Tag Archives: College Prep. Invitational

Dr. Piper Klemm to Speak at College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show January 17th

Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid Horse Magazine, will give a keynote address at The College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show Welcome Reception and Educational Presentations session on Friday, January 17th at 7:00 PM at the Marriott West Palm Beach.

Dr. Klemm will speak on the challenges and opportunities that come with being in equestrian business, and advice for her audience on how they can make their way in the horse world without becoming trainers. She will also be discussing her upcoming summer online course 2020 at St. Lawrence University (click for more info).

Lindsay K. Martin, President of CPI, is thrilled that Dr. Klemm will be addressing their audience. “I love having Piper speak to our CPI riders because I feel that they can relate to her and her story and that will walk away learning something.”

The College Preparatory Invitational offers young equestrians, in grades 8-12, the opportunity to explore the college equestrian experience through comprehensive education, competition, and scholarship/community service program.

During the CPI Horse Show event, athletes experience collegiate equestrian competition format; they can explore an equestrian-focused college fair, attend educational presentations, and take advantage of the opportunity for direct conversations with college admissions.

CPI saves families the expense of transporting and stabling a competition horse by providing suitable horses, saddles, and tack, so participants need only bring their show clothes, helmets, and crops.

Copyright © 2020 The Plaid Horse Network

Albion College to Host CPI Spotlight for College-Bound Equestrian Students

Photo courtesy of Albion College.

ALBION, Mich. – June 25, 2019 – For college-bound equestrians exploring a world-class liberal arts education, the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) will produce a CPI Spotlight event Sept. 27-29 at Albion College in Albion, Michigan. The event will combine campus tours and hunter seat equestrian activities. It will be an opportunity for prospective students to experience Albion College firsthand.

Albion College was named one of The Wall Street Journal‘s “Top 100 Liberal Arts Colleges.” With 49 majors, concentrations and pre-professional programs, Albion gives students the flexibility to forge their own paths while gaining an understanding of the world. Albion College offers varsity competition in Western and hunter seat and dressage competition on the Albion dressage club team at the Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center. Riders at Albion College come from all backgrounds and regions of the country.

“Albion College student-equestrians get a broad-based education in our classrooms and equally broad-based lessons in horsemanship and riding at the Held Center,” said Randi Heathman, Albion equestrian recruitment coordinator. “The result of this education can be seen in our many successful alumni, who graduate with problem-solving and leadership skills that serve them in a variety of career fields.”

Apply now for CPI spotlight at Albion College.

The varsity equestrian competition experience at Albion is not limited to experienced riders. Albion welcomes men and women whether they are experienced equestrians or are interested in learning to ride.

The weekend will provide student athletes information about Albion College’s many liberal arts academic programs. An admissions representative will be available for questions.

In addition to a student-led campus tour, students will experience the Albion College riding program and the opportunity to ride three times. A riding lesson Saturday kicks off the weekend. A short clinic is scheduled for Sunday morning and a mock collegiate-format horse show will be held Sunday afternoon. The event will provide students with a taste of what it is like to catch ride. Participants will ride Albion College horses and they will work with the coaches.

At the barn, attendees will learn additional horsemanship skills with Albion College students and coaches. Topics will include basic care such as grooming, wrapping, points of the horse, and parts of the saddle and bridle and more.

For more information, go to collegeprepinvitational.com.

Centenary University to Hold CPI Spotlight for Prospective Equestrian Students

Photo courtesy of Centenary University.

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – March 26, 2019 – College-bound equestrians exploring equine science and career-focused liberal arts colleges and universities will have an opportunity to experience Centenary University firsthand. Known for their world-class equestrian program, Centenary University will partner with College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) to host a CPI Spotlight event May 10-12 at its campus in Hackettstown, New Jersey.

