Begoña Quirós: The Person Behind the Andalucía Sunshine Tour

After more than ten years with the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, Begoña Quirós shares her journey, the challenges of organising an international show jumping event and the teamwork that makes it all possible.

Every major equestrian event relies on a dedicated team working behind the scenes to ensure that everything runs smoothly. At the Andalucía Sunshine Tour, where thousands of horses, riders and professionals gather in Montenmedio every year, organisation, communication and attention to detail are essential.

Among the people who contribute to the success of the Tour is Begoña Quirós, who has been part of the show office team for more than ten years. Over time, her responsibilities have grown alongside her experience, giving her an in-depth understanding of what it takes to organise an event of this scale.

We spoke to Begoña about her journey, the daily challenges of running the show and the importance of teamwork in making the Andalucía Sunshine Tour an experience riders want to return to year after year.

More Than Ten Years Behind the Scenes

Begoña, tell us how you started working with the Andalucía Sunshine Tour and how your role has evolved over the years.

“I have been working at the Andalucía Sunshine Tour for over ten years, in the show office. During this time, I have gradually taken on new responsibilities and learned a great deal about everything involved in organising an event of this scale.

My work is closely connected to the day-to-day running of the competition and looking after the riders. I always work under the direction of Armando and Teresa, the show directors, and in coordination with the rest of the team.

After all these years, the Sunshine Tour has become a part of my life, and I am very proud to be part of this team.”

Planning an International Show Jumping Event

The Andalucía Sunshine Tour welcomes thousands of horses, riders and professionals every year. How does the preparation begin, and how far in advance does the planning start?

“Preparations begin many months in advance. As soon as one edition comes to an end, we are practically already thinking about the next one.

There is so much to organise: the calendar, promotion, the sporting programme, officials, sponsors and bookings. Above all, we try to take care of every detail to make sure our clients feel at home during their stay at the Sunshine Tour.

Experience helps us anticipate many things, but every year brings new challenges, and there is always room for improvement.”

The Importance of Teamwork

What are the key elements behind managing such a large operation, from coordinating entries and stabling to scheduling competitions and ensuring everything runs smoothly?

“Organisation and coordination are essential.

But the most important thing is that we all work towards the same goal, as a team. Everyone has their own responsibilities, and every single person is equally important to making the show run smoothly.

We are like a machine: everyone has a role to play, and if one part fails, the whole system is affected.”

A Day in the Show Office

What does a typical day look like during the Tour, and how do you manage the constant flow of information, requests and last-minute changes?

“Very intense! she laughs”

“There are enquiries, phone calls, last-minute changes and lots of things that need to be sorted out as they arise. Most of the time, we have several things to deal with at once, so knowing how to prioritise is essential. Good communication is what makes everything work.

No two days are the same, which makes the job so dynamic. And thanks to the great atmosphere within the team, we are able to convey to the riders the care and dedication that go into everything we do.

After so many years, you learn to react quickly and stay calm, even during the most stressful moments.”

Sunshine Tour Mobile: Keeping Everyone Connected

With so many riders, grooms, owners, officials and other professionals on site, how do you coordinate communication between departments and ensure everyone stays informed?

“Technology has made our work so much easier. Seven years ago, we launched our own app, Sunshine Tour Mobile, and since then we have continued to improve it every season to make it increasingly useful for everyone.

Thanks to the app, schedules, start lists and all the important information are readily available, and we can communicate any changes quickly.

With so many people and horses involved, it is essential that information reaches everyone and is easy to access. I believe the app has been an incredibly helpful tool, and we continue to work on improving it every year.”

The Challenges of Organising a Multi-Week Tour

The Sunshine Tour runs over several weeks and requires year-round preparation. What are the biggest organisational challenges, and what do you consider essential to delivering a successful edition every year?

“Maintaining the pace over so many weeks and making sure everything runs smoothly every day is one of the biggest challenges. Unexpected situations always arise, and you have to know how to adapt.

Armando and Teresa lead the show, and we work under their direction, but there are so many people behind the scenes who make it all happen. For me, that is the key: everyone giving their best and feeling that they are part of the same team.

After more than ten years, I believe that unity is essential for the Sunshine Tour to keep growing. At the end of the day, we are one big family working to make sure riders feel welcome, leave with great memories and, above all, want to come back.

We know that travelling all the way to Montenmedio takes effort, so we want their stay and overall experience to be worthwhile and leave them looking forward to returning.”

One Team, One Shared Goal

Behind every edition of the Andalucía Sunshine Tour lies months of preparation, weeks of intense competition and the dedication of a team working towards a common goal.

Begoña Quirós’ experience highlights the importance of the people who keep the show running behind the scenes. From managing daily requests to improving communication and helping riders feel welcome, every detail contributes to the overall experience.

As Begoña explains, the key to success lies in the team itself. After more than a decade at the Sunshine Tour, her commitment reflects the shared effort required to keep the event growing and to ensure that riders leave Montenmedio with great memories and the desire to return.

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