International competition & teams

Dressage competitions for riders with disabilities started in Scandinavia and Britain in the 1970s. The first dressage world championship was held in Sweden in 1987 and para-equestrian dressage riders first took part in the Paralympic Games in 1996.

From 2006, para-equestrian dressage became part of the FEI (Fédération Equestre Internationale), making it an officially recognised international equestrian sport.

British Dressage (BD) created the position of paralympic director in 2003 to look after this growing area. Britain currently holds the World, European and Paralympic titles.

International classification

All riders competing in international para-equestrian dressage competitions need an FEI International Para-Equestrian Classification Card (IPEC ID Card). It involves seeing a specially-trained physio or doctor, who will ensure you are in a grade which provides fair competition. If you need to be internationally classified, please contact Sarah Murphy.

2008 Hartpury CPEDI***

The 2008 Hartpury CPEDI*** will take place on 16-18 July. Any rider who has achieved 60% and above in an open qualifier in either the para spring or winter championship qualifiers is eligible to be considered for selection. Riders must advise Sarah Murphy in writing if they wish to be considered. The minimum age for riders is 14.

Millfield Young Rider and Junior  International 

Millfield School in Somerset hosted Britain’s first junior para-equestrian dressage international in July 2005, the brainchild of the BD Paralympic Director at the time, Jane Goldsmith. You can take part as a junior if you are aged 10-18 and in young riders if you are 18-21. The dates for 2008 are 4-6 July. For further information contact Mandy Heath.

To qualify, you need to be able to score more than 60% and take part in the Winter Para-Equestrian Dressage Trial series, para-equestrian dressage selection trials and/or junior para-equestrian dressage competitions at South Bucks RDA, Fulmer. The selectors will consider riders competing in affiliated and unaffiliated classes.

Please let Jane Goldsmith know you would like to be considered for this competition by writing to her c/o British Dressage, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2RJ.

Do you have Paralympic ambitions?

Would you like help to make it to the top? The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) runs three Lottery-funded programmes as part of its World Class Performance Plan (WCPP) to help Britain win medals.

You will need to take part in the selection process and, if successful, will receive funding for training and travel. For more information, please visit the BEF website.

You will also find info about the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) on the BEF website.

Click here to read the 2008 para selection policy document.