Impairment and Eligibility

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 with an eligible, permanent medical condition that can be measured objectively by a Para Equestrian Classifier. 

Not all physical or visual impairments are eligible. Please refer to the eligibility section for further details.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification process- Physical impairment

Classification process - VIsual impairment

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Eligibility

It's important that you check your elgibility to become classified before sending in an application, read through the Classification Rules document, we have listed helpful pages below. 

British Equestrian National Para Equestrian Classification Rules

Physical impairment eligibility

• Page 46–47 – Athletes with eligible physical impairments types
• Page 48–49 – Grades & profiles for para dressage
• Page 50–51 – Grades & profiles for para driving

Visual impairment process/ grades

• Page 58 – athletes with vision impairment
• Sight classification- British Blind Sport

Non eligible impairments

• Page 60 – non-eligible impairment types

If you are still unsure whether your impairment will be eligilble for a classification, contact Felicity Towers, felicity.towers@bef.co.uk for advice. 

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Now you’ve checked your eligibility...

Think you’re eligible?

Head to the ‘Get classified’ page to get started on your application.

Won’t be eligible?

There are many options for you to continue progressing within your chosen discipline:

 

Riding for the Disabled Association work to support and develop riders, as well as providing opportunities for achievement. Visit the RDA website or contact their main office for more information.

 

 

 

British Dressage offer dispensation for athletes to use compensating aids in able-bodied competitions. There is an application process for this, please contact British Dressage Para Officer, Natasha Pearce, via email or phone 02477 087803 for more information. 

 

 

For advice on how to get involved or progress in Carriagedriving, please contact British Carriagedriving’s Para Liaison, Julie Camm, via email.

 

 

 

The Carriage Driving Sport Group for Drivers with Disabilities is a charity dedicated to supporting drivers with disabilities to reach their aims and goals ranging, from improving their every day driving to competing at the highest level of competition sports driving.