Para-equestrian dressage

You are eligible to compete in Britain’s most successful equestrian sport, para-equestrian dressage, if you have a disability. Britain currently holds the European, World and Paralympic titles and these results have been achieved from a membership base of only 80 riders.

How to start competing

If you are able to ride off the lead rein, you can take part in para-equestrian dressage competitions. You will need to be graded. Grade I is for the most impaired riders and grade IV is for the least. Please contact Dr Chris Meaden, who will refer you to a specialist physio near you.

You can compete in the restricted sections of para-equestrian dressage competitions without being a British Dressage (BD) member as well as in the qualifiers for the KBIS Disabled Dressage Rider National Championships.

However, to compete at the National Dressage Championships or international competitions, you will need to be a member. This also allows you to take part in able-bodied competitions as long as you use allowed auxiliary aids, which can include special tack or aids such as your voice, and have a dispensation certificate to confirm your compensating aids. Application forms for a dispensation certificate are available from the office. You will need to send a copy of your dispensation certificate to the show organiser with your entry form.

We started a talent spotting competition in 2004, which takes place annually in February. For more information see National competition or contact Sarah Murphy at BD (tel: 024 76 698837).

Advice and training

We have regional para representatives in every part of Britain, so that you can contact someone local for advice. Click here to find your regional para rep.

We are also in the process of arranging regional training for para-equestrian dressage riders alongside our mainstream regional training. This is already available in some areas and costs between £5-20 per session.

If you would like any more information, please contact Jane Goldsmith (tel: 01926 642571).

For information about the Para Dressage Training Trust, which is involved with regional training and owns horses which are loaned to up-and-coming riders, visit www.pdtt.org.