Para Equestrian competition structure

Grading - the gateway to para-equestrian competition.

To start competing in para equestrian competitions, you will need to be classified to determine which Grade you can compete in. In order to be classified, you must be medically diagnosed as having a permanent, physical impairment that can be measured objectively by a physiotherapist or medical doctor trained in the Para Equestrian Classification system.

• For riders, there are five Grades – Grade 1 is for athletes whose impairment has the greatest impact on their ability to ride, while Grade 5 for athletes whose impairment has the least impact on their ability to ride.
• For carriage drivers, there are two Grades – Grade 1 is for the most impaired drivers and Grade 2 for those least impacted by their impairment.
• Athletes with a vision impairment need to contact British Blind Sport and go through their classification process. Your classification certificate is sent to the British Equestrian Classification Coordinator, and converted into a para equestrian grade.

Here is a link to the key information from the FEI, about international para-equestrian grading. 

Please note that due to the coronavirus outbreak, all Para Classification Evaluations have been suspended until further notice. We will update this website with further information about revised dates and locations when it is available.

Enjoy support in competition

Find out more about Para Equestrian competitions and disciplines

Dressage and Show Jumping Para equestrian classes tend to mirror the able bodied structure and are split into three sections – Bronze, Silver and Gold. Points from affiliated para classes all year round qualify for championships.

Dressage

In British Dressage, as a para equestrian rider you can not only compete in para equestrian specific competitions which is graded based on level of impairment, but also able bodied competitions too. More information

Show Jumping 

British Show Jumping grading guidance and competitions here

Endurance

Endurance GB - Riders with a disability can apply for registration with Endurance GB as a Para-Equestrian Endurance rider which will allow them additional support on rides. More information

Driving 

British Carriage Driving is working to support more drivers with disabilities. Use this link for more information.