Concours Complet International

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Narrow, challenging terrain obstacles characterize international diversity today - here in 2009 with a CCI 4 * (new: CCI 5 * -L)

The Concours Complet International (CCI) is an evaluation for tests in the eventing discipline defined by the World Equestrian Federation FEI .

Types of exams

There are two different types of tests for international versatility tests: long tests and short tests. Until the end of 2018, short exams were called Concours International Combiné (CIC), and since then they have been known as CCI-S in accordance with the English name Short Format . A Concours Complet International (CCI), on the other hand, only meant long exams up to the end of 2018. These are now abbreviated as CCI-L according to their English name Long Format .

The original difference between the two formats was that long tests in the field comprised the four phases A, B, C and D, the short tests only included phase D (A = short distance, B = obstacle race, C = long distance, D = cross country  ride ) . Since 2004, both formats have only included the D phase. The differences are that the CCI-L format has more obstacles than the CCI-S format and that in long competitions the jumping competition must be the last sub-test. In both formats, the dressage test must be at the beginning of the test.

All competitions recognized by the FEI are rated with a different number of stars depending on their difficulty. For long exams, five stars (CCI 5 * -L) represent the highest level, for short exams four stars (CCI 4 * -S) are the maximum. As part of the changeover to the new system on January 1, 2019, a new international entry-level exam class was introduced, which is called the CCI1 * -Intro and in which no distinction is made between short and long exams. The designation of the other examination levels was increased by a factor of one. Examples:

Designation until 2018 Designation from 2019
CCI 1 * CCI 2 * -L
CIC 3 * CCI 4 * -S
CCI 4 * CCI 5 * -L

There are also numerous competitions at national level. These are not recognized by the FEI, the rules of a national federation usually apply. In Germany, these are divided into classes E, A, L (roughly equivalent to an international 2 * exam), M (roughly equivalent to an international 3 * exam) and S (roughly equivalent to an international 4 * exam) depending on the level of difficulty .

FEI categories for riders

On January 1, 2013, the FEI introduced a new category system for eventing riders, which replaced the previous requirement to participate in international eventing tests. For safety reasons, the focus was more on the experience of the riders. This gave riders experienced at the highest level with new horses easier access to more demanding tests, while riders with less experience have to show more successes with a horse before they can start in more difficult tests.

The system provides the following athletes categories :

category conditions
A. MER fulfilled 15 times in 4 * exams (or higher), five of them in 5 * exams
B. MER fulfilled 15 times in 4 * exams (or higher) or MER fulfilled five times in 5 * exams
C. MER fulfilled 15 times in 3 * exams (or higher) or MER five times fulfilled in 4 * exams (or higher)
D. MER fulfilled 15 times in 2 * exams (or higher) or MER five times fulfilled in 3 * exams (or higher)
uncategorized Riders who do not meet the requirements of category D.

A MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement, German: Minimum requirement for the right to participate) is met if the following conditions are met:

  • Partial dressage test: result of 55 percent or higher
  • Partial test terrain: faultless cross-country ride. Notwithstanding this, the MER is still fulfilled if the device of a throwable obstacle has been activated at most once. The ride must not exceed the ideal time of the off-road course by more than 75 seconds (2 * to 4 * level) or 100 seconds (5 * level).
  • Jumping sub-test: No more than 16 minus points on obstacles (timing errors therefore have no effect here).

Long exams (CCI-L)

Long tests are held according to the FEI regulations for eventing, including veterinary regulations. They each last three days (if the dressage is divided into two days: four days).

CCI 5 * -L

The highest level is intended for horses and riders who have a lot of experience and have been internationally successful. Five-star competitions are exclusively the following six annual tests: Badminton Horse Trials (Great Britain), Burghley Horse Trials (Great Britain), Kentucky Three-Day Event (USA), Australian International Three Day Event (Australia), the Luhmühlen Eventing ( Germany) and the Étoiles de Pau (France).

  • Riders must be at least 18 years old, horses at least eight years
  • Participation requirement: Uncategorized riders and riders in categories C and D must have fulfilled the MER for at least two CCI 4 * -L and two CCI 4 * -S. For category B tabs, MER is required for one CCI 4 * -L and for three CCI 4 * -S. Category A riders must have fulfilled the MER for a CCI 4 * -L together with their horse.
  • Partial dressage test: duration approx. 5 minutes
  • The terrain ride has 40 to 45 obstacles. When it comes to cross-country riding, the term “obstacle” encompasses both individual jumps in terrain and complexes of obstacles from several jumps in terrain. The 6270 to 6840 meter long route is designed for an average speed of 570 m / min (total riding time 11 to 12 minutes).
  • Show jumping consists of a maximum of 16 obstacles with 11 to 13 jumps (consequently a double and a triple combination or three double combinations). The 600 meter long route is designed for an average speed of 375 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.30 meters.

