Para equestrian (para dressage)
Unlike the Olympic Games, which features three equestrian disciplines, the Paralympic programme includes dressage only. Para dressage is a sport where rider and horse become one. Riders are judged on the accuracy and quality of their riding, their horse’s behaviour at the different gaits, halts, artistic finesse, as well as other aspects of their performance.
Para dressage was originally a means of therapy – with participants benefiting from interacting with horses – and a leisure activity. The first competitions were held in the 1970s. However, it was not until the Atlanta 1996 Games that dressage was added to the Paralympic programme. All events are mixed, with all riders competing together across the five classes.
Brief overview of the rules
The para dressage competition programme includes the individual championship test, the team test set to music (in which riders perform a set routine) and the individual freestyle test (which is unique to each rider, as they choose their own routine and music). Individual freestyle is open to the top eight athletes from each class based on the results of the individual test.
Depending on their needs, riders are allowed to use special equipment, such as modified saddles, straps and spurs.
Eligible impairments
Orthopaedic impairments, paraplegia, quadriplegia, hemiplegia, cerebral palsy, degenerative neurological disorders, neurological disabilities, vision impairments.
Events in 2024
The para equestrian events will take place between the 3d of September and the 7th of September 2024.
- Individual championship grade I
- Individual championship grade II
- Individual championship grade III
- Individual championship grade IV
- Individual championship grade V
- Team championship – Open
- Individual freestyle championship grade I
- Individual freestyle championship grade II
- Individual freestyle championship grade III
- Individual freestyle championship grade IV
- Individual freestyle championship grade V
Venue in 2024
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International federation
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The pictogram
