The FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival has just begun

The 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF) lasts from 8 January till  30 March.

During these 12 weeks the top riders and horse combinations will compete in a lot of different classes that are “AA”rated and Jumper Rated 6, with the total prize money totalling over $8 million in prize money.

The FTI WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners, held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center encompasses a total of 500 acres, and the competition rings alone cover over 80 acres. The Trump Invitational is the only equestrian event ever to be held on Palm Beach Island and is hosted at The Mar-a-Lago Club, the former Marjorie Merriweather Post Estate built in 1924 and purchased and restored by Donald Trump in 1985.

The Trump Invitational Grand Prix, presented by Rolex, is the only equestrian event ever held on Palm Beach Island.

"Last year's Trump Invitational was a spectacular, one-of-a-kind event. In addition to showcasing equestrian sport's top athletes in a FEI world ranking class, the event was instrumental in achieving our record-breaking fundraising for the FTI GCC," said ESP CEO Mark Bellissimo.

Bellissimo noted, "Donald was extremely generous in providing both a $100,000 FTI GCC donation as well as donating his time in two golf outing auction items that raised an additional $68,000 towards last year's record FTI GCC fundraising of $1.5 million."

Mr. Trump added, "It is vital during these difficult financial times to support the efforts of the unsung heroes that operate these great charitable organizations within Palm Beach County. I am honored to be a part of this effort." Mr. Trump's daughter Ivanka will join Paige Bellissimo and Georgina Bloomberg as event chairs.