Winter Equestrian Festival kicks off in Wellington

The largest and longest running horse show in the country is officially underway in Wellington.

This year's Winter Equestrian Festival features riders from 33 countries including six Olympic medalists. Over the next 12 weeks, the best of the best in equestrian sports will be taking over Wellington as two different events take place.

Olympic goldmedalist Nick Skelton from Great Britain is just one of six 2016 Olympic medalists competing in the 38th Winter Equestrian Festival that kicked off Wednesday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

The winner receives $9 million in prize money and FEI world rankings.