THE 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, kicked off this week and as usual a strong contingent of Irish riders have descended on the Palm Beach venue for what is one of the longest and most lucrative equestrian festivals in the world.

Highlights of the festival, which has over $9 million prize money on offer over the 12 weeks, include the CSIO**** Nations Cup on Friday, March 3rd, during week eight.