International championships

Until the 2016 Olympic Games , the Olympic Versatility and the World Championships were held as a competition in the highest category (old: CCI 4 *). Since in many nations no riders fulfilled the necessary qualifications for this very highest level of testing, the requirements for the 2020 Olympic Games were lowered in 2017. Under the premise of "more flags" (more participating nations) only the following requirements have to be met:

  • Riders must be at least 18 years old, horses at least eight years
  • shorter dressage test (3 ½ minutes, every other international eventing test is at least 4 minutes long)
  • The terrain ride has 38 to 42 obstacles. The 5600 to 5800 meter long route (up to one kilometer shorter than a CCI 5 * -L) is designed for an average speed of 570 m / min (total riding time 9:50 to 10:10 minutes).
  • The jumping test is identical to a CCI 5 * -L: a maximum of 16 obstacles with 11 to 13 jumps. The 600 meter long route is designed for an average speed of 375 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.30 meters.

CCI 4 * -L

Advanced level for horses with international experience

  • Riders must be at least 18 years old, horses at least seven years
  • Participation requirement: Uncategorized riders and riders in categories C and D must have fulfilled the MER for at least a CCI 3 * -L and a CCI 4 * -S. For riders of category A and B, the horse must have fulfilled the MER for a CCI 3 * -L.
  • Partial dressage test: duration approx. 5 minutes
  • Cross-country ride with 35 to 40 obstacles on a distance of 5700 to 6270 meters, ridden at an average of 570 m / min (riding time 10 to 11 minutes)
  • Show jumping with 15 obstacles with 11 to 12 jumps on a course length of 600 meters, ridden at an average of 375 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.25 meters.

CCI 3 * -L

Average level for horses and riders with some experience in three-day eventing competitions, but little experience in international events

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old, horses at least six years
  • Requirements for participation: Uncategorized riders must have fulfilled the MER for at least two CCI 3 * -S (or one CCI 3 * -S and one CCI 2 * -L). In the case of tabs in category D, MER is only required for either a CCI 3 * -S or a CCI 2 * -L. The same applies to the horses of riders in category A, B and C.
  • Partial dressage test: duration approx. 5 minutes
  • Cross-country ride with 30 to 35 obstacles on a distance of 4400 to 5500 meters, ridden at an average of 550 m / min (riding time 8 to 10 minutes)
  • Show jumping with 14 obstacles with 10 to 11 jumps on a course length of 600 meters, ridden at an average of 350 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.20 meters.

CCI 2 * -L

Beginner level, intended as an introduction to international three-day competitions

  • Riders must be at least 14 years old, horses at least six years
  • Partial dressage test: duration 4 to 4 ½ minutes
  • Cross-country ride with 25 to 30 obstacles on a distance of 3640 to 4680 meters, ridden at an average of 520 m / min (riding time 7 to 9 minutes)
  • Show jumping with 13 obstacles with 10 to 11 jumps over a distance of 600 meters, ridden at an average of 350 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.15 meters.

CCIO-L

A CCIO (Concours Complet International Officiel) is a CCI long test, in which, in addition to the individual evaluation of the individual participants, there must also be a team evaluation of the participating nations. Their difficulty is rated the same as with a CCI-L with two to five stars, but no CCIO 5 * -L tournaments are actually held. Each country is only allowed to host one CCIO (CCIO-L or CCIO-S). Most of the CCIO tournaments are part of the FEI Nations Cup series that has been held since 2012 .

The international and continental championships in eventing are also held as CCIO. The European Championships are CCIO 4 * -L.

Short exams (CCI-S)

The short tests can take place on one, two or three days and are internationally advertised according to the FEI regulations.

CCI 4 * -S

Short exam, advanced level for riders and horses with international experience

  • Riders must be at least 18 years old, horses at least seven years
  • Prerequisite for participation: Uncategorized riders as well as riders of category C and D must have fulfilled the MER for at least two CCI 3 * -S. For riders in category A and B, the horse must have fulfilled the MER for at least a CCI 3 * -S.
  • Partial dressage test: duration 5 minutes
  • Cross-country ride over a distance of 3420 to 3990 meters with 30 to 35 obstacles, at an average speed of 570 m / min (riding time 6 to 7 minutes).
  • Jumping competition with 15 obstacles with 11 to 12 jumps, track length 600 meters, ridden at an average of 375 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.25 meters.

