HORSE NATION

Since the FEI announced last week that it was running a competition for the creation of new “pictograms” for its disciplines, Horse Nation’s Photoshop bunnies have been hard at work. But yesterday, HN’s dreams were crushed.

“They rejected our entries,” said Wylie of Horse Nation. “I don’t get it. I guess they didn’t understand our artistic vision.”

The new FEI pictograms will replace those currently in use, pictured above, which were designed for the FEI World Equestrian Games 2002 in Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.

A FEI spokesperson explained, “With all due respect, Horse Nation’s submission was the worst thing the FEI has ever seen.”

Show jumping

Dressage

“It was like a six-year-old ate a box of crayons and then threw up all over our computer screen,” the FEI spokesperson continued. “We’re looking for something a little more sophisticated.”

Eventing

Reining

Vaulting

Horse Nation’s art director could not be reached for comment.

“That’s because we don’t HAVE an art director, duh,” Wylie replied. “And personally, I thought our entries were pretty good.”

We promise you, they weren't good.

With Horse Nation out of the running, the competition is still wide open. There is no limit on the number of entries per person, and entries will be accepted through midnight on April 19.

Competition rules and entry forms can be accessed via the FEI website and its Facebook page.

“I wouldn’t try to enter it if I was you,” Wylie advised. “Those people are stuck-up crooks who couldn’t tell a Picasso from a pile of horse poo.”

In a press release, FEI President HRH Princess Haya explained, “The FEI pictograms are our visual identity. They are universally recognised symbols for our diverse range of equestrian and para-equestrian disciplines. As they are pictures rather than words, they can be understood by everyone anywhere in the world.

“As our sport continues to expand rapidly, we need to refresh these symbols so that they truly epitomise our disciplines and appeal to our increasingly wide international audiences.

“We are excited to be reaching out to our huge equestrian community as well as welcoming newcomers to our sport to help us create this exciting and new symbolic identity.”

The winning designer, whose submission will inspire the FEI’s brand new pictograms, will receive a prize package including two VIP tickets to a top local FEI event, the latest iPad and an annual subscription to FEI TV, the FEI’s official video platform.

Two runners-up will also receive annual subscriptions to FEI TV and all entries will be featured in a dedicated gallery on FEI Facebook. The new pictograms, inspired by the winning entry and refined by an international design agency, will be used by the FEI, its 132 National Federations and organisers of global FEI competitions.

“I really wanted that iPad,” said Wylie. “Maybe next time.”

Originally published March 12, 2012.