Paralympic Equestrian

Sport Summary:

Although used for many years for rehabilitation and recreation, Equestrian as a sport was included in the program of the Paralympic Games for the first time in Atlanta in 1996.

Equestrian is a multi-disability sport, open to athletes with a physical disability or a visual impairment.

Events are mixed and grouped according to their functional profiles.

Riders compete in two Dressage events;

a Championship Test of set movements and
a Freestyle Test to music.

There is also a Team Test for three to four riders per team.

Competitors are judged on their display of horsemanship skills as they ride their horse using a series of commands for walk, trot and canter.

Riders may use permitted assistive devices such as dressage crops, a connecting rein bar, rubber bands or other aids.

Since 2006, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is the governing body.

Paralympic Events to be contested at Beijing 2008:

Championship test – Individual and Team.
Freestyle test – Individual.

Click here to view the nomination criteria for the 2008 Paralympic Team in pdf.

Rules & Equipment:

Rider's Clothing:

The rider's basic items of clothing include a riding hat of international safety standard, breeches or jodhpurs, riding boots or stout riding shoes with heels and a short, dark-coloured jacket. Both male and female riders wear a shirt, a stock (hunting tie) and gloves - if possible. Spurs are optional.

Saddle:

The saddle was designed to help the rider maintain balance while sitting on the horse. Saddle types vary for different Equestrian activities.

There is an inner saddletree, which is made of steel, glass fibre or wood and the external part of the saddle is usually made of leather.

Padding is used between the inner and the external parts of the saddle.

It is very important that the saddle fits the horse and the rider.

Riders may not be tied to the saddle and there must be at least 3cm between any means of support and the rider's trunk.

Bridle and Bit:

The bridle and bit provide a means of contact and communication between horse and rider. Grade I and II athletes use a snaffle bit, while Grade III and IV athletes may use either a snaffle or a double bridle.

Compensating Aids:

Riders have an IPEC/FEI ID card, which state their grade and the compensating aids that they may use, such as a whip instead of a leg, ladder reins, elastic bands, special stirrups, etc.

A small amount of velcro may be used. Any compensating aid used must allow the rider to fall free of the horse if necessary.

Classification:

Grade I:

Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and/or impairment of function in all four limbs or no trunk balance and good upper limb function.

Grade II:

Mainly wheelchair users or those with severe locomotors impairment involving the trunk and with mild to good upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment.

Grade III:

Mainly able to walk without support, with moderate unilateral impairment, moderate impairment in four limbs or severe arm impairment. May require a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Athletes have total loss of sight in both eyes.

Grade IV:

Impairment in one or two limbs or some degree of visual impairment.

Click here for a more detailed explanation of Paralympic Equestrian classification.