The village began as the Flying Cow Ranch — roughly 18,000 acres named for founder Charles Oliver Wellington's initials, C.O.W., and his aviator's hobby; Flying Cow Road survives, once a landing strip.
Polo arrived in 1977, and the winter show season now runs roughly twelve to thirteen weeks each January through April, drawing riders from all 50 states and more than 30 countries.
Why People Visit Wellington Florida
- Take in the winter equestrian season — show jumping, dressage, and international polo draw riders from around the world to Wellington's rings and polo fields each January through April.
- Ride or walk part of the Equestrian Preserve's bridle-trail network — dozens of miles of public horse trails threading the village's horse country.
- Walk the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat — a 365-acre public park with trails and birdwatching towers on the Everglades edge.
- Explore Peaceful Waters Sanctuary — a 30-acre wetlands park with boardwalks across marsh and wetland habitats.
- Relax along Lake Wellington and the village's neighborhood parks and ball fields.
- Drive the horse-themed street grid of the equestrian neighborhoods, where barns and rings sit beside the canals of the old Acme Drainage District.
