Para dressage is parallel to Dressage using the same basics in training, gaits, and figures where horses and riders perform a series of compulsory movements in a test. To allow for fair competition, athletes compete according to their Classification Grade. The athlete’s mobility, strength and coordination are assessed to establish their Classification profile. Athletes with similar functional ability profiles are grouped into competition Grades ranging from Grade 1a for the most impaired to Grade IV for the least impaired. Para-Dressage is the only Paralympic equestrian sport. Like all equestrian disciplines, para-dressage is a gender neutral sport with men and women competing against each other equally.
Access all EC National Para-Dressage Tests and FEI Para-Dressage Tests here.
Programs, ranking and support for the Canadian Equestrian Team.
EC facilitates the following programs for up-and-coming young athletes to support development and talent identification.
The aim of this pilot program is to encourage participation in EC Sanctioned para dressage competitions, to highlight athletic excellence at the national level, and to enhance unity in the sport of para dressage across Canada through the creation of an inclusive opportunity for national competition.
The EC Para-Dressage Committee provides a variety of recognition programs for the para-dressage community in order to recognize outstanding athletes, owners, horses, volunteers and more. Check out the available para-dressage recognition programs!
Para-dressage athletes are classified into Grades based on functional ability in areas such as muscle power, joint range and coordination. This allows for fair competition judged on skill and not level of impairment.
The Grades for para-dressage are classified as follows as per the FEI:
Compensating (adaptive) aids can be used by athletes to compensate for physical or sensory limitation resulting from their impairment, thereby enabling them to ride a horse safely. A compensating aid is not to be used to compensate for lack of riding skill or to enhance the horse’s performance, which would be considered a training aid. The well-being of the horse is paramount in considering the use of any compensating aid.
Please reference the FEI Para Dressage Compensating Aids List and the FEI Classifiers Manual to find out what compensating aids are allowed per classification grade.
Request Form for Non-Standard Compensating Aids for EC Para- Dressage Competitions
Athletes with a physical or sensory impairment who use compensating aids and compete at EC sanctioned competitions must be listed on an EC master list that identifies which compensating aids are permitted in competition. These lists include the EC Dressage/Para-Dressage Dispensation Master List (Bronze competitions) and the EC Para-Dressage Classification Master List (Silver/Gold competitions).
It is the responsibility of each competitor and coach to ensure all compensating aids used in competition have been documented correctly on the appropriate list. EC will be responsible for maintaining the two lists to include up-to-date and strictly relevant details. The lists will be updated monthly or as required.
The EC Para-Dressage Committee is responsible for leading the strategy on programs and services for para-dressage development in Canada.