WELLINGTON, FL – February 17, 2014 – The 2014 College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) is excited to welcome back FootingFirst, LLC as a Major Sponsor of its forth annual event slated for March 28-30, 2014 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center (JBEC) in Palm Beach, FL. 

Welcoming college-bound hunt seat and equitation riders at the nation’s premier College Equestrian
Recruiting Event, the 2014 CPI is thrilled to announce more scholarship funding then in previous years.  Due to FootingFirst, LLC’s increased sponsorship, the 2014 CPI is offering five (5) Divisional High Point Scholarships for the CPI Advanced Equitation; CPI Open Equitation; CPI Intermediate Equitation; CPI Limit Equitation; and CPI Novice Equitation divisions.  The highest point rider in each of the aforementioned divisions will receive a $500 scholarship, with the ‘overall high point rider’ of the five (5) divisions receiving an additional $500 scholarship.  Total High Point Rider Scholarships for the 2014 CPI will total $3,000 due to the kind generosity of FootingFirst, LLC.

Karen Leeming, Partner, FootingFirst, LLC stated, “One of our company’s missions is to support the equestrian sport at all levels and throughout all disciplines.  The CPI sponsorship affords FootingFirst the opportunity to interact, engage and support the youth of our sport.”

One such aspiring equestrian who attended last year’s 2013 CPI, was heavily scouted, and subsequently three (3) top tier equestrian colleges are trying to recruit this talented young rider. Matthew Drohan, 17, currently attending Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, NY, is reaping the benefits of attending last year’s CPI event.  While undecided as to which college he will select, Drohan has received significant scholarship offers from Centenary College, Hackettstown, NJ University of Findlay, Findlay, OH and High Point University, High Point, NC.

Drohan is a recipient of The Metropolitan Equestrian Team (MET)’s full scholarship award.
MET is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization, operating out of Jamaica Bay Riding Academy in Brooklyn, NY, which is a member of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA).
 
Drohan began his equestrian career as a Junior Varsity rider. Coached by Jane DaCosta, founder of MET, who is also a Zone 2 co-chair of the IEA, Drohan has moved up in his senior year to the varsity open, the highest division in the IEA.

Having been recognized by such elite colleges, regardless of which institution he selects, Drohan will be one step closer to achieving his goals. “I have big dreams…I want to be an international show jumping rider…represent the United States in the world’s top show jumping competitions…be a successful horseman…and I’m prepared to work for it,” explains Drohan.  “Thanks to CPI, I was recognized by these elite colleges and now have the opportunity to take the next big step.”
 
2014 CPI FACTS AT A GLANCE:
 
•  Dates: March 28-30, 2014
•  Location: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, Palm Beach, FL. Seven (7)miles from Wellington’s Winter     Equestrian Festival (WEF).
•  Fees:  $555 per participant, includes application fee.
•  Admission:  Limited to 160 participants.  
•  Applications:  Available on line at www.collegeprepinvitational.com       
•  Equestrian disciplines:  Hunt Seat Equitation competitions over fences and under saddle. (Dressage not     offered in 2014.)
 
About the College Preparatory Invitational
The mission of the CPI is to prepare and educate student riders in grades 9 – 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. 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. Given the fact that the CPI provides all the horses and necessary tack for the show, riders do not incur the expense of transporting horses to the show.

The College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show is based on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) hunt seat equitation classification, where horses will be assigned by a random draw on the day of competition.  Along with the competition, the CPI will offer seminars and question & answer sessions during the show.  Riders and their families will hear about the college equestrian experience and familiarize themselves with the different associations that govern collegiate riding.  There will also be 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 institution.

Because the future leaders of the equestrian business and sport are the college bound riders, The College Preparatory Invitational Horse Show Scholarship Fund is designed to reward those riders that exhibit social conduct and academic excellence as well as competitive success.

The CPI offers various types of scholarships to the student riders. Please visit the CPI website’s Scholarship Page for detailed information regarding the CPI Scholarships.

More news and announcements will follow in the coming months as the CPI draws closer. For more information, please visit www.collegeprepinvitational.com or visit the CPI Facebook page.