By now, you’ve probably seen all the amazing photos of horses jumping just feet away from the Atlantic Ocean at the Longines Global Champions Tour event in Miami, and you might have some questions about just how this show operates. Your questions, answered…
1. They’re Not Jumping On Beach Sand
It’s a frequent comment under photos we post from the spectacular Longines Global Champions Tour top at South Beach in Miami. “Isn’t the sand too deep to jump on?”
But, in a move like bringing coals to Newcastle, GCT organizers brought their own sand to the beach. They precisely leveled a section of the beach, installed a sub-flooring of wood and rubber mats, and then put down GGT sand/fiber footing mix. It’s the same kind of footing these horses jump on at many shows.
2. They Didn’t Plan Around The Turtles
There was a rumor going around that GCT organizers avoided night classes because the lights would interfere with the wild sea turtles’ nesting, which happens at night.
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Even though it is actually nesting season and Miami does have a Turtle Nesting Protection Ordinance that limits beachfront artificial lighting, GCT organizers chose to run the headline classes during the day to maximize the impact of the venue’s views of the ocean.
3. It’s Free For General Admission
A VIP section lines the long side of the ring with the best views of the ocean, and one short side has a riders’ lounge and press area, but the other short side of the ring has bleachers that seat 700 people that are open to the public.
Also, spectators can watch from over the low rail separating the ring from the beach and the ocean. All day long, skimpily clad beachgoers peek over and watch the horses jump.
4. They’re Planning To Do It Again
The GCT is planning to come back to Miami, and the Invitational will be part of its schedule again. “That is our goal and our plan,” said Michael Morrissey of Stadium Jumping, the organizer of the Invitational. “The team that [GCT president and founder Jan Tops] put together is second to nobody. Because of the great team that he has assembled, I think the production of this is second to nobody in this country.”
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5. It’s A Big Payday
There’s a total of $879,500 in prize money up for grabs in five classes in the five-star CSI, spread over three days. That includes the $600,000 Longines GCT of Miami, the $127,000 American Invitational, an $84,500 1.50-meter welcome class and two $34,000 1.45-meter classes Many of the biggest names of the five-star classes compete for free, and are flown over by the GCT to show with multiple horses.
“The shows in Europe that Jan’s done and other organizers have brought the whole sport even bigger in Europe,” said Scott Brash. “The prize money has been fantastic. We are a bit greedy; we follow the money, us riders.”
There are also many riders showing at the two-star level at the GCT, in classes ranging from 1.15 to 1.45 meters. Entry fees from those classes and sales of the VIP area spots help finance the show in addition to the healthy sponsor support.
See more photos from the venue.
Read all about Scott Brash’s win in the $127,000 American Invitational at the LGCT Miami.
