The Longines Global Champions Tour and Champions League bring together the world's premier show jumpers in a 19 event global tour for the very top prize money.
Over three days, the show jumping elite battle for individual titles that leads to the title of overall season Champion of Champions 2019 and the lion's share of the bonus prize fund.
Running alongside the Global Champions Tour is the Longines Global Champions League, which sees riders grouped into teams.
Those attending can also see the very best of the new crop of riders.
For those unable to get to one of the events there is the chance to get a taste of the excitement via live streaming or recorded highlights on GCT TV.
Spectacular competition in stunning surroundings
The Longines Global Champions Tour brings together the very top show jumpers who compete in some of the world's most prestigious locations for unprecedented prize money.
The 19 leg tour offers equestrian lovers with some of the most exciting and compelling competition of any equestrian series.
The 14th annual season, from March to November, of the tour has already taken in Doha; Mexico City; Miami Beach ; Shanghai; Madrid; Hamburg; Cannes; Stockholm; Cascais/Estoril; Monaco; Paris; Chantilly; Berlin; London, and Valkenswaard.
Still to come (at this time) are :
A similar season of competitions is now being planned for 2020.
The Global Champions League
Running alongside the Global Champions Tour is the Longines Global Champions League, which sees riders grouped into teams representing the cities on the tour.
These teams compete destination by destination with the most successful over the GCL season receiving the Champions crown.
GCT TV
The Longines Global Champions Tour and League can be viewed via GCT TV.
Longines
Watchmaker Longines, based in the Swiss town of Saint-Imier since 1832, began its interest in equestrian sport in 1878 with a chronograph engraved with a jockey and his mount.
Today Longines has direct associations with show jumping, flat racing, eventing and dressage, horse driving and equestrian endurance.
Exhilarating skills and thrills at the Royal Hospital
Ann and I were able to get along to the London leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in early August.
The Tour is known for selecting venues in some iconic destinations – it is part of the brand experience - and the London leg is no exception.
Number 14 out of 19 on the tour and it must rank among the best of the locations.
The tournament takes place on the South Grounds and have the heritage buildings designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a backdrop.
The Hospital was founded by King Charles II over 300 years ago and, since then, has been devoted to providing provided 'care and comradeship' for veterans.
These heralded Chelsea Pensioners are retired service men and women and resplendent in their distinctive red uniforms have become an integral part of the London event.
While Ann is an equestrian aficionado, who has bred and ridden horses for some years, I went along with just a general interest in show jumping.
We both had a tremendous time.
To begin with, you do not need to be an equine expert to appreciate the exceptional quality of the riders and their wonderful horses.
Show jumping at this level is totally engrossing while being so easy for the spectator to follow.
Horse and rider looking to jump 'clear' over fences, in an agreed order and usually as quickly as possible.
In doing so, every jump becomes a success or failure moment and this is what makes the sport so captivating.
And with a Longines tournament the layout of the arena and the compact nature of the seating provides excellent viewing all round and creates real atmosphere.
Each of the three days of show jumping starts early morning with the junior classes, where up and coming riders and horses can be put through their paces.
It then builds up in quality, and prize money, to the final 5* events in mid and later afternoon.
There are also the Global Champions League classes, which add another crowd pleasing element to proceedings.
It all makes for 10 and more hours of exhilarating entertainment.
Sited next to the arena is the 'village' of high end equestrian retail stands, quality food trucks and alfresco bars and there is time enough to relax in style here.
Although the venues for the Longines Global Champions Tour may change, from city to city, the experience remains the same and will greatly reward anyone interested in horses, riveting sporting contest or just a really fine day out.