The Longines Global Champions Tour and Champions League bring together the world's premier show jumpers in a multi-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.
Simply the best show jumping around
The Global Champions Tour
The Longines Global Champions Tour brings together the very top show jumpers who compete in some of the world's most prestigious locations for top prize money.
It offers equestrian lovers with some of the most exciting and compelling competition of any equestrian series.
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.
The 2023 schedule
The annual season, from March to November, takes in 16 destinations :
www.gcglobalchampions.com/en-us/schedule
GCT TV
The Longines Global Champions Tour and League can be viewed via GCT TV.
www.gctv.gcglobalchampions.com
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.
Stunning skills and spectacular thrills in Chelsea
By Ann Mealor
The Longines Global Champions Tour is one of the highlights of the London equestrian and social calendar.
Over three days in mid-August equine enthusiasts are treated to a fine display of world class show jumping.
Top level horses and riders from around the world compete in individual and team competitions in the magnificent setting of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Each leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour is staged in an iconic venue that reflects the city concerned and the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which also stages the Chelsea Flower Show, showcases London at its best.
The Hospital itself was first founded over 300 years ago by King Charles II as a 'home for soldiers who were unfit for further duty because of injury or old age'.
Known as Chelsea Pensioners, in distinctive red and black dress uniforms, they can easily be spotted around the Longines showground.
The competition
Spectators get an excellent view of all the arena action from the surrounding grandstands and hospitality area.Designed by professionals, the courses and the jumps are challenging, designed to test the skill and partnership of horse and rider.
It makes for gripping competition, especially when riders are going against the clock.
There was many a gasp from the audience as horses cleared fences from seemingly impossible angles and often at full gallop.
Some poles stayed put, even when given a good nudge, yet others seemed to fall at the slightest touch, eliciting sympathetic groans from the crowd.
Young British riders
Competing this year at Chelsea were a talented group of young British riders, all in their 20s who were hungry for success and so thrilling to watch.
These included Harry Charles 23, Jodie Hall Mcateer 22, Jack Whittaker 21 and Lily Attwood 20.
However, it was just as exciting when seasoned professional and crowd favourite, John Whittaker, now in his 60s entered the ring to take-on these 'young guns'.
Also gaining great cheers from their supporters were Longines regulars and Olympic medallists Scott Brash and Ben Maher.
As well as enjoying the competition, I always like to watch the horses and riders prepare for classes in the busy warm-up arena.
There is always a lot to learn here, and it is interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes. Grooms run around busily putting up jumps or giving their horses a final polish.
Their rucksacks are packed full of cloths, combs, brushes, sprays and anything that maybe needed in a last-minute emergency.
They are also there at the exit with a pat and a treat for their horse whatever their performance.
Prestige shopping
As well as the show jumping to enjoy, there is lots of prestige shopping here, mainly for horse and rider, but there are some stands that have a more general appeal.
There is also a very relaxing bar and champagne tent, a children's play area, live banjo music and plenty of places to buy food and drink
Although the competition is fierce, the atmosphere is surprisingly laid back, and when the weather is good, there is no better place in London to be.