Athletes with visual impairment, cerebral palsy, amputation or other physical impairments can compete in Equestrian Sports. The Equestrian Committee of the International Paralympic Committee and the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) rules govern the sport.

The Event

The men and women riders perform two programmes: a predetermined test (Individual Championship) and a freestyle to music test.
There is also a Team Test that, with the Individual Championship, determines the result of the all-important Team Competition (see below).
In the Individual Championship Test, athletes perform a series of compulsory movements with transitions between them (walk, trot and, for some riders, canter). The object of riding dressage is to improve balance, control, mobility, general fitness, memory and freedom. The objective for the dressage horse is to develop physique and ability harmoniously, making the horse calm, supple, loose and flexible, but also confident, attentive and keen, thus obtaining perfect understanding with the rider. It is the aim of the rider to fulfil both of these objectives, so that the horse gives the impression of doing of his own accord what is required of him, submitting generously to the control of the rider.

The Freestyle to Music test is a competition of artistic equitation. There are some compulsory movements, but the tests are free in the form and manner of the presentation that the rider chooses within a fixed time. The test should clearly show the unity between rider and horse as well as rhythm and harmony in all the movements and transitions. This competition may be compared to the freestyle ice skating competition.

The I.P.E.C. accredited International judges assess the coordination, harmony and accuracy of the movements, as well as the willingness, obedience and trust of the horse towards the rider. The final scores, which range from 0 to 10 for each movement, are added up and shown as a percentage of all the five judges’ marks.  

Each athlete is classified according to his or her impairment, or disability, and judged according to their skill, or ability.    

The Teams participating in the Team Competition consist of three or four riders from the same country. At least one of the athletes must be a Grade I or II athlete. The team’s final score is based on the sum from the best three performances: if a team consists of four riders, the worst total score is excluded from the final score.

Rider’s clothing

The rider’s basic items of clothing include: a riding hat, breeches, riding boots or stout riding shoes with heels and a jacket. Both men and women riders wear a shirt, a stock (hunting tie), and gloves – if possible. Spurs are optional.

Horse Equipment

Saddle:  The saddle was designed to help the rider maintain his balance while sitting on the horse. Saddle types differ for different Equestrian activities. There is an inner saddletree, which is made of steel, glass fibre or wood. In most cases, the external part of the saddle is made of leather.   

The saddle has a girth, which holds the saddle firmly in place and is similar to a belt.

There are stirrups for the feet to go in. Riders may choose to ride without stirrups.
  
Some saddles may be modified to help compensate for the impairment of the rider.   These modifications have to be approved by the IPC Equestrian Sport Commitee.

Bridle and Bit: They provide a means of contact and communication between horse and rider. Grade I & II athletes use an ordinary single bit (snaffle), while Grade III and IV athletes may use a snaffle or a double bridle.

The riders are assessed according to their impairment and functional profile and they classified into one of the four distinct grades - Grade I, Grade II, Grade III and Grade IV.

Grade I

Mainly wheelchair users with poor trunk balance and or impairment of function in all four limbs, or no trunk balance and good upper limb function, or moderate trunk balance with severe impairment of all four limbs.

Grade II

Mainly wheelchair users, or those with severe locomotor impairment involving the trunk and with good to mild upper limb function, or severe unilateral impairment.

Grade III

Usually able to walk without support. Moderate unilateral impairment, or moderate impairment in four limbs, severe arm impairment. May need a wheelchair for longer distances or due to lack of stamina. Total loss of sight in both eyes, or intellectually impaired. Blacked out glasses or blindfold must be worn by Profile 36 riders.

Grade IV

Impairment in one or two limps, or some visual impairment

The classification takes also account of a weighting system for the bode areas most important for riding.