Concerns over Wellington's equestrian future took center stage at the Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board meeting on January 15, 2025. A passionate horse expert voiced alarm over the decline of equestrian amenities in the village, highlighting the closure of the Hope Sound Polo Club and the troubling trend of public spaces transitioning to private use.

The speaker argued that Wellington's zoning code, which allows for equestrian facilities without requiring actual horse use, is contributing to a significant reduction in equestrian land. "The 14 acres is 17%. If it was still 2-acre lots, it’d be a 100% horse use, down to 17% horse use," they stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Wellington's status as the "equestrian winter capital of the world."

The expert criticized the lack of a coherent plan for equestrian facilities, suggesting that the term "equestrian" is being misused to justify residential development. They pointed out that community barns have failed to thrive in Wellington, and without a solid strategy, the equestrian culture could face further decline.

In closing, the speaker expressed frustration over the negative perceptions of the equestrian community and called for a more thoughtful approach to planning that prioritizes the unique equestrian heritage of Wellington. The discussion underscored the ongoing tension between development and the preservation of Wellington's equestrian identity, leaving many in attendance pondering the future of this cherished community.