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.

Click here to read the 2009 para-equestrian selection policy document. If you wish to considered for international competitions and do not receive World Class funding, click here to read the 2009 guidance notes

Please contact the BD paralympic officer (tel: 024 76 698837).if you would like to be considered for Vallensbaek CPDIE4*, Denmark, 29-31 May 2009. This is a self-funded trip. Please note that horses and riders must b  registered with the FEI and horses must conform to the vaccination requirements stipulated in the FEI veterinary regulations.

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 BD's paralympic officer (tel: 024 76 698837).

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. For further information contact Mandy Heath. For the 2008 results, click here. 

To qualify, you need to be able to score more than 60% and take part in the PE winter qualifiers, 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 Programme (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.

Hartpury CPEDI

If any self funded riders would like to attend, please could they contact the British Dressage office on sarahmurphy@britishdressage.co.uk with their expression of interest, including their grade and the name of their horse
and any significant results in the past year. Riders will then hear if they have been successful before the end of June.