In para dressage, I focus on harmony between the athlete and the horse. That harmony matters, because the sport rewards precise riding and a calm, willing horse. First, riders complete a compulsory test with set movements and set lines. Afterwards, they ride an individual freestyle, where they choose their own line pattern, sequence, and music. In this way, they can highlight their strengths together with their horse.
Who competes in para dressage?
Athletes with different physical impairments take part in para dressage. For example, I see:
- wheelchair users,
- riders with visual impairment, and
- riders with functional limitations in the upper or lower limbs.
Therefore, athletes need a strong sense of body awareness. At the same time, riders can use compensatory aids to replace what hands, legs, or feet normally do. In this way, communication with the horse remains possible and fair. Riders with visual impairment can also receive outside support for orientation in the arena.
Athletes with intellectual disabilities do not compete in Paralympic para dressage. Instead, the sport focuses on physical and visual impairments within its classification system.
Grades and fair competition
Para dressage uses five start classes, called Grades 1 to 5. The grade depends on the severity and type of impairment. As a result, athletes with comparable limitations compete against each other. In addition, each grade has its own test requirements, so the difficulty matches the riders’ functional abilities.
Tests, arena size, and the competition structure
Riders perform the tests from memory. Depending on the grade, they ride in either a 20 × 40 meter arena or a 20 × 60 meter dressage arena.
A competition usually has two main parts:
- Compulsory test: First, the rider completes a set program with predefined movements and lines.
- Freestyle (Kur): Afterwards, the rider presents an individually designed freestyle with chosen lines and music. In this way, the pair can highlight strengths and create a clear rhythm and flow.
Besides individual competitions, para dressage also includes a team competition. A team consists of three or four athletes from different grades. The team result comes from adding the scores of the team test and the championship test.
A freestyle begins as soon as the riders enter the arena on their horses. At the beginning and at the end, athletes must salute in the center of the arena with a nod. During the individual freestyle, officials time the ride. Depending on the grade, it lasts between four and five minutes.
How judges score para dressage
Judges evaluate riders based on several criteria. For example, they look at the accuracy and quality of the riding, the horse’s behavior in the different gaits, and the artistic finesse. In addition, the panel scores each performed element on a scale from 0 (not executed) to 10 (excellent). After that, the system combines the points and shows the result as a percentage score. The rider with the highest percentage wins the competition.
Side facts
- Men and women compete together in the same respective grades.
- Para dressage has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1996.
Watch the FEI video: Para Dressage explained
While you watch, pay attention to these key ideas:
- Grades (I–V): Athletes compete in five grades based on mobility, strength, and coordination. The grade determines how complex the test is.
- What each grade rides: Lower grades focus on walk (and then walk/trot). Higher grades include walk, trot, and canter—plus more advanced movements in freestyle.
- How judging works: At major events, judges score movements (typically out of 10), add general impression marks (including harmony and accuracy), and calculate a percentage score.
- Adaptations you may see: Depending on the athlete’s needs, competitions may allow aids such as looped reins or callers.