EQUESTRIAN

Overview
Although used for many years for rehabilitation and recreation, equestrian as a sport was included in the program of the Paralympic Games for the first time in Atlanta in 1996. Equestrian is a multi-disability sport, open to athletes with a physical disability or a visual impairment.

Events are mixed and grouped according to their functional profiles. Riders compete in two Dressage events; a Championship Test of set movements and a Freestyle Test to music. There is also a Team Test for three to four riders per team. Competitors are judged on their display of horsemanship skills as they ride their horse using a series of commands for walk, trot and canter.

Riders may use permitted assistive devices such as dressage crops, a connecting rein bar, rubber bands or other aids. Since 2006, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) is the governing body for equestrian.

Events

Classification

Last Updated | Tuesday, 15 May 2012