As the last four weeks of the traditional Andalucía Sunshine Tour in Vejer de la Frontera, Spain, have come to an end, we look back at some of the highlights from the 29th edition of the event which this year attracted a record number of horses and riders.
During the colder winter months of January, February and March, professionals and amateurs flock to Dehesa Montenmedio to compete, with the backdrop being the stunning white village of Vejer de la Frontera climbing up the hillside above the showground.
All photos © MacKenzie Clark.
A hug from Duarte Seabra for Dourados after a double clear in the invitational CSI4* 1.60m Andalucía Grand Prix, where the pair finished second.
Getting ready...
Armando Trapote and Tornado VS jumping a clear first round in the invitational CSI4* 1.60m Andalucía Grand Prix. With eight faults in the jump-off, the pair had to settle for the 10th place.
With nineteen rings – seven of which are grass and unarguably among the best in the world to jump on, a 90mx45m covered arena, stabling for 2400 horses, blacksmith and veterinary facilities, 15 km of trails for hacking in the forest, as well as paddocks and grassing areas, the Andalucía Sunshine Tour has become one of the most popular showjumping destination in Europe.
The boys are back in town... It was hard to get past Michael Pender and Richard Howley in the biggest classes during week six and seven.
Full focus for Michael Hughes.
Getting the studs right is essential.
Michael Pender and HHS Calais took back-to-back wins in the CSI4* Big Tour Grand Prix classes during week six and seven. First they won the CSI4* 1.55m Suzuki Grand Prix, then the invitational CSI4* 1.60m Andalucía Grand Prix.
When at Dehesa Montenmedio, nothing beats this start to the day!
Michael Viehweg had a fantastic tour, and in the CSI4* 1.55m Suzuki Grand Prix during week six he ended second with Contario.
Rikke Belinda Barker and the stunning Tabalou PS.
Kisses and cuddles!
Unbeatable: Michael Pender and HHS Calais got the 2023-season off to the best possible start!
Good reason to smile: Ireland's young talent Niamh McEvoy, who rides for Greg Broderick's Ballypatrick Stables, impressed during the tour with several strong performances.
Ebolensky getting some well-deserved attention.
Richard Howley with two of his biggest fans; his daughter Anna and his wife Morgan.
James Smith and Arkuga won the CSI4* 1.55m Diputación de Cádiz Grand Prix at the Sunshine Tour during week five.
And just like that, the seven weeks of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour flew by!
Then