(CNN) Miami Beach is known for lots of things -- its turquoise ocean, its sun-soaked climate, its spectacular, beckoning sand.

But once a year it also hosts top-level showjumping when the Longines Global Champions Tour rides into town.

And right on the beach, yards from the lapping water, a temporary arena showcases the best riders and horses in the sport.

The unique stadium features 2,000 tons of bespoke sand, which is mixed with special fibers and laid about 12 centimeters (five inches) deep on a hard base to provide optimum conditions for the athletes to excel.

"It's one of the most difficult competitions in terms of organization and logistics because we have to build everything on top of the existing sand on the beach," said LGCT sports director Marco Danese.