| Para dressage provides disabled riders the ability to | | | | it allows for an easier grip. Various disabilities may |
| compete in dressage against other disabled riders. | | | | require a rider to utilize different adaptations or aids to |
| Since the 1970s, the FEI Para Equestrian governing | | | | help them complete their test. |
| body has held international competitions for disabled | | | | The majority of the para dressage competitions are |
| riders. The first World Championship was held in 1987 | | | | "own horse" competitions in which the rider travels and |
| in Sweden. | | | | brings their own horse abroad. In the past, all |
| Riders are graded according to their disability with | | | | competitions were "borrowed horse" competitions and |
| Grade I riders being the most disabled. The tests for | | | | the riders were allocated a horse at the event. Today, |
| both Grade I and II riders involve only the walk and trot. | | | | a rider can borrow a horse at an "own horse" |
| Grades III and IV are allowed to canter and perform | | | | competition if they are unable to bring their horse, but |
| more difficult maneuvers. | | | | this makes the competition tougher on the rider as |
| Once a rider is classified internationally, they receive an | | | | they do not know the intricacies of their new mount. All |
| FEI Para Equestrian International Identity Card with a | | | | schooling is the responsibility of the rider, but the trainer |
| profile number, their Grade level as well as any aids | | | | is allowed to lunge the horse to release excess |
| the rider is allowed to use in competition. These aids | | | | energy. |
| may include: | | | | Riders are required to perform a test with specific |
| - The voice | | | | maneuvers being performed at specific points in the |
| - Whips | | | | arena, just like dressage for able-bodied riders. |
| - Rein and saddle adaptations | | | | However, due to some learning disabilities that cause a |
| - Bands to hold the feet in the stirrups | | | | poor short term memory, riders may have their tests |
| For example, some riders are allowed to use split reins | | | | called to them. If you are interested in watching these |
| or loop reins depending on how difficult it is for them to | | | | brave individuals perform at the highest level of |
| hold the reins with their hands and fingers, as well as | | | | equestrian sports, then you can see them at the 2010 |
| what type of tack the horse wears. Loop reins may | | | | Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Para dressage |
| help the rider to keep better contact with the horse as | | | | competition takes place October 5th-10th. |