Equestrian

Equestrian is open to men and women with a physical or visually impaired disability. Its classification system puts riders into four grades. Grade 1 incorporates severely disabled riders with poor trunk balance and/or impairment of balance in all four limbs or no trunk balance and good upper limb function. Grade 2 incorporates riders, mainly wheelchair users or those with severe locomotive impairment involving the trunk, with reasonable balance and abdominal control or severe unilateral impairment, Grade 3 riders are mainly able to walk without support, with moderate unilateral impairment in four limbs or severe arm impairment. This group also includes athletes with a total loss of vision in both eyes. Grade 4 comprises riders with impairment in one or two limbs or some degree of visual impairment.

Para-Equestrian Dressage has been steadily developing for the past 25 years and riders with a wide variety of disabilities participate in the sport. Riders are classified by certified physiotherapists according to the level of their disability or impairment to ensure competition is fair. Classification is a process in which the rider’s physical ability is assessed resulting in a Grade between I and IV being allocated. Once the rider has been classified they can then compete in Para-Equestrian (PE) competitions against riders of the same grade.

Para-Equestrian Dressage is open to riders of any age whose disability has been classified by the RDA or FEI. PE riders can also compete in able bodied competitions using their compensating aids with a dispensation certificate, which can be applied for through British Dressage (BD).

The number of PE competitions is growing across the UK and whilst some are held at the same time as able-bodied classes, most venues run competitions with only PE classes.

There are a variety of schemes running across the UK to provide riders with training from regional to national level and BD works closely with the Riding for Disabled Association (RDA) to support riders starting out along the competition pathway.

In International competition riders compete in individual and team dressage. There is a Championship test in which competitors perform set movements, a Freestyle test which, although comprising some compulsory movements, allows the rider to ride to music and to choose much of the test programme and a team event consisting of three or four riders, at least one of whom must be a grade 1 or 2.

The team’s final score is based on the sum from the best three performances in the Team test and the Championship test. If the team comprises four riders the least successful score is excluded.

The sport is practiced in 40 countries.

For those wishing to participate in the sport the point of contact is as follows:

Amy Cullen
British Dressage Ltd
National Agricultural Centre
Stoneleigh Park
Kenilworth
Warwickshire
CV8 2RJ
Email: AmyCullen@britishdressage.co.uk
Web: www.britishdressage.co.uk

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A guide to getting started in Para-Equestrian Dressage is available upon request from Amy Cullen, Paralympic and Grading Officer, British Dressage.