Para-equestrian

Events & Disciplines

• Championship test – Individual and Team
• Freestyle test – Individual

Classification

Para-equestrian is open to athletes with a physical or vision impairment. Athletes are required to submit medical reports and meet the minimum impairment criteria in order to compete. Eligibility is determined by trained Classifiers.

For more information on Eligible Impairments and Classification please see the Para-equestrian Information Sheet (PDF – 103KB) – updated February 2023.

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 provides 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.

Medal History

Contacts

We encourage those wishing to explore Para-equestrian to contact their state federation in the first instance. The national federation link below provides information on the national high performance program leading to competing internationally and at the Paralympic Games.