A firm tied to Lion Forge Entertainment CEO David Steward II has shelled out about $17 million for a private equestrian estate in Wellington, Florida, adding another blockbuster horse-property sale to the village that hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival. In this corner of Palm Beach County, stall counts and arena setups can matter just as much as raw acreage for owners and trainers who spend their winters in the saddle.
According to the South Florida Business Journal, the sale was reported on June 1, 2026, with the buyer listed as an entity affiliated with Steward and a purchase price of roughly $17 million. The estate sits near the Wellington showgrounds and was pitched to buyers looking for a turnkey competition farm rather than a fixer-upper in horse-country.
What the Property Includes
Public listing details describe the compound as a Grand Prix Village farm spanning roughly 7.8 acres, with a 38-stall barn, multiple paddocks, a fiber-and-sand ring and a six-horse walker, all tailored for full-season competition use. The property's public listing on Zillow and broker pages show it was marketed this spring with a list price near $17.98 million.
Who Is David Steward II?
Steward is the founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, a St. Louis-born media studio known for award-winning short films and an expanding roster of television and film projects. Animation World Network identifies him as Lion Forge's founder and chief executive.
Why Wellington Matters
Wellington has emerged as the winter headquarters for elite show-jumping and dressage thanks to the long-running Winter Equestrian Festival, and buyers who stable horses there zero in on proximity to the showgrounds and the infrastructure needed to support a full competition season. The festival and the broader Wellington International complex pull in riders, horses and service providers from around the United States and overseas, keeping demand brisk for ready-made farms. Wellington International describes the circuit as a multi-week centerpiece of the village's equestrian economy.
Market Takeaway
Brokers say the deal highlights how buyers continue to pay premiums for turnkey training and competition operations rather than land alone. Broker pages show the property sold after being marketed near $18 million, and the South Florida Business Journal reports there was no immediate comment from Steward's representatives.
