International competition

Please be aware that those with FEI riders licences will need to have therapeutic use exemption forms before they compete whilst taking a prohibited substance. In order for riders to check the status of a substance, the Global Drug Reference Online website www.globaldro.com  should be referred to. We advise athletes to print a record of their searches.

In addition WADA have now published the 2012 list of prohibited substances

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 Para Dressage Director in 2003 to look after this growing area. Britain currently holds the World, European and Paralympic titles.

2012 International Selection Policies:

CPEDI 2012
London 2012

Riders and horses must be BD registered to compete at International level.

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 the BD Para Dressage Officer – amycullen@britishdressage.co.uk or 02476 698837

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.

Please note that the FEI Para Equestrian Grade IV 20x60 Individual Championship Dressage test was updated on the FEI website 28 February 2011. Please use this updated version from now on.