“We are looking forward to working with the CPI to create a weekend for students to learn what Centenary University has to offer from an academic standpoint and what it is like to be part of a riding team at college,” said Kelly Martin Munz, Centenary University Department Chair, Professor of Equine Studies. “Our Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) coaches, Michael Dowling and Heather Clark, along with our hunter/jumper team coach, Tara Clausen, and our Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) coach, Sarah Simms, will be discussing how the experience differs from Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) and US Equestrian horse shows.”

At the barn, attendees will learn additional horsemanship skills with Centenary students and faculty. Topics will include basic care such as grooming, wrapping, points of the horse, and parts of the saddle and bridle and more.

“This is the first time Centenary University is participating in the CPI Spotlight and we are really looking forward to a great weekend with the prospective students,” Munz said.

In addition to a student-led campus tour, students will experience the Centenary University riding program and the opportunity to ride three times. A riding lesson Saturday kicks off the weekend. A short clinic is scheduled for Sunday morning and a mock-collegiate-format horse show will be held Sunday afternoon. The event will provide students with a taste of what it is like to catch-ride. Participants will ride Centenary University horses – all donations from the AA show circuit– and they will work with the coaches.

APPLY NOW

To learn more about the CPI, visit collegeprepinvitational.com.

Media Contact:
EQ Media, Carrie Wirth, carrie@EQmedia.agency, (612) 209-0310

CPI Adds Penultimate High-Point Challenge for Multiple Event Attendees

Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Jan. 15, 2018 – College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) announced the addition of a new challenge scholarship prize for riders who attend two or more competitions in 2019. The CPI Penultimate High-Point Challenge will be awarded to the cumulative high-point rider competing at the CPI Florida Horse Show Jan. 17-20 and March16-17 held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, and the CPI New Jersey Horse Show held at The Ridge Farm at Riverview in Asbury, Sept. 21-22.

The CPI Penultimate High-Point Challenge winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship from the CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund. Riders in grades 8-12 are eligible and the award must be claimed within five years of graduation from high school. The award will be paid directly to the winner’s college, university, trade, or vocational school. Upon enrollment to a post-secondary educational school, a written request from the award winner must be made for payment to the designated school.

“Our new Penultimate High-Point Challenge is inspired by other great equestrian event series championship awards,” said Lindsay Martin, CPI president. “With this award, we recognize excellence in riding for those who attend more than one CPI event.”

The CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund is a 501(c)(3) created to encourage riders to educate themselves about the charitable organizations in their communities, place emphasis on horsemanship and sportsmanship and promote higher education as a foundation to future success in life.

The CPI Scholarship and Educational Fund offers several scholarship opportunities to riders in grades 8-12 who participate in a CPI Horse Show. For more information on the individual scholarships including a complete listing of the rules and regulations for each scholarship, click here.

For more information, go to collegeprepinvitational.com.

Media Contact:
EQ Media, Carrie Wirth, carrie@EQmedia.agency, (612) 209-0310

College Preparatory Invitational Announces Winners of CPI Journalistic Photography Contest

CPI Horse Athlete category winner – Katherine Martin.

Wellington, FL – March 3, 2013 – Five talented participants of the 2013 College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) were recognized for their entries to the CPI Journalistic Photography contest. Katherine Martin, Margaret Bresee, Talula Alascio, Kendall Clarkson, and Kate Eagleton were awarded $100 in scholarship money per winning entry along with a Dover Saddlery gift certificate, and will each see their winning photographs published in the 2014 College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Program.  Scholarship prize money was increased this year thanks to the generosity of annual sponsor Charles Owen.

Entrants submitted photographs, taken over the three days of the 2013 CPI, in eight categories: CPI Horse Athlete, CPI Sponsor, CPI Spectators, CPI Event Seminar, CPI Riders, Friends (candid), CPI Riders in Action, and Miscellaneous. All entrants were participants in the 2013 CPI.

In addition to announcing the 2013 contest winners, the CPI also recognized its top performing equine athletes. Bella, owned by Kelly Goodman, was the Best Performance Dressage Horse recipient and Leo, owned by Michelle Alvarez of Act 2 Acres Farm, was awarded Best Performance Hunt Seat Horse honors. Both horses received coolers donated by The Clothes Horse for their exceptional performance during the CPI.

