United States Eventing Association

A unique piece of sand art on the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy marks one hundred days until the start of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in France this summer.

French artist Christophe Dumont created a spectacular piece of sand art featuring giant, 2.3m by 2.5m horse’s hoof prints in a huge ‘100’ on the famous Normandy beach. The artist and a team of 20 people battled against time and tide to produce the unique piece of artwork, so that it could be captured on camera before the waves washed it away.

HRH Princess Haya, FEI President said, “The giant hoof prints on the beach at the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel is a beautiful way to mark the 100-day countdown to the start of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as it captures the free spirit of our wonderful partner, the horse. And everyone who rides horses knows that we spend a lot of time training in circles!

“With just 100 days to go before the start of the Games, excitement is really building. The world’s best horses and riders will be going for gold in Normandy so we can expect absolutely top sport. We are looking forward to these being the best Games yet.”

“With just 100 days to go until the start of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, preparations are right on track to stage the world’s most global equestrian event," said Fabien Grobon, CEO of the Normandy 2014 Organizing Committee .

“Normandy has a long-standing association with the horse and equestrianism, which is something we’re very proud of. We’re putting everything in place to welcome thousands of athletes, horses and spectators, and we’re getting ready to host an amazing celebration that we will never forget.”

This year's Games, which run from August23 to September 7, will feature the world’s finest equestrian athletes competing in the seven official FEI disciplines: Jumping, Dressage & Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Reining, Vaulting and Endurance.