CCI 3 * -S

Short test, average level for horses and riders with some experience in three-day eventing competitions, but little experience in international events

  • Riders must be at least 16 years old, horses at least six years
  • Participation requirement: Uncategorized riders must have fulfilled the MER for at least a CCI 2 * -S.
  • Partial dressage test: duration 5 minutes
  • Cross-country ride on a distance of 3025 to 3575 meters with 27 to 32 obstacles, at an average speed of 550 m / min (riding time 5:30 to 6:30 minutes).
  • Jumping competition with 14 obstacles with 10 to 11 jumps, track length 600 meters, ridden at an average of 350 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.20 meters.

CCI 2 * -S

Short exam, beginner level, which is intended as an introduction to international three-day competitions

  • Riders must be at least 14 years old, horses at least six years
  • Partial dressage test: duration 4 to 4 ½ minutes
  • Cross-country ride over a distance of 2600 to 3120 meters with 25 to 30 obstacles, at an average speed of 520 m / min (riding time 5 to 6 minutes).
  • Jumping competition with 13 obstacles with 10 to 11 jumps, track length 600 meters, ridden at an average of 350 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.15 meters.

CCIO-S

A CCIO-S (until 2018: Concours International Complet Officiel, CICO for short) is a short CCI test in which, in addition to the individual evaluation of the individual participants, there must also be a team evaluation of the participating nations. Their difficulty is rated with two to four stars. Since it is possible with CCIO-S Nations Cups, as with all short tests, the terrain test to be carried out as the last partial test, this form of tender is also used at CHIO Aachen .

Introductory Level (CCI 1 * -Intro)

International exams at the so-called Introductory Level were introduced at the beginning of 2018. In 2018 they were called "CCI Introductory", since January 2019 they have been listed under the abbreviation CCI 1 * -Intro. They are intended to facilitate entry into international eventing. In terms of their requirements, these correspond to a class A versatility according to the national German system.

At the Introductory Level, no distinction is made between long and short exams. The following requirements are made for a CCI 1 * intro:

  • Horses must be at least six years old
  • Partial dressage test: 4 ½ minutes
  • Cross-country ride with a distance of 2000 to 3000 meters with 20 to 25 obstacles, at an average speed of 500 m / min (riding time 4 to 6 minutes).
  • Jumping competition with 12 obstacles with 10 to 11 jumps, track length 600 meters, ridden at an average of 350 m / min. Obstacle height up to 1.10 meters.

Indoor versatility (CIX arena)

Indoor Cross Country at the CHI Geneva 2014: Overcoming a brush

As nationally advertised exams, indoor versatility already has a certain tradition, for example since 2002 at the Stuttgart German Masters . According to the regulations, these are jumping competitions over terrain obstacles as part of indoor riding tournaments.

At the beginning of 2017, the FEI also created the opportunity to advertise indoor versatility internationally. The rules of the international competitions are based on the national indoor versatility: Here, too, there are no dressage and no jumping sub-tests, the terrain obstacles are adapted to the special conditions of a competition on a limited arena area. The following requirements are made for this indoor versatility:

  • Participation only by experienced eventing riders (FEI categories A, B and C)
  • Terrain obstacles at most on the level of 3 * versatility
  • Speed ​​specification adapted to the size of the riding arena
  • Announcement: test with ideal time (rider-horse pair, which comes closest to the ideal time without errors, wins the test) or error-time test. For safety reasons, an indoor event after mistakes and time may only be carried out over throwable obstacles and hedges.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ New FEI qualification procedure: riders are divided into categories according to their success , press release from the German Equestrian Association from 2013
  2. ↑ Eventing Rules, 25th Edition, effective 1st January 2019 , Chapter 5 - Technical Requirements for Participation
  3. ↑ Wait a minute! On the new FEI rules in eventing , column by Gabriele Pochhammer / St. Georg, December 4, 2018
  4. ↑ a b 2017 FEI Eventing rule changes , an-eventful-life.com.au, December 2016
  5. ↑ European Eventing Championships Luhmühlen 2019 in the FEI tournament calendar
  6. ↑ More Proposed FEI Rule Changes for 2019 You Need to Know , Jenni Autry / eventingnation.com, July 13, 2018
  7. ↑ From 2019: Five stars in the "Busch" , Uta Helkenberg / German Equestrian Association, September 6, 2018
  8. ↑ Eventing Rules, 25th Edition, effective 1st January 2019 , Annex A to Annex C
  9. ↑ Eventing Rules, 25th Edition, effective 1st January 2019, Annex I - Indoor / Arena Cross Country Rules