How are para dressage riders classified?
A · Advanced · Grades and aids · 1 of 2Two FEI classifiers evaluate every rider before competing, setting a Grade and status on the FEI Master List. The impairment must be permanent, verifiable and meet the minimum criteria, such as a loss of over 15% in a limb. A rider moved to a new Grade at an event may ride a lower old Grade, losing 10 percentage points a test.
How it works
- Evaluation: two FEI classifiers.
- Status: OA, R, FRD or C.
- Master List: Grades, status and aids.
- Minimum criteria: loss of more than 15% in a limb.
- Borderline: higher Grade with Review status.
- New Grade: from when it is on the Master List.
- Riding a lower Grade: minus 10 percentage points.
- Championships: must ride the new Grade.
The glossary has the athlete evaluation (para dressage), the minimum impairment criteria (para equestrian), the not eligible (para equestrian), the competing in a different Grade, the classifiers (para equestrian) and the functional profile.
Tricky cases
A rider moves from Grade II to III at an event. Can they ride Grade II?
Yes, with 10 points off each test.
Do aids count when testing a physical impairment?
No. For vision, they do.
When are new riders evaluated?
Before the draw.
Must a panel stay all event?
Until every classified rider has made a first appearance.
Why the rule exists
Two classifiers reduce error. The penalty stops riders choosing an easier Grade after being moved.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CPEDI | Choice of Grade, with penalty | 8429.3 |
| Championships and Games | New Grade only | 8429.3 |
| Borderline | Higher Grade, Review | Cls 9.3 |
From the rule book
FEI, Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition (1 January 2026), articles 8429 and 8440, with FEI, Para Equestrian Classification Rules (updates effective 1 January 2026), articles 8 and 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: FEI Para Dressage Rules, 4th edition.