Majestic Eiffel Tower stands as backdrop to jumping competition of world's top riders, steeds

Australia's Edwina Tops-Alexander rides Ego van Orti, during the first day of the Eiffel jumping horse show in Paris, Friday, July 4, 2014. Eiffel jumping takes place through this week-end at the Champs de Mars garden near the Eiffel Tower. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (The Associated Press)

Britain's Michael Whitaker rides Amai during the first day of the Eiffel jumping horse show in Paris, Friday, July 4, 2014. Eiffel jumping takes place through through out the weekend, at the Champs de Mars garden near the Eiffel Tower. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (The Associated Press)

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.