As the first three 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 has attracted a record number of horses and riders.
With more than 1000 riders and 3500 horses in action in the nineteen different rings jumping a total of 483 classes during the tour, of which 40 are FEI Longines Ranking classes, it's safe to say that the Andalucía Sunshine Tour is one of the most popular destinations for showjumpers in Europe.
First out as we look back is Steve Guerdat, 2012 Olympic Champion and former world no. one, who won the CSI4* 1.55m Equine America Grand Prix during week three of the tour with his 10-year-old mare Dynamix de Belheme (Snaike de Blondle x Cornet Obolensky) – a horse that shows promise to become his next super-star.
All photos © MacKenzie Clark.
World no. two Martin Fuchs was on fire during the tour, and recorded a long list of top results. Here with the 9-year-old talent Viper Z (Vigo d'Arsouilles x Grannus).
A happy Matthew Sampson after winning the CSI4* 1.55m Horseware Big Tour Grand Prix with Ebolensky (Clinto x Heartbreaker) during week one of the tour.
Kara Chad and Igor GPH (Harley x Crawford) in immaculate style over the open water.
No less than 2.5 million Euros in prize money will be distributed during the 2023-edition of the tour.
The action at Montenmedio started with the CSI2* Andalucía Pre Sunshine Tour, from the 19th to the 29th of January. The traditional Andalucía Sunshine Tour kicked off on the 7th of February, and runs through to the 26th of March with six weeks of CSI4* competitions and one week of CSI2* competitions.
Kisses for Hearst DB (Emerald x Vingino) from Katharina Offel after a double clear in the CSI4* 1.50m Medium Grand Prix during week one.
Scott Brash giving advice to his student Olivia Sponer.
Kevin Jochems and La Costa (Gitano V Berkenbroeck x Calvino Z) won the CSI4* 1.55m Dunas de Barbate Big Tour Grand Prix during week two of the tour.
During week two, Pedro Veniss and Böckmann's Lord Pezi Junior (Lord Pezi x Quattro 7) were the best in the CSI4* John Deere Big Tour. At the prize giving ceremony, Junior showed everyone that Veniss does not need a lawn mower.
Sanne Thijssen's fantastic 17-year-old stallion Con Quidam RB (Quinar Z x Cardino 5) won both the CSI4* 1.50m WKD Trophy during week one, and the CSI4* 1.50m Big Tour Grand Prix qualifier during week three.
Sean Vard and Martin Fuchs' Commissar Pezi (Commissario x Böckmann’s Lord Pezi).
Tail swoosh...
Paris Sellon and her wonderful Attoucha (Aganix du Seigneur x Diamant de Semilly).
One of the many incredible fences at the Sunshine Tour.
A little snack for Dynamix de Belheme in the David Broome arena.
Horses, horses and more horses at Montenmedio...
Event director Teresa Blazquez-Abascal and the stunning Nasa de Toxandria (Vertigo Saint Benoit x Chopin van het Moleneind).
The best part of it all? The magical forest...
Then