CPI Event Seminar Category of Pierre Jolicoeur - Katherine Martin
CPI Event Seminar Category of Pierre Jolicoeur – Katherine Martin

Katherine Martin, class of 2014 of El Paso, TX, won both the CPI Horse Athlete and CPI Event Seminar categories of the photo contest. Martin captured presenter Pierre Jolicoeur’s animated discussion of how to ride a course and enjoyed his thorough and educational play-by-play of the best way to approach foreign courses. Martin also snapped a winning image of Bella, this year’s top performing dressage horse.

Martin plans to pursue a career in photography and communications and was excited to further develop connections she made last year at the 2012 CPI. “When I came back this year, the trainers and colleges were excited to see me back. Figuring out which colleges have the best communications programs as well as great riding programs is very important to me, and the trainers [at CPI] were able to help me out,” Martin stated.

“I was also able to really experience what it will be like in college equestrian competitions. It opened my eyes to a different showing experience, which I think every rider needs,” Martin continued.

CPI Rider Receiving Ribbon or Prize Category - Talula Alascio
CPI Rider Receiving Ribbon or Prize Category – Talula Alascio

Talula Alascio, class of 2014 of Annapolis, MD, came in first place in the CPI Spectator and CPI Rider categories.

Alascio captured one rider’s joy after receiving a blue ribbon. “It was a really big deal to her to win. It was one of the few shows that her mom had been able to attend and she was really happy about winning,” Alascio described.

Photography has been a hobby of Alascio’s that developed from classes she takes at school. “I was so happy to win two categories. I didn’t expect to win at all! I was so excited,” Alascio smiled.

2013 was Alascio’s first year at the CPI and the junior in high school welcomed the learning experience. “I’m starting to look into equine studies programs. The coaches and schools I spoke with at the College Expo gave me lots of information and told me what I would need to know and how to decide what things I can go into with horses,” Alascio commented.

CPI Spectators Category - Talula Alascio
CPI Spectators Category – Talula Alascio

Alascio was more than satisfied with her overall experience with CPI after a successful day of riding and learning. “I met some really neat people and it was nice to get a feel for what college I want to attend and what the riding program would be like. I did well showing too and it was just a really fun experience!” Alascio concluded.

Kendall Clarkson, class of 2015 of San Diego, CA, earned first place in the Friends category after capturing several of her friends enjoying the competition at the CPI.  “Photography is something I’ve done as a hobby, just for fun. When I heard about the scholarship program, I thought ‘Why not?!’” Clarkson commented. “I looked at the other winning pictures and it made me so grateful to win because there were a lot of other great photographers,” she continued.

Clarkson enjoyed her first year of the CPI, which provided her plenty of food for thought on her future in equestrian competition as well as her education. Clarkson attended the College Expo, where she had the chance to talk to coaches and explore her equine higher education options. “I want to do something with horses, but I want to make sure it’s something I can support myself with. [An equine studies program] is something I’m looking into. It would be an added bonus to be able to ride in college as well,” Clarkson stated.

Friends Together at CPI Category - Kendall Clarkson
Friends Together at CPI Category – Kendall Clarkson

Kate Eagleton, class of 2015 of Miami, FL, was awarded first place in the CPI Rider in Action category with her photo “Rain or Shine.” Eagleton had planned on taking pictures throughout the day, but due to inclement weather, kept her camera tucked away. She quickly snapped just five pictures while trying to stay dry after showing―one of them turned out to be her winning shot.

“It was a lucky shot! I was thrilled to win,” Eagleton explained. “It made me realize I could pursue photography as well if I wanted to.”

Eagleton is another first-year participant, and was eager to soak up the incredible experience offered to aspiring collegiate riders at the CPI. “It’s so cool to be in an atmosphere with all the college riding teams, meet coaches, and experience what [collegiate competition] would actually be like,” Eagleton stated.

