Para-equestrian dressage

Grade IV riders – please note that there are two versions of the new FEI 2010 grade IV tests. Please contact the venue of the competition you are entering to check which tests they will be using.

Talent spotting applications are now open. Places are allocated on a first come first serve basis, entries close 5 February 2010. Contact the office now to reserve your place!

How to start competing

If you are able to ride off the lead rein, you can take part in Para-Equestrian dressage competitions. The first thing you will need to do is to be graded by a specialist classifying physiotherapist. There are 5 grades in Para Dressage, Grade Ia is for the most impaired and Grade IV is for the least. Being graded ensures you are competing against riders of similar disabilities. For further information and to request a booklet on how to get started please contact the BD Para Dressage Officer – amycullen@britishdressage.co.uk or 02476 698837

You can compete in the restricted classes of Para-Equestrian dressage competitions without being a British Dressage member. However you will need to be a member to enter qualifiers for the KBIS National Championships at Stoneleigh.

Both you and your horse will need to be registered to compete in National or International Competitions. This will also enable you to compete in able-bodied Dressage Competitions using any compensatory aids that have been approved by the classification board – providing you apply to the BD office for a certificate of dispensation. This certificate must be sent to the show organiser with all entries into able-bodied dressage and you must carry it on your person on the day of the competition.

In 2004 a Talent Spotting competition was started and this now takes place annually. For further information please see National Competition.

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 and regional development officer (RDO).

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.

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. or contact Jane Goldsmith (tel: 01926 642571).

 PDTT Training Bursary

The PDTT have launched a new training bursary for 2010! The bursary is designed to help riders who live in remote locations within the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to help make Para activities accessible to all! Please see the criteria below to see whether you qualify.

1) The rider has been identified as having potential by a Para Judge (a written reference is to be supplied by the rider on application).
2) The rider lives more than 150 miles each way and/or living on an island with no bridge from nearest competition.
3) Rider is not already on World Class Programme but Regional Foundation Squad riders are eligible.
4) The Bursary is of £500-£1000 to cover travel, training and accommodation costs.
5) The rider may apply for 2 such bursaries over a 2 year period – receipts are required. Application to be made in writing to the PDTT including the written reference.

All applications are to be made in writing to; Para Dressage Training Trust, 4 St Giles Close, Gaydon, Warkwickshire. CV35 0EW.
Please ensure you include your rider reference.