College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Horse Show, January 16-18, 2015 Wellington, Florida.

Just announced--Priority entries for the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Horse Show, to be held January 16-18, 2015 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida, open today for high school juniors and seniors (entries for freshmen and sophomores open September 15^th).  To enter, go to the official CPI website www.collegeprepinvitational.com.

CPI Competition

If you are a current high school student looking forward to riding on a collegiate team, the CPI horse show is a great opportunity for you to show your stuff in front of college coaches in a horse-draw format, similar to what you would be asked to do on an IHSA or NCEA team.

The CPI offers competition in hunt seat equitation over fences and equitation on the flat.  All horses and tack are provided, so the only thing you need to bring is yourself.  You can even “rent a coach” to assist you during the show if your home coach is not able to attend.

CPI College Fair

The CPI horse show also hosts a college fair with collegiate coaches from all over the country standing ready to answer your questions about their schools and riding opportunities.   Equine professionals also give talks about current events in the equine industry.  Last year Olympian Peter Wylde and IEA Executive Director Roxane Lawrence both gave informative talks to competitors.

CPI Scholarship Opportunities

You can also enter to win one of several scholarships.  Last year the CPI offered the following scholarships:

• Highest Point Rider
• Essay Award
• Written Horsemanship Test Award
• Journalistic Photo Award
• Champion of Service Award

Winter Equestrian Festival and Wellington Area

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) will be in full swing just a few miles down the road at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.  You can take a break from CPI to drop by the WEF show grounds to watch a Grand Prix or other big money class.  With an average high temperature of 78 degrees in January, you might even be able to catch some beach time.

IEA Hunt Seat National Finals

Did I mention that the 2015 IEA Hunt Seat National Finals will be held in Wellington at the same facility as the CPI Horse Show?  This year's CPI provides a rare opportunity for IEA riders to compete in the same arena they will be competing in at IEA Hunt Seat Nationals just three months later.

CPI Show Stewards Announced

I was very fortunate to serve as one of the two show stewards last year, along with IEA National Steward Sue Wetzel, and now I’m thrilled to announce that both of us have been invited back to serve as show stewards again this year!

Enter Early

If all of this sounds like something you’d be interested in attending, make sure you enter soon.  Last year the entries filled up and riders had to be turned down, which is why the CPI is offering priority entry for high school juniors and seniors starting today.

Visit the official CPI website www.collegeprepinvitational.com for more information.