about Para equestrian

Para equestrian features the Para dressage discipline. Athletes can compete in dressage events, a championship test of set movements and a freestyle test where they can choose both the routine and their music. A team test event involves three to four members.

Athletes are permitted to use devices such as dressage crops, connecting rein bars, rubber bands and the use of voice to help reinforce communication with their horse.

Para equestrian dressage is conducted under the same basic rules as non-disabled dressage, but with riders divided into different competition grades based on their functional abilities. Para equestrian driving also operates under the same basic rules as combined driving but places competitors in various grades.

The five grades, or classifications, indicate the different impacts of impairment on an athlete’s ability to ride. Competition within the same class includes all genders and it may include athletes with different types of impairments.

Each rider performs a test, and there are three tests in a competition. The team and individual tests see riders carry out a prescribed series of movements, while in the freestyle event riders can choreograph their own routines, incorporating a set number of ‘must have’ movements. Grade I riders perform their tests at walk pace. Grade II riders can walk and trot, while grades III and above can walk, trot and canter (although grade III can canter only in the freestyle).

The competition within each grade is judged on the accuracy, quality, and artistic expression of their riding, regardless of the athlete’s impairment.

The sport is governed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

Para equestrian History

Para equestrian was originally a means of therapy with participants benefiting from interacting with horses and considered a leisure activity with the first competitions being held in the 1970s.

Para equestrian competition made its debut at the Stoke Mandeville & New York 1984 Paralympic Games and consisted of 12 medal events with competition held in Texas. There were 15 competitors representing six nations.

The sport did not make an appearance in any subsequent Paralympic Games until Atlanta 1996 when Para equestrian became part of the regular sports programme. Today, all events are mixed events with both men and women competing together across five classes.

To date, 19 nations have won medals in Para equestrian competition at Paralympic Games.

DID YOU KNOW?

At 69 years and 65 days, Heidemarie Dresing (GER) was the oldest Para athlete to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She won a bronze medal in the Para dressage freestyle grade II category.