Edwina Tops-Alexander and Lintea Tequila in action at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

© Eric Knoll

By Equestrian Life

Just as dressage and eventing have their confusing acronyms, so does showjumping. Here, we take a look at the different abbreviations and explain what each of them mean…

CSI

CSI stands for Concours de Saut International. CSI competitions are run under international FEI rules.

The star system:

Speed and height vary between competitions and the FEI have specific guidelines regarding eligibility at CSI3*, 4* and 5* shows.

CSI*****: Prize money 500,000+ CHF, (equivalent to approx. AUD $660,000). Horses must be at least 7 years old.

CSI****: Prize money from 250,000 to 499,999 CHF (equivalent to approx. AUD $330,000-$660,000). Horses must be at least 7 years old.

CSI***: Prize money 100,000 to 249,999 CHF (equivalent to approx. AUD $130,000-$330,000). Horses must be at least 7 years old.

CSI**: Prize money 50,000 to 99,999 CHF (equivalent to approx. AUD $66,000-$130,000). Max. height 1.45m. Horses at least 6 years old.

CSI*: Prize money 49,999 CHF or lower (equivalent to approx. AUD $66,000 or less). Max height: 1.40m. Horses at least 6 years old.

Grand Prix:

Grand Prix is the highest level of showjumping (the ‘pinnacle event’ at a competition). Run under International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) rules, the horse jumps a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights up to 1.6 metres (5’3”) and spreads of up to 2.0 metres (6’7”). Grand Prix-level showjumping competitions include the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games, and other series of internationally ranked events.

CHIO: Official International Competition including a Nations Cup competition with more than one equestrian discipline (CHIO Aachen, CHIO Rotterdam etc.) - no more official designation.

CSIO: Official International Competition including a Nations Cup competition.

CSI-W: International show jumping event with a Show Jumping World Cup competition.

CSIP/CSICh/CSIJ/CSIY/CSIU25/CSIV: Competitions for Pony riders (12–16 years old on ponies, Children (12–14 on horses), Juniors (14–18), Young Riders (16-21), Under 25 (16-25), and Veterans (Women 45 or older, Men 49 or older).

CSIAm/CSIL/CSIYH: Competitions for Amateurs, competitions only for Ladies, and competitions for young show jumping horses.

Matt Williams and Valinski S in action at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

© Eric Knoll

READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE