In addition to increasing the number of riders accepted at the CPI, organizers are also pleased to announce that the number of scholarships for the 2012 horse show has increased. A total of five scholarships will be awarded this year, rewarding the young riders on their social conduct and academic success, as well as competitive success. In total, there will be five scholarships awarded to eligible CPI participants, including: CPI Horsemanship Test Award, CPI High Point Hunt Seat Equitation Rider, CPI Essay Contest, CPI Champion of Service Award, and CPI High Point Dressage Rider.
The CPI has added new photo award scholarships for 2012. CPI will award $50 each for the best eight pictures taken by CPI riders of the 2012 competition. Photos will be judged in eight categories, including: CPI Horse Athlete (horse only), CPI Sponsor signage or presence, CPI Spectators, CPI Event Seminar, CPI Rider(s) Receiving Ribbon/Prize Photo, Friends Together at CPI (candid), CPI Rider(s) in action (over fences, flat, or dressage) or Miscellaneous CPI Photo (any moment of your choice captured during the event). All entries must be submitted and received by 11 a.m. on January 22, 2012.
Dressage seat classes have been added to the 2012 edition of the CPI. With new dressage seat equitation classes at this year's competition, the CPI is also excited to welcome six-time dressage Olympian Robert Dover as the judge. Bernie Traurig and Scott Hofstetter have been named as two of the three hunt seat equitation judges. The official course designer for their 2012 event is Pierre Jolicoeur. Jolicoeur is a FEI-level internationally recognized course designer, and the CPI is thrilled to have his services at their event.
Coaches representing the four main governing bodies of collegiate riding will host seminars for the young riders at this year's CPI as well. Representatives from the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA), American National Riding Commission (ANRC), Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA), and National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), will all be on hand.
The speakers for the 2012 CPI are all excited to attend the event and inform student riders on the advantages of joining their programs. Every student has different needs when it comes to the college that they attend, and each of these organizations offers different opportunities for collegiate riding. Eddie Federwisch, Peggy McElveen, Jackie Dwelle, and Greg Williams will all speak, in addition to opening commentary from sponsor Jim Turcotte. There will be a number of colleges and universities present at the CPI to distribute literature and introduce the academic and riding opportunities, including scholarships, offered at their institution.
Everyone is invited to attend the seminars and meet the college coaches at this year's CPI, not just riders entered to show. On the website, www.collegeprepinvitational.com , you can sign up by purchasing the "Seminar Only". In addition, if you purchase the seminar only, you can also purchase the "Rider Bio" to post bios, photos and videos online for coaches to see. The "Rider Bio" can only be purchased through attending the seminars. Volunteers are also welcome at the event, please contact Heidi Lengyel at [email protected] to sign up!