CPI Rider in Action category - Kate Eagleton - "Rain or Shine"
CPI Rider in Action category – Kate Eagleton – “Rain or Shine”

“I definitely want to do equine studies or equine business management. The CPI helped me learn about a lot of new colleges that I’ve never heard of and it was great to talk to coaches as well,” Eagleton concluded.

Meggie Bresee, class of 2014 of San Diego, CA, topped the CPI Sponsor category as well as the Miscellaneous category.

For her sponsor photograph, she explained, “Going to CPI really helped me to realize not only all of the various options that I personally have for continuing the equestrian aspect of my life through college, but also that there are many different opportunities for every involvement level that each individual wants to continue in the next four years after high school. That is why I wanted to represent each of the sponsors and colleges that attended the CPI horse show. Because each of them is different and all of them will conform to an individual in a different way, making it possible for everyone to know their options and decide which road will lead to the most opportunities for their future.”

CPI Sponsor Signage or Presence Category - Meggie Bresee
CPI Sponsor Signage or Presence Category – Meggie Bresee

About her experience at the CPI, Bresee said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and I am so happy that I was one in the handful of people from all over the country that was blessed with the opportunity to attend. Before I went to the show and talked to so many colleges and universities, I hadn’t a clue about what I truly wanted my future to be like in college. Now I am so much more confident that I have an idea of how I want the next few years to play out.”

Honorable mention photographer Caroline Johnson, class of 2013 of Julian, NC, will receive a $50 gift certificate to Dover Saddlery.

The College Preparatory Invitational Scholarship Fund would like to congratulate these winners and thank everyone for participating!

About the College Preparatory Invitational

The mission of the CPI is to prepare and educate student riders in grades 8-12 about the format of college equestrian competition, encourage academics and horsemanship, and to provide the riders with resources to create their desired college equestrian experience. The show is specifically geared to promote college recruitment of equestrians by providing the opportunity for coaches and potential students to meet in person. The College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show is rooted in the belief that equestrian talent, not finances, should dictate a rider’s opportunity to be a part of a collegiate team.

CPI Miscellaneous Category - Meggie Bresee
CPI Miscellaneous Category – Meggie Bresee

Along with the competition, the CPI offers seminars and question & answer sessions during the show. Riders and their families heard about the college equestrian experience and familiarized themselves with the different associations that govern collegiate riding. There were also a number or College and Universities present at the CPI to distribute literature and introduce the academic and riding opportunities, including scholarships, offered at their respective institutions.

For more information, please visit www.CollegePrepInvitational.com or visit their Facebook page.

Laura Cardon for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com

Showcase Your Sale Horse by Donating to the College Preparatory Invitational!

Wellington, FL – December 31, 2012 – The College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show (CPI) will hold its third annual competition on January 18-20, 2013, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. Welcoming more than 180 college-bound hunt seat equitation and dressage riders at the nation’s premiere College Equestrian Recruiting event, the 2013 CPI offers grades 8-12 participants comprehensive education and insight to future equestrian collegiate competition, horsemanship skills, and the ability to be recruited by the nation’s top colleges and universities offering equestrian competition programs.

To fulfill the dreams of the students, CPI is reaching out to the Wellington, FL, equestrian community for barns and/or individuals willing to donate horses that will help college-bound riders showcase their horsemanship and riding talents to top recruiters while trying to earn equestrian scholarships.

If your horse is available for lease and/or for sale, the 2013 CPI is the perfect venue to showcase its talent and skills to over 180 participants, trainers, coaches and spectators. All horses loaned to the CPI will be featured in The CPI Horse View Book, a horse preview book complete with pictures of each horse, descriptions and information on sales and/or leasing opportunities.

Continue reading Showcase Your Sale Horse by Donating to the College Preparatory Invitational!

EQUUS Foundation Announces Scholarship for Young Equestrians

Left to Right: Heidi Lengyel, Catherine Herman, and Jeanne Rouco-Conesa. Photo courtesy of Dru Gassner, Majestic Images

WESTPORT, CT – January 25, 2012 – The EQUUS Foundation has partnered with the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) Horse Show Scholarship Fund to establish a scholarship open to the participants at the College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show, held January 13-15, 2012, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.

The mission of the CPI is to prepare and educate student riders in grades 8 – 12 about the format of college equestrian competition, encourage academics and horsemanship, and to provide the riders with resources to create their desired college equestrian experience.

All the horses and necessary tack for the show are provided by CPI. The show is specifically geared to promote college recruitment of equestrians by providing the opportunity for coaches and potential students to meet.

Continue reading EQUUS Foundation Announces Scholarship for Young Equestrians

Committed to Fostering the American Hunter Jumper Forward Riding System, Bernie Traurig Offers Free EquestrianCoach.com Memberships to Coaches at the CPI

Bernie Traurig judged the CPI on a chilly Saturday in Wellington, FL

Wellington, FL – January 16, 2012 – World-class equestrian, founder and president of EquestrianCoach.com, Bernie Traurig, judged the hunt seat divisions of the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) along with Scott Hofstetter, Nona Garson and Linda Andrisani. Robert Dover judged the dressage competition, a new addition to the event in its second year. The CPI was held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL with the mounted competition on an uncharacteristically cool Saturday.

The goal of the CPI is to prepare junior high and high school riders for the format of college equestrian competition, encourage academics and horsemanship and to provide riders with the resources to continue equestrian learning during college.

“I really like the format of this show and collegiate competition in general. It gives young people a new opportunity after their junior years,” said Traurig.

Continue reading Committed to Fostering the American Hunter Jumper Forward Riding System, Bernie Traurig Offers Free EquestrianCoach.com Memberships to Coaches at the CPI

Olympic Silver Medalist Peter Leone to Present and Sign DVDs at College Preparatory Invitational on Saturday January 14

Peter Leone and Select winning the $100,000 Grand Prix of Devon. Photo by Charles Fox

Wellington, FL – January 13, 2012 – Olympic Silver Medalist Peter Leone will join Kimberly S. Jaussi, Ph.D., at a workshop, “Leadership, Vision and the Equestrian Athlete”, to share his experiences, answer questions and offer advice. The workshop will be held during the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach Equestrian Center at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 14, 2012.

After the workshop Leone will autograph his DVD, Ride the Body: Select Insights of Peter Leone, that he produced along with Jaussi. The informative and practical DVD will be awarded to all the first place winners at the CPI. A drawing will be held during the workshop for additional DVD prizes.

Leone and Jaussi also co-authored the upcoming book, Peter Leone’s Show Jumping Clinic: Success Strategies for Equestrian Athletes (Storey Publishing), which will hit the shelves in spring of 2012.

Continue reading Olympic Silver Medalist Peter Leone to Present and Sign DVDs at College Preparatory Invitational on Saturday January 14

EquestrianCoach.com’s Bernie Traurig, Judge of the College Preparatory Invitational, to Speak at 5:00 on January 14

Wellington, FL – January 12, 2012 – The legendary Bernie Traurig will speak at the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) to present his educational online program: EquestrianCoach.com. The presentation will be held in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center at 5:00 pm on Saturday, January 14, 2012.

EquestrianCoach.com is offering a special rate for colleges, universities, schools and youth organizations that provide riding programs or equine degree programs. Participating programs will earn free subscriptions for coaches to use as curriculum.

According to Shelby French, CEO of United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) and former Director of Riding at Sweet Briar College, “What Bernie is offering through his equine educational program is something you should seriously explore to enhance the program of teaching and training at your college. This is a truly amazing educational opportunity and one that I hope you will spend some time investigating and imagining the many ways that you can utilize it in your curriculum.”

Continue reading EquestrianCoach.com’s Bernie Traurig, Judge of the College Preparatory Invitational, to Speak at 5:00 on January 14