CPI Rules

Eligibility to Participate

Student-athletes currently enrolled in grades 8 – 12.

 

CPI Hunt Seat Equitation Divisions

It is the responsibility of the applicants to discuss their skill and experience levels with their coach/trainer and accurately apply/enter to show in the proper division in compliance with the definitions and descriptions of the CPI Hunt Seat Divisions as outlined in the rules. The CPI is not responsible for any athletes’ misrepresentations of their equitation ability to show on an unknown horse in the CPI Horse Show.

 

CPI Advanced Equitation Division

CPI Advanced Equitation Over Fences Class – Must be able to jump a fence height on an unknown horse over six or more fences at least 2′9″ in height and not to exceed 3′ in height and 3′ in width, including at least one change of direction. Tests 1-13 may be asked.

CPI Advanced Equitation on the Flat Class – To be judged at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Tests 1– 11 may be asked.

 

CPI Open Equitation Division

CPI Open Equitation Over Fences Class – Must be able to jump a fence height on an unknown horse over six or more fences at least 2′ 6″ in height and not to exceed 2’9”, including at least one change of direction. Fence width not to exceed height. Tests1-9 and 12 & 13 may be asked.

CPI Open Equitation on the Flat Class – To be judged at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Tests 1- 9 may be asked.

 

CPI Intermediate Equitation Division

CPI Intermediate Equitation Over Fences Class – Must be able to jump a fence height on an unknown horse over six or more fences at least 2′ 3″ in height and not to exceed 2′ 6″ and including at least one change of direction. Fence width not to exceed height. Fences must have wings at least 12′ higher than the highest rail. Tests 1-6, 9, and 12 & 13 may be asked.

CPI Intermediate Equitation on the Flat Class – To be judged at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Tests1-9 may be asked.

 

CPI Novice Equitation Division

CPI Novice Equitation Over Fences Class – Must be able to jump a fence height on an unknown horse over six or more fences at least 2’ in height and not to exceed 2′ 3″ and including at least one change of direction. Fence width not to exceed height. Fences must have wings at least 12′ higher than the highest rail. Tests 1-6, 9 may be asked.

CPI Novice Equitation on the Flat Class – To be judged at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Tests 1-6,9 may be asked.

 

CPI Walk-Trot and Walk-Trot-Canter Division

CPI Walk-Trot class to be judged at the walk and trot both ways of the ring. Tests 1-5, 9 may be asked.

CPI Walk-Trot- Canter class to be judged at the walk, trot, and canter both ways of the ring. Tests 1-6, 9 may be asked.

 

Hunt Seat Equitation Tests

An athlete must be prepared to perform the tests appropriate for the CPI Division in which the athlete elects to participate. Athletes may be requested to perform the tests collectively or individually during a show or competition. The tests are as follows:

  1. Ask an appropriate question.
  2. Halt.
  3. Sitting Trot.
  4. Two-point position at the walk and/or trot.
  5. Figure eight at a trot, demonstrating a change of diagonals.
  6. Figure eight at canter on the correct lead, demonstrating a simple change of lead.
  7. Ride without stirrups. Athletes will be given the option to cross their irons.
  8. Change leads down the center of the ring, demonstrating a simple change of lead.
  9. Change horses.
  10. Canter on the counter lead. No more than eight horses may counter canter at one time.
  11. Half-turn on the forehand and/or half turn on haunches.
  12. Jump a shortened course.
  13. Trot a jump not to exceed 2′ 6″.

 

Application/Entry to Participate at the CPI

Applications/Entries must be submitted online. Applicants/entrants must provide complete and accurate information concerning their riding experience as part of their application/entry. It is the responsibility of the applicant to discuss the criteria to participate in the CPI with their trainers/coaches and to accurately apply/enter to show in the proper division according to their experience level and in compliance with the definitions and descriptions of those levels as set forth in the rules. The CPI has the right to refuse, accept conditionally, or cancel any applications/entries that are deemed ineligible. Notice of this action by the CPI will be sent to the applicant/entrants to the email indicated on the application/entry.

 

CPI Application & Payment

CPI Florida Horse Show 

Application Fee: $125.00 – Application fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and cannot be transferred to another application/CPI event. 

CPI Horse Show Entry Fee: $750.00

Mounted Clinic Fee: $575.00 – Clinic fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and cannot be transferred to another application/CPI event. 

Payment of the application fee and entry is DUE IN FULL when athletes/riders submit their application/entry.

CPI will be offering a mounted clinic to a limited amount of CPI Horse Show participants for an additional cost. Space is LIMITED and is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. In order to participate in the clinic, you MUST select that you would like to participate/register for the clinic on your application/entry form as well as the appropriate clinic division. You will be billed separately for the OPTIONAL mounted clinic and payment must be received within 7 days of invoice.

If payment is not received within the 7 days, the athlete/rider will be removed from the clinic without notice from the CPI and lose their clinic spot. When the clinic spots fill up CPI will place riders interested in participating in the mounted clinic on a “waitlist”, should a spot open up the athlete/rider on the waitlist will be notified and invoiced immediately and will have 7 days from invoice to submit payment to guarantee their spot.  

