The Longines Global Champions Tour will make a triumphant return to Ramatuelle’s famous Pampelonne Beach this May, bringing with it all the excitement and drama of the annual Longines Athina Onassis Horse Show, a jewel in the international showjumping crown.
Under the continued auspices of world-renowned rider Athina Onassis herself – this 7th edition will take place from 28th-30th May in the shade of beach-planted pines, just a horsehair’s width from the sea. This is one of those events where glamour and top-level sport perfectly intertwine.
Pampelonne Beach will become unrecognisable upon completion of the ephemeral purpose-built facilities, all of which can be accessed via Monacair heli-transfers direct from Nice, Monaco and Cannes; the stunning main competition arena will be surrounded by a special VIP dining and observation terrace; the practice paddock and horse stalls offer a fascinating backstage look; while the ever-popular event village returns with a selection of pop-up restaurants, bars and shops.
With Athina Onassis as patron, whose name exudes finesse and luxury, this is the event at the top of any horse-lovers wishlist to attend. As the driving force behind the competition, her passion for equestrian sport shines through in both the celebratory ambience that pervades each day of the event every year, as much as in the organisation of the event itself.
Once again in the very capable hands of Victory Equestrian Events BV, leaders in horse competition management and organisation, director Denis Monticolo has created an event in line with longtime Title Partner and Official Timekeeper Longine’s values of elegance, tradition and performance.
The Onassis show has only been in the ranks of the Longines Global Champions Tour since 2018, but in those two years it has become the one to win; the elegant location and large prize fund (€300,000 for the Longines GCT Grand Prix of Saint-Tropez) certainly must have something to do with that. It’s a travel-heavy tour for competitors who will be competing in Paris, London, Madrid, Miami Beach, Shanghai and Rome, all culminating in the special Global Champions Playoffs.
Some of the finest horse and rider combinations will compete in six CS15* classes, all in the hope of winning points for the Longines Rankings, while there are also a range of dedicated CSI1* classes for amateur riders. Overall, 120 riders and 230 horses will represent more than 20 nations in this equestrian event of epic scale.
The Onassis touch also extends to those not competing. The VIP arena is an oasis of luxury located directly on the competition square, offering up a wonderful seasonal menu of Mediterranean cuisines throughout the day, all in direct sight of the action. The boutique village is filled with some brilliant equestrian apparel and equipment, luxury vendors and boutique partner brands should you find yourself so inspired by the day’s competition (or fuelled with champagne from the bar).
Outside of the VIP dining area is the village restaurant which is open to every ticket holder, with a menu to suit the surroundings; a large selection of charcuterie, cheeses and ice-cream perfectly accompany a day in the sun watching world-class sport.
It is a weekend for excess, and one that has been enjoyed by the likes of Marion Cotillard, Charlotte Casiraghi, Giorgio Armani and Bruce Springsteen. Even if you aren’t an equestrian fan, you can’t help but be drawn into the excitement of watching (wo)man and horse working together to push each other to their limits, all while on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
FORCE ONE is proud official Media Partner of the event.
LONGINES ATHINA ONASSIS HORSE SHOW
Pampelonne Beach, Ramatuelle / 28-30 may 2020
www.athinaonassis-horseshow.com