To give you a sneak peek into the life of a Classifier, we stopped by the EC Classifiers Seminar, held Nov. 2-3, 2019, at the Ontario Equestrian offices in Richmond Hill, ON. The purpose of the Seminar was to update the skills of EC National Para-Equestrian Classifiers.
The sessions were be led by Ontario’s Sue Foell, who is an EC Classifier and FEI Level 1 Classifier, as well as an EC certified Dressage Senior Steward and Para-Dressage Steward. She has 38 years’ experience as a certified physiotherapist and has been involved in equestrian sport for over 45 years.
Sue Foell led the EC Classifiers Seminar held Nov. 2-3, 2019, at the Ontario Equestrian offices in Richmond Hill, ON.
Photo Credit: ©EC/Jamie-Ann Goodfellow
“Sue’s experience at the FEI level is a huge asset when it comes to seminars like this, where we are trying to improve our national system,” said Mireille Bilodeau of Gatineau, QC, who became a Classifier in February 2018. “It also opens doors for us to take the steps to get certified and eventually become an FEI classifier.”
The Seminar offered a review and discussion of rules, regulations and procedures. Robyn Allen of Thornbury, ON, who has been a Classifier since March 2018, commented, “By spending time learning about and discussing updates from both our national and international levels, we are able to truly work as a team as we continuously try to improve the classifying process for para riders across our country.”
L to R: Robyn Allen, Mireille Bilodeau, Taylor Campbell, Sue Foell
Photo Credit: ©EC/Jamie-Ann Goodfellow
EC Dressage Senior Steward, Scott Foell, was also on-hand to explain the steward’s role at competitions. Mireille said, “It was great to have a steward come in and give us his perspective on the rules, his personal experience at shows, as well as on his role and ours. It was a great platform for discussion with a vision to improve and fine tune our system.”
In addition to para-dressage, the classification of para-driving athletes was also presented and discussed. Robyn added, “It was exciting to learn more about para-driving, its popularity around the world and our role as classifier with this discipline.”
After the conclusion of the Seminar, several National Classifiers expressed interest in progressing to FEI Classifier status – an incredibly important and much needed step for Canada’s ability to continue supporting its para-dressage athletes at the FEI level.
EC would like to thank the Canadian Paralympic Committee for its support of the 2019 EC Classifiers Seminar.
About EC National Classifiers
An EC National Classifier is a person authorized by EC to conduct evaluations for athletes who are ready to compete at EC Silver and Gold competitions. A classifier assesses athletes in accordance with the methods and standards of the Fédération Équestre International (FEI), as outlined in the FEI Classification Manual.
Becoming a classifier is an opportunity to give back to the community, enhance the life of a person with a physical or visual impairment, and grow both professionally and personally. EC National Classifiers play an integral role in an athlete’s journey from grassroots to representing Canada at the international level. By providing assessment, classifiers are essential in supporting athletes and their coaches by helping them to identify and use the compensating (adaptive) aids that are best suited to their needs. EC National Classifiers have the opportunity to become International Classifiers, who are invited to competitions all around the world, including the FEI World Equestrian Games.
For more information on para-dressage classification, visit www.equestrian.ca/sport/para-dressage/programs. Those interested in becoming an EC National Classifier are encouraged to contact Para-Dressage Coordinator, Jamie-Ann Goodfellow by email at jgoodfellow@equestrian.ca or by phone at 1-866-282-8395 x 146.
EC National Classifiers provide an invaluable and essential service to the sport of para-dressage. Interested in becoming one? Get in touch today!
Photo Credit: ©EC/Jamie-Ann Goodfellow