Wellington, FL – December 6, 2011 – The College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) is pleased to announce that the official course designer for their 2012 event is Pierre Jolicoeur. Jolicoeur is a FEI -level internationally recognized course designer, and the CPI is thrilled to have his services at their event. The 2012 College Preparatory Invitational will be held January 13-15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Along with course designing, Jolicoeur is known as an Olympic-level jumper trainer and the maker of PJ Saddles. Jolicoeur graduated first in his class from the National School of Equitation in 1969. Since 1971, when Jolicoeur opened the doors of Robespierre Stables in Hudson, Quebec, Canada, he has steadily built a sound reputation as an international jumper trainer, course designer and saddle designer.  After well over 25 years of experience, this three-time Olympic trainer, three-time Pan-American Games trainer has coached his riders to four medals. His PJ Saddles are made using carefully selected fine leather, providing exceptional longevity and an ideal link with the horse.

Jolicoeur explained that he is looking forward to being a part of the CPI and contributing to helping young riders improve. “I think I’ll enjoy it; I like to do events like this for the younger generation,” he said.

He said of his course designing, “The first thing for course designing is to get information and read the specs closely. Most important is to study and ask coaches what to expect for the students. I don’t want to be too hard, but don’t want to give it away. I want to make sure the best riders are on top. Our job is three things: first is safety, second is education, third is fun. The perfect course is when those three things happen.”


Pierre Jolicoeur with wife Martha and daughter Isabel

Jolicoeur also has a connection to intercollegiate riding, as his daughter Isabel showed for the University of Georgia team. “I started getting involved when my daughter was going to UGA. I went there to see her compete and said they needed more. With my new line of saddles, I started sponsoring college events. I’m really happy to do something more with the CPI.  It’s very special to be able to help the younger generation to back up the pros.”

CPI Welcomes Guest Speaker Dr. Janice Lima-Maribona, Board Certified Dermatologist

The CPI program strives to address the rider’s well being as well as athleticism and education, establishing foundations for a healthy equestrian future. Last year CPI had a presentation on the five top exercises for equestrians. This year, a special guest speaker will present on the importance of skin health and the harmful effects of the sun.

Dr. Janice Lima-Maribona, a board certified dermatologist, will review the science behind sun damage and the way that the sun affects the skin. Dr. Lima-Maribona will review the most common skin cancers and what they look like and will discuss the treatments available, both surgical and non-surgical, for the different types of cancers. The presentation will conclude with some basic rules as to sun avoidance, SPF value (what it means and how to apply SPF appropriately) as well as prevention and how to perform a full body skin exam. The riders will be provided with sunscreen samples as well as a magazine copy and brochures on how to examine their bodies.

Dr. Lima-Maribona is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology and currently works in private practice at Bay Pointe Dermatology and Cosmetic Center in Coral Gables, FL.  Known as one of the most accomplished and respected cosmetic rejuvenation physicians practicing in the Miami area, Dr. Lima-Maribona lectures extensively on various dermatologic and cosmetic topics.  She is frequently invited to appear on Miami area news broadcasts as an expert speaker in their medical and health-beat segments.

Dr. Lima-Maribona was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She graduated pre-med from Barry University in Miami and then attended Nova Southeastern University, graduating with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.). After completing a three year Family Medicine residency and a three year Dermatology residency, Dr. Lima-Maribona practiced in the Tampa Bay area for one year, then came to Miami Children’s Hospital and was an associate in the dermatology department for four years. She has been in solo practice since 2005.




Dr. Janice Lima-Maribona

As part of her practice, Dr. Lima-Maribona is a speaker for multiple pharmaceutical companies as well as cosmeceutical and laser companies. She is currently the expert/spokesperson for the Hispanic market for Unilever and Dove for many of their skin brands. She speaks monthly at different radio stations and has made appearances in Univision, NBC, Venevision, NYC-one news and others in Los Angeles.

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available for the CPI

The College Preparatory Horse Show is looking to help the equestrian sport grow and achieve the same recognition as all other traditionally recognized college sports. It is with the help of sponsorships from individuals and private companies that the CPI Horse Show will grow to help riders find the college program that suits their educational and equestrian needs.

There are still sponsorship opportunities available. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Connie Sawyer at (518) 461-6288 or email sawyer.equestrianevents@gmail.com.

The mission of the CPI is to prepare and educate student riders in grades 8 – 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.

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 of colleges and universities present at the CPI to distribute literature and introduce the academic and riding opportunities, including scholarships, offered at their institution.

For more information on the 2012 College Preparatory Invitational, to find out more about scholarship opportunities, or to give your financial support to the program, please visit www.collegeprepinviational.com for more information.

The College Preparatory Invitational is held during the prestigious 2012 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. The management company of the FTI WEF, Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), joined forces with the CPI to host the unique event, aimed at both young college-bound equestrians and their families.



Please visit the CPI horse show’s website at www.collegeprepinvitational.com or find them on Facebook for more information about the event, venue, scholarships and much more.

Photo Credit: Pierre, Martha, and Isabel Jolicoeur. Photo © Jennifer Wood Media, Inc. Dr. Janice  Lima-Marbona. These photos may only be used in relation to this press release and with proper credit.