Para equestrian words · Beginner

Dressage for riders with a physical or visual impairment, who are classified into one of five Grades. Each Grade rides its own tests, with agreed compensating aids, and men and women compete together: separate competitions for men and women are not allowed.

The FEI's term for equestrian sport for athletes with an impairment. The classification rules cover para dressage and para driving; this glossary covers para dressage.

Athletes in Grades I to III ride in an arena 20 m by 40 m, and those in Grades IV and V in one 20 m by 60 m. The arena has a low white fence about 30 cm high, a sand surface, an entrance at A of at least 2 m, and the enclosure must be at least 10 m from the public (about 2 m indoors). Practice arenas of 20 m by 60 m that can be marked down to 20 m by 40 m are required.

Grade I: severe impairments of all limbs and trunk, usually using a wheelchair. Grade II: severe trunk impairment with minimal upper limb impairment, or moderate impairment of trunk, upper and lower limbs. Grade III: severe impairment of both lower limbs with minimal or no trunk impairment, or moderate impairment of the upper and lower limbs and trunk. Grade IV: severe impairment or deficiency of both upper limbs, moderate impairment of all four limbs or short stature, able to walk, and visual impairment equivalent to B1. Grade V: mild impairment of movement or strength, deficiency of one limb or mild deficiency of two, and visual impairment equivalent to B2 with higher acuity or a visual field under 5 degrees radius.

Aids other than approved saddlery. Standard aids may be used by any athlete and are not listed on the Master List. Profile-specific aids may be used by nominated profiles and must be on the Master List after classification. Non-standard aids, which a single athlete needs, must be approved by the FEI Compensating Aids Panel before the event, with a written request at least two weeks before the horse inspection. The athlete is responsible for using only the correct ones.