For CPI’s complete cancellation policy please see the “CPI Horse Show Cancellation Policy” below.

 

CPI Horse Show Cancellation Policy

There are absolutely no exceptions for applicant cancellations and entries CANNOT be transferred to another CPI Horse Show Event. We highly recommend travel insurance to protect the applicant/athlete, family members, and trainers from travel penalties assessed for canceling participation in the CPI Horse Show.  The following policies shall apply to any and all applicant/athlete cancellations for those participating in any CPI Horse Show. Cancellations must be made by email to info@cpihorseshow.com. If you do not receive an acknowledgment response via email within 48 hours, please call (706) 231-4820.

Depending upon when the cancellation is made, a cancellation charge may apply, APPLICATION FEES and MOUNTED CLINIC FEES are NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.

 

Days Prior to First Day of Event Cancellation Fee
0 – 60 days 100% of Entry Fee (NO REFUND)
61 – 91 or more days 50% of Entry Fee

 

CPI Cancellation Policy

If CPI Management must cancel classes at the event or prior to the event due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the CPI, including but not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, weather, accidents, fires, safety concerns, and COVID-19 no refunds will be given for fees.

 

Format

  • Horses and Order of Go will be assigned by a random draw on the day of the competition.
  • Only an athlete registered at the current CPI event is allowed to be riding the horse while on the show grounds. ʺTuning‐upʺ by persons other than the athlete registered at the current CPI event is prohibited.
  • Show management shall post courses to jump at least one hour prior to the commencement of the class.
  • Before jumping classes, each athlete will be allowed only two warm-up fences, in the pattern posted by the show steward. Warm-up fences may only be changed by a steward or show official. All classes will be judged on equitation, and faults of the horse will not be judged.
  • Judges’ decisions shall be final and may not be protested.
  • The P.A. system is used to help the show move as smoothly as possible but is only a courtesy. It is the responsibility of the athletes to know when they are required to be in the warm-up area or arena. Not hearing or understanding gate calls, etc. is NOT an excuse for missing one’s order of work or class.
  • The CPI Horse Show Management reserves to itself the right to limit entries in any class or division; to refuse, accept conditionally, or to cancel any entries; to disqualify any athlete; to prohibit the exhibition of entries, and cancel award prizes, without any claims for damages; to change any course to add a dotted line, to change an athlete’s horse draw; to reschedule classes, after due notice to exhibitors; to change rings or rotate judges, to alter or modify any class procedures, obstacles, patterns, or rules in this book for safety concerns, show facility restrictions, or other mitigating circumstances.

 

Falls, Refusals, and Eliminations

  • An athlete is considered to have fallen when s/he is separated from their horse that has not fallen, in such a way as to necessitate remounting or vaulting into the saddle. In the event of a fall/accident where the athlete is apparently unconscious or concussed, s/he is precluded from competing and will be evaluated by qualified medical personnel at the show. The fall/accident that results in unconsciousness or concussion shall be reported to the CPI Show Manager.
  • A horse is considered to have fallen when the shoulder and haunch on the same side have touched the ground or an obstacle on the ground.  In the event of a horse fall, the Stewards determine if a re-ride is granted.
  • Three refusals will result in elimination.
  • No courtesy fences will be allowed after elimination.

 

Re-Rides

  • The CPI competition would not be possible without the generosity of horse providers. Not every draw will be ideal. Judges evaluate athletes with a discerning eye and an understanding of the random draw format. Only in an extreme extenuating circumstance will a re-ride be granted by the show steward.
  • When through no fault of the athlete, a horse performs so poorly that it is impossible to fairly judge the athlete’s ability, a re-ride may be granted.
  • A re-ride must be requested prior to the lineup in a flat class or the last horse leaves the ring in an over fences class.
  • Only the coach of the athlete may request a re-ride.
  • Although they may confer with show management and the judge, only the show stewards may grant or deny a re-ride.
  • If a re-ride is granted, it shall be judged as if the first ride never occurred.
  • If a re-ride is granted in a class in which athletes compete individually, the re-ride shall take place after all other rides in that class have been completed.
  • If a re-ride is granted in a class in which athletes compete together, the class shall be held over in its entirety, and no consideration shall be given to the performance during the original session.

 

Dress and Headgear

It is the tradition of the show ring that athletes are correctly attired for the class in question. It is mandatory for all athletes to use appropriate show attire, including boots and helmets at the horse draw. A show committee may, at its discretion, bar any entry or person from entering the ring if not suitably presented to appear before an audience and must bar riders without protective headgear. At all times while mounted, athletes must wear a harnessed and fully fastened protective ASTM-approved safety helmet. Contestant numbers shall be worn on the athlete’s back.

 

Tack and Aids

Tack and equipment used are at the discretion of the horse provider. No substitution of tack or aids by athletes that could affect horse or tack shall be permitted. It is the responsibility of the athlete and or coach to check the tack before mounting; any tack concerns must be communicated to the show steward for adjustment.

 

Use of Crops, Bats, and Spurs

A list of aids appropriate to each horse will be posted or accompanying each horse. Athletes shall comply with the suggested use of aids. Athletes are responsible for supplying their own crops, whips, and bats and may be carried only when specified by horse providers; it is up to each horse provider to determine if they will allow crops to be used on their horse. Crops and bats are not to be used before entering the schooling or show rings. Stewards may rule that an athlete be disqualified for improper use of crops and bats. Spurs provided by the horse provider are permitted and it is up to each horse provider to determine if they will allow spurs to be used on their horse.

 

Schooling

Designated schooling times for horses will be made available at registration, if not earlier. Schooling sessions will be supervised by designated members of the show committee. No athlete that is showing in the CPI Horse Show may school any horse on the show grounds unless they have finished all possible phases of the mounted competition.

 

Coaching Requirement

In order to compete at the CPI, an athlete is required to have a trainer/coach present when competing and said trainer/coach must register with the CPI. An athlete will not receive their back number and will not be allowed to participate if their coach does not sign the applicable CPI coach release forms. The athlete may use their coach of choice or may hire a CPI coach. Only the coach is allowed to accompany the athlete into the horse mounting area at the show. No other person may accompany the athlete into the mounting area or the in-gates and their surrounding areas. The coach is responsible to check and adjust the provided horse tack in the mounting area prior to entering the practice jump ring. Only the assistance or coaching of the registered coach is permissible while the athlete is competing in a class. Assistance or coaching by any other individual may warrant disqualification. No electronic communication devices will be allowed by exhibitors while in the class.

 

Sportsmanship & Personal Conduct of Exhibitors, Spectators, Coaches, and Show Personnel

Good horsemanship and honorable participation are priorities at the CPI Horse Show. It is the responsibility of all attendees to foster an atmosphere of community enjoyment and respect for all participants and horses. The CPI Horse Show is made possible by the animals, who serve the athlete. This is a sport of grace and elegance, where athletes and animals work as a team. There is neither grace nor sportsmanship in an abusive spectacle. It is the responsibility of all parties concerned to be aware of the conduct of participants and the condition of the horses; and, if a violation is observed, a report must be made immediately to the Stewards. Athletes, spectators, and coaches are required to behave in a manner that reflects the dignity of the sport. Ill-mannered or unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Any behavior deemed inappropriate may be presented as a protest to the Stewards. The CPI show management may disqualify and expel from the grounds any person whose behavior is deemed dishonest, unethical, or detrimental to the health, safety, or wellbeing of any horse, person, or the CPI, during the progress of the event.

 

Responsibility

If an athlete participates in any capacity in the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show (CPI), this participation constitutes an agreement and affirmation that the athlete and each of its coaches, trainers, parents, and representatives shall accept and abide by the Rules and Regulations of the CPI and of the show and that each athlete is eligible as entered in the application and will accept as final all rulings of the CPI and the show steward (or committee) with respect to their conduct. Also, through participation, each athlete, athlete’s parents/legal guardians, coach, trainer, and participant acknowledges THAT HORSES ARE INTRINSICALLY DANGEROUS AND UNPREDICTABLE AND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH, thus each agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the CPI, its officers, directors, members, employees, agents and representatives, the event host coordinator and facility, the show stewards, stewards committee members, the show judges, the show secretary, all show organizers and officials, and all persons, stables, and others providing facilities, horses or equipment for the show, other riders, coaches, sponsoring institutions, from any claim, action or suit, for injury, property damage or death sustained by the individual, rider, entity, coach, trainer, or participant while traveling to, from and around the show, while staying in the city for the show, during participation in the show and while at the show. This entry constitutes an acceptance of the hired officials at this event. By participating at the CPI Horse Show in any capacity, the athlete, and parent/legal guardian of an athlete under the age of 18, certify that they thoroughly read this and understand the liability statute for the state of whichever event they are participating in and acknowledge that they have health and hospital insurance covering the athlete and promise that they will maintain that insurance at all times while the athlete is a participant of the CPI.

 

WARNING: UNDER FLORIDA LAW, AN EQUINE ACTIVITY SPONSOR OR EQUINE PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR INJURY TO OR DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ACTIVITIES

 

WARNING: UNDER NEW JERSEY LAW, AN EQUESTRIAN AREA OPERATOR IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN EQUINE ANIMAL ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF EQUINE ANIMAL ACTIVITIES, PURSUANT TO P.L. 1997, c.287 (C.5: 15-1 et seq).

 

Model Release

During the College Preparatory Invitational events, photographers, photojournalist contestants, and video production crew will be capturing photos and video to be used for publicity. By attending the CPI, participants and their family members release any interest in images of photos and videos taken of participants and acknowledge that no payment has been made or is due to participants.

 

No Dogs or Pets Allowed at the CPI Event

The CPI show management may disqualify and expel from the grounds any person who does not abide by this rule.

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