Everything You Every Wanted to Know About the FEI CCI1*-Intro
Blair Castle is delighted to be hosting the FEI CCI1*-Intro competition class again this year. If you are new to competing at this level, these are some of the important things that you need to know….
FEI Rules & Regulations
There are some differences between FEI and BE rules … e.g. whips may not be carried into the area around the dressage arena; neck straps are not permitted for dressage in your test (can be worn in warm-up) but permitted Show Jumping & XC if securely attached to saddle or breastplate; nose nets are permitted in the dressage warm-up but not during the competition.
It is important that you check those that apply to you and your horse. If in doubt, you can always check with any of the FEI team at the event. View FEI Rule Book
Minimum Entry Requirements (MERs)
For CCI1*-Intro, the horse and rider combination must have 3x MERs at BE100, BE105 or B100Plus. MERs for CCI1*-Intro are competitive rounds with
- Dressage test with no more than 45 penalties
- No cross-country jumping penalties, and no more than 30-time penalties (75 seconds)
- No more than 16 show jumping penalties
Some exceptions apply … more details about competing in 2023 can be found on the British Eventing website.
CCI1*-Intro Competition Format
The CCI1*-Intro at Blair Castle runs in over multiple days, Friday 25th to Sunday 27th August. (Some dressage may be held on the Thursday late afternoon if there are sufficient entries)
Stabling on site is not compulsory for CCI1*-Intro. However, there are duration stables available from the afternoon of Tuesday 22nd August – these can be booked with your entry. Some single night stables in the non-FEI stables may also be available.
You can collect your bridle numbers and bib numbers (FEI classes uses bridle numbers for dressage; bib numbers for the jumping rounds) from the FEI Stables Manager on arrival. The Bridle number must on your horse at all times even when out grazing.
For the CCI1* class, times will be issued for all three phases in the same manner as for International classes. FEI classes run strictly in timetabled order; any adjustment has to be approved by the president of the ground jury, so you must be ready at the appointed time.
If you are competing on multiple horses during the event, it is essential that the FEI is prioritised over any late running for national classes. If there is any concern, please contact the Scorers.
The Dressage Phase
The CCI1* dressage arena is located in the Equi-Trek Main Arena, alongside the other international competitors.
There is an Owners Lounge adjacent to the arena where your connections can watch the action and enjoy complimentary tea and coffee.
Riders should wear hunting dress or uniform of a riding club; a tail coat or jacket approved by the Athlete’s NF (contrast colouring and pipping is allowed); white shirt and tie; gloves; white, fawn or cream breeches; long riding boots (or short boots with matching full-grain smooth leather chaps); protective headgear. At lower-level events, civilians may also wear a tweed jacket with fawn or beige breeches and black or brown boots.
The dressage warm-up is located on the cross-country course; just follow the FEI horsewalk signs. Maps will be available at the FEI Stable Managers Office.
There is no horse inspection trot-up at Blair Castle for the CCI1*-S competition; the FEI Veterinary Delegate observes the dressage warm-up instead.
About 20 minutes before your allocated start time, the collecting ring steward will invite you to proceed to the final warm up arena next to the Main Arena for your final warm-up.
The arena steward will then invite you to proceed to the competition arena at the proper time. Don’t forget to remove boots and bandages and remember that a whip, if carried, cannot be carried in the area around the competition arena… you’ll have to drop it before leaving the holding area.
The dressage test will be confirmed soon and it will run in a 60m x 40m arena with two judges. All trot work may be executed (sitting or rising) unless the term rising
Once your test is completed the FEI Steward will ask to check your horse’s tack.
The Jumping Phases
The show jumping and cross-country phases runs in the same way as for national classes. Strict numerical order will again be observed for both phases. The show jumping will be in the Equi-Trek Main Arena on Saturday. Cross country will be held on Sunday.
Show Jumping
- distance (m): 600 m
- Speed (m/min): 350 m/min
- number of efforts: 12
- Number of obstacles: 10
Cross Country:
- Length (m): 2000-3000 m
- Speed (m/min): 500 m/min
- Number of efforts: 25
Before your round in each phase, the FEI Steward will be checking your horse’s tack as you warm up and their condition. In the show jumping warm up area any boot adjustment/alteration or putting on/changing boots must be done in front of the FEI Steward. Boots may be checked by the FEI Steward after your round. Please check carefully what boots are permitted under FEI Rules.
Prize Giving
Successful riders are requested to attend the prize giving in person and properly attired as a mark of appreciation and respect to the event sponsors. This usually happens about an hour after the last CCI1*-Intro horse has completed their XC round, in the Main Arena.
FEI Horse and Rider Registrations
The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) require all horses and riders to have an annual registration before they can compete at any international level. Registrations are valid from January to December and cost £48 per horse and £60 per adult rider. You will be given an FEI number which needs to be entered on your entry forms. Application forms can be downloaded on this page and need to be sent in to the BE office on info@britisheventing.com. For FEI renewals please contact 02476 698856.
Please allow enough time for your FEI registrations and renewals to be processed, especially during busy periods.
All horses applying for an FEI registration for the first time must be microchipped.
Vaccinations
All horses competing under FEI Rules are required to be vaccinated in accordance with FEI Veterinary Regulations and Rules for Eventing.
You will need to make sure that your vaccination record in your horse’s passport is up to date and complete, showing the full history including the primary course and all boosters – passports will be checked.
Entries
Entries for Blair Castle CCI1*-Intro and payments can be made online at www.britisheventing.com. Entries from foreign riders, whether UK based or not, need to be made via your national federation.
In addition to your entry fee and start fee, there is also a compulsory levy by the FEI for the Worldwide Equine & Human Anti-Doping Programme.
If you are uncertain whether you/your horse are qualified for the level that you wish to enter, please contact the Sport Team on 02476 698 860 or international@britisheventing.com to check your qualifications