Glamorous riding event in shadow of Eiffel Tower

PARIS (AP) — The Eiffel Tower is serving as the majestic backdrop for a three-day jumping competition that brings together some of the world’s top riders and their steeds.

The Global Champions Tour started Friday, adding the French capital’s landmark to the list of glamorous sites where it has been set.

Princess Charlotte Casiraghi was among Friday’s first winners in an early event.

The competition has transformed a portion of the grassy Champs de Mars, where the Eiffel Tower sits, into a horse-lover’s paradise. It is reaching out to children with donkey rides and a tent village of equestrian art and horsey accoutrements for adults.

The public without tickets can watch the competition on big screens or stand at fences for a front-row view, or watch horses exercising in the paddock nearby.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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