Casinos

South Florida hosts numerous first class casinos including the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL. featuring the famous Guitar Hotel. Check out our Florida Casinos page for a description of all South Florida casinos and poker games. Note that the Seminole casinos in Florida offer live roulette and craps tables.