Windstar Cruises has debuted in the equestrian world by introducing Windstar the horse, in collaboration with Grand Prix rider Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Serenity Farm Show Stables in Wellington, Fla.

This marks a first for the cruise industry, as Windstar becomes the only cruise line to partner with an international show-jumping athlete and horse.

The horse, named after the brand, was officially christened on December 25. The company said it’s working with top professionals to develop a long-term training plan, aiming to shape Windstar into a champion show-jumping horse.

“We are thrilled to welcome this extraordinary horse to our Windstar family,” said Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “Our unique collaboration aims to bring awareness to the travel community about what it takes to train a champion show jumping horse. We are fortunate to be aligned with such skilled professionals to provide Windstar with the meticulous training needed to enter the field. We look forward to witnessing Windstar’s success over the years to come through Serenity Farm Show Stables’ dedicated efforts.”

Currently ranked in the top 300 riders in the world, Windstar’s rider Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen is is a rising star in equestrian show jumping and the resident Grand Prix rider at Serenity Farm Show Stables in Loxahatchee Groves, Florida. Serenity Farm is recognized as a leading training facility for hunters, jumpers and equitation.

 “This is truly an incredible opportunity on multiple fronts,” said Vanderveen. “Windstar Cruises is such a unique company with a fantastic focus on luxury and fun. When they approached us with the concept to blend 180º From Ordinary with the prestige and competition of the show jumping industry I knew this was going to be a game changer. I look forward to an incredible future with Windstar Cruises and the horse Windstar!”

 Windstar was purchased to develop in collaboration with Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen and Serenity Farm Show Stables, aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The horse is slated to compete in major 2025 equestrian events, including the Winter Equestrian Festival, World Equestrian Center, Tryon International, The Hampton Classic and the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.