Para-Equestrian Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games, where it has been a regular fixture since 1996. With the idea of creating opportunities for all people with disabilities to compete and achieve their goals in equestrian sport, athletes are classified according to the level of their disability/impairment so as to provide for meaningful competition.
Whilst some of the riders start off in the RDA there is a difference between Para and RDA, for further information on the RDA please use this link RDA
In Dressage rider and horse perform a series of set movements in a marked arena they are judged and marked on the same principles as ablebodied, There are three classes in which PE riders can compete: • individual – riding a set test • Freestyle – riding an individually choreographed performance which includes set movements to music. • team - nations compete against each other using their best 3 riders. The tests ridden vary according to the rider’s PE Grade and that is determined by the significance of their physical or visual impairment.
Para dressage Classification Process Para Dressage riders are like any other world-class athlete. They are determined and committed to their sport, and may have to overcome enormous physical and mental obstacles to compete against the best in their field both disabled and able bodied.
Para Equestrians have many different types of impairments or disabilities. Fair competition requires that people with similar levels of impairment compete against each other and ride tests suited to their level of impairment. .
There are four Grades, each with its own group of physical and visual functional profiles. The competitor’s mobility, strength , coordination or eyesight are assessed by an FEI PE Classifier in order to establish their functional profile. This process is known as PE Classification. People with profiles of similar functional ability level are grouped into four competition PR Grades: Grade Ia and 1b - Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and/or impairment of function in all four limbs or no trunk balance and good upper limb function. Grade II - Mainly wheelchair users or those with severe physical disability involving the trunk and with mild to good upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment. Grade III - Mainly able to walk without support, with moderate unilateral impairment, moderate impairment in four limbs or severe arm impairment. May require a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes. Grade IV - Impairment in one or two limbs or some degree of visual impairment.
When necessary, riders can use compensating aids approved by FEI PE, such as a special saddle, adapted reins, elastic bands, two whips etc. These can be used when they compete in both able bodied and Para Equestrian events. The competition test for each Grade is compatible with the functional ability of people with the same potential. Grade Ia: Walk only Grade Ib: Walk and some trot Grade II: Walk and more complicated trot pattern; canter in freestyle Grade III: Walk, trot and canter Grade IV: Walk, trot, canter including lateral work and medium paces
l have been involved with training Emma and Gentle since June '07 and they are on the World Class Performance Squad,*
l am also the Para coach for the British Equestrian Federation South East and Londons Regional Squad Foundation.
*What is the World Class Development (Start & Potential) The World Class Development programme is lottery funded through UK Sport and is designed to support talent identification and nurturing of that talent. It underpins the World Class Performance Programme which supports elite preparation and performance at senior international levels.
Emma attends squad training sessions during which the riders have reviews meetings with various experts in order to assist the riders with their preparation, from saddle fitting, to nutrition and talks with the psychologist
Emma and Erin Orford took part in 'The Magic of the Horse' with their horses, l took the decision not to tell the audience of the girls abilities because the show was all about the horses and the different work they do. The girls brought the house down with their performance.
Para-Equestrian Dressage is the only Equestrian discipline that is included in the Paralympic Games, where it has been a regular fixture since 1996. With the idea of creating opportunities for all people with disabilities to compete and achieve their goals in equestrian sport, athletes are classified according to the level of their disability/impairment so as to provide for meaningful competition. 
In Dressage rider and horse perform a series of set movements in a marked arena they are judged and marked on the same principles as ablebodied, There are three classes in which PE riders can compete: 
There are four Grades, each with its own group of physical and visual functional profiles. The competitor’s mobility, strength , coordination or eyesight are assessed by an FEI PE Classifier in order to establish their functional profile. This process is known as PE Classification.
When necessary, riders can use compensating aids approved by FEI PE, such as a special saddle, adapted reins, elastic bands, two whips etc. These can be used when they compete in both able bodied and Para Equestrian events.
Emma and Erin Orford took part in 'The Magic of the Horse' with their horses, l took the decision not to tell the audience of the girls abilities because the show was all about the horses and the different work they do. The girls brought the house down with their performance. 
