What is a Para-Equestrian?

A para-equestrian is a rider with a classifiable physical disability. These disabilities include riders with amputations, Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord or brain injury, and visual impairment to name a few. Some para-equestrians come to the sport from a therapeutic riding program, while others may have been able-bodied riders who suffered a serious injury. But no matter where the athletes start, they are all in pursuit of excellence in their riding. 

It is important to note that the "Para" in para-equestrian means parallel to the able-bodied equestrian sport. Many para-equestrians hold their own in completion with able-bodied riders. But few opportunities exist for more severely disabled riders to compete in a serious focused environment. The USPEA ‘s vision is to provide leadership for athletes with physical disabilities, while promoting the pursuit of excellence based on fair, safe competition for the horse as well as the rider.

What is the United States Para-Equestrian Association?

The United States Para-Equestrian Association's (USPEA) mission is " To Develop, Promote, Support, and Sustain the USA Para Equestrian Athletes for Regional, National, and International Competition."

On January 1, 2006, the regulation of Para-Equestrians sports was taken over by the FEI, or Federation Equestrian International. This shift made the FEI the first International Federation to govern a sport for both the able-bodied and the disabled. This paved the way for the inclusion of Para-Equestrian Dressage competitions in the 2010 World Equestrian Games .

How are Paralympics different from the Special Olympics?

Both the Paralympics and Special Olympics are recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Both offer participants with disabilities an opportunity to participate in safe athletic competition. Paralympics are for athletes with physical and/or visual impairments. Special Olympics are for athletes with intellectual imparements.

Athletes who participate in the Paralympics are required to fulfill very specific criteria and qualifying standards in order to compete. These standards are determined by the IPC Sports chairperson, Sports Technical Delegates, and international sports organizations. Because of this stringent qualification process, only the best or most highly qualified athletes may compete at the Paralympics games. Para-Equestrians who participate in the Paralympics are considered among some of the most elite equestrians in the world despite their disabilities. 

On the other hand Special Olympians have intellectual disabilities and train and compete in 30 Olympic-type sports. Participants are entered into these sports based on their personal ability as opposed to qualifying scores and competitions. Individuals are encouraged to participate in like divisions to fulfill their own personal potential. 

The hisory of the Paralympics

Sir Ludwig Guttman is considered the “father” of sports for people with disabilities. While working with ex-servicemen at a Veteran’s hospital following WW II, Guttman realized the need for competitions among these survivors. In 1948 he staged the first International wheelchair Games to coincide with the 1948 London Olympic Games. This event grew and grew, and in 1960 the first Paralympics games were held in Rome, Italy. Since 1980 the Paralympics games have been conducted in the same venue as the Olympics, and run immediately following the Olympic closing ceremony. Dressage competitions for riders with disabilities began in Scandinavia and Great Britain in the 1970’s. In 1996 in Atlanta Georgia, Para- dressage became the first USPEA recognized sport to be included in the Paralympics games.

Para-Equestrian Classifications

 
Before a Para Equestrians can be eligible to compete at a national or international event, he or she must be classified. Classification is carried out either by an I.P.E.C or NDSA accredited physical therapist or medical doctor who has knowledge and training in the FEI Profile system. Visually impaired or blind riders must also have a further assessment by an ophthalmologist, or Optical doctor.

The competitor’s mobility, strength, and coordination are assessed and people with profiles of similar functional ability levels are grouped into five grades for Dressage and two for driving. These grades range from least impaired at grade IV to most severely impaired at grade Ia. Classification allows competitors to be judged on their functional skills not on level of disability. 

Grading System
Grade Ia - Mainly wheelchair users with impairment of all 4 limbs, may be able to walk with an unsteady gait, however trunk and balance are severely impaired
Grade Ib - 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, or moderate trunk balance with sever impairment of all four limbs
Grade II - Mainly wheelchair users, or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk with good to mild limb function, those with severe arm impairment and slight leg impairment or severe unilateral impairment
Grade III- Usually able to walk without support. Obdurate unilateral impairment or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes. Blacked out glasses or blind fold worn by Profile 36 riders.
Grade IV- Impaired in one or two limbs or sloe visual impairment
Competitor’s subsequent para dressage tests in each grade are equivalent to the able-bodied tests of their peers. 
FEI Grades Ia and Ib=USDF Intro level tests
FEI Grades II=USDF Training Level
FEI Grades III= USDF 1st level tests
FEI Grades IV=USDF Third Level Tests

Para-equestrian Clinic Jenny Nell