Para Equestrian

Para Equestrian was first included in the Paralympic Games in Atlanta in 1996. Athletes with a physical impairment or visual impairment compete in Para Equestrian.

Individual riders compete in two Dressage events; a Championship Test of set movements and a Freestyle Test to music. The Team Test is an event for teams of three to four riders per team. Competitors are judged on their horsemanship skills as they ride using a series of commands for walk, trot and canter. Riders may use assistive devices such as dressage crops, a connecting rein bar, rubber bands or other aids that may assist them to compete.

For more information on Para Equestrian Eligibility and How to Get Involved please see the Para Equestrian Information Sheet (PDF – 111KB) – updated May 2024.

Medal History

2024Paris
000
0
2020Tokyo
000
0
2016Rio de Janeiro
000
0
2012London
100
1
2008Beijing
002
2
2004Athens
011
2
2000Sydney
202
4

Events and 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 August 2024

Rules and 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.

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.

National Federation
	Organisation	Website
	Equestrian Australia	equestrian.org.au
State Federations
State	Organisation	Website
NSW	Equestrian NSW	nsw.equestrian.org.au
NT	Equestrian NT	nt.equestrian.org.au
QLD	Equestrian QLD	qld.equestrian.org.au
SA	Equestrian SA	sa.equestrian.org.au
TAS	Equestrian TAS	tas.equestrian.org.au
VIC	Equestrian VIC	vic.equestrian.org.au
WA	Equestrian WA	wa.equestrian.org.au