Around 1,000 riders are competing at the third edition of the Vilamoura Champions Tour, which started on September 27 at the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre and runs until November 7.
The six-week-long equestrian championship has become best known for combining the thrills of world-class competition with the delights of a luxurious holiday destination.
Among the star riders taking part are Olympic champions Nick Skelton (UK), Laura Kraut (USA), Laura Renwick (UK), Jessica Springsteen (USA), Marion Hughes (Ireland), Michel Hecart (France), Leon Thijssen (Netherlands) and Piergiorgio Bucci (Italy).
The programme includes two Grand Prix events granting qualification for the European Championship in 2019 and the Olympics in 2020, and another two Grand Prix with €50,000-worth of prize money and a chance to double the amount of points riders earn for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports ranking.
Emma Stoker (UK) has already won one of the first Grand Prix events (CSI3*) held on Monday and many other big events are still planned until the end of the championship.
The full calendar can be found online at http://www.vilamouratour.com
