More than 100 people per day have signed an online petition asking the leaders of the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the U.S. Eventing Association to maintain the traditional format of the three-day event or CCI. As of late afternoon on Nov. 15, 1,302 people had signed on. The petition has been online since Nov. 4.

The signatories are from at least 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and France. Approximately 56 percent are members of the USEA; approximately 37 percent are members of USEF.

The petition says:

“We believe it is not in the best interest of the sport to change to the CCI short format without first determining whether it is in the best interests of the horse and whether the traditional role of phases A,B and C in physically and mentally preparing horses for phase D can safely be removed from the CCI phase D. We, therefore, request an official investigation into the affects of the change in format on the horse with scientifically collected and analyzed data, concluding with the publication of the results of the investigation for the membership prior to sweeping changes being made to the sport.

“We believe the traditional CCI format is the apex of our sport and should be emphasized as such. As a result, we request the job description and performance evaluation of the U.S. chef d’equipe be modified to emphasize and reward team and US individual victories/placings at traditional CCI***/**** format events over victories/placings at short-format (without steeplechase) CCI***/**** events. We also request a change in the grading and award point systems. Points awarded at traditional CCI format events should count more than any short-format CCI events.

“We also request a directive be given to Foxhall CCI that ensures they are only able to retain the title of “National Championship of Eventing” if they run the traditional “with steeplechase” CCI format. Similar directive should also be given to Fair Hill International for them to retain the title of “USET Foundation Fall Championship.

“We, as participants at all levels and in all manners from volunteer to rider to judge to owner to sponsor, feel the changes made to the sport to date are not in the best interest of the sport and were taken without the consensus and without communication with the membership at large. We feel the traditional-format CCI needs to be retained for the good of the sport and the participants within the sport.”

To sign the petition, go to www.petitiononline.com/ABCDCCI